Participated · Series A · Jul 2026

CullBeck has developed a hydrogen-based ironmaking process that uses hydrogen as a chemical reductant to significantly reduce production time. The technology is aimed at the steel industry as a lower-carbon alternative to traditional ironmaking methods. The company is characterized as deep-tech and is led by CEO and co-founder Martin Hacon. CullBeck is based in New Zealand. Financially, the company recently completed a $20M Series A round. No operational metrics, revenue figures, or detailed use-of-funds were disclosed in the coverage.

Participated · Seed · Apr 2026

Atomic Tessellator uses a simulation-first platform to compress materials discovery timelines from 3–4 years in a lab to weeks and to reduce lab costs to less than 1% of traditional methods. The company reports arriving at synthesis with high-confidence candidates rather than untested hypotheses and has announced the lab synthesis of Vireon, a rare earth–free magnet that outperforms existing rare-earth alternatives on key metrics. Behind Vireon, Atomic Tessellator says it has a pipeline of around 20 novel material candidates, with a significant number already entering lab synthesis. Founder and CEO Alain Richardt is cited by investors for combining scientific rigour with commercial clarity. The recent $11.3 million seed round led by Crane Venture Partners and participation from IQT, Salus Ventures and others will support further synthesis and commercialisation efforts. No revenue or user metrics were disclosed in the announcement.

Participated · Seed · Jun 2024

Vertus Energy is an industrial biotechnology company based in Vienna, Austria, focused on the Waste-to-X sector. Its flagship product, BRIO, is a modular hardware retrofit that controls bacterial behaviour within anaerobic digestion plants to generate more energy and improve biomethane economics. The company intends to deploy BRIO across a range of commercial applications, from full-scale wastewater treatment plants to large-scale biogas plants. Vertus says the technology will help make biomethane more economically viable and accessible, contributing to EU renewable energy targets. The team includes co‑founders CTO Dr. Danilo Perez, Chief Engineer Freddy Gonzalez, COO Benjamin Howard, and CCO Santiago de los Reyes. The company plans to use the newly raised funds to accelerate BRIO adoption in commercial units across these applications.

Led · Seed · Aug 2023

OpenStar Technologies is pursuing commercial-scale fusion energy by using a levitated dipole approach that mimics planetary magnetospheres to confine ultra-hot plasma. Its first prototype device, "Junior," achieved the critical First Plasma milestone within two years, demonstrating rapid progress relative to traditional, multi-billion-dollar fusion projects. The firm plans to build a next-generation machine called "Tahi" that will be housed in a new, purpose-built research facility. Management believes this method offers a faster, cheaper path to producing net-positive fusion energy, potentially positioning New Zealand at the forefront of the global fusion race. The recent $35 million capital commitment will fund construction of the facility and expand national fusion research infrastructure. While revenue has not yet been disclosed, the company is focused on R&D milestones that underpin long-term commercial viability. CEO Ratu Mataira emphasizes that the project could anchor a broader domestic clean-energy ecosystem and create highly skilled jobs.

Led · Seed · Mar 2023

Daisy Lab develops dairy-identical proteins via precision fermentation, focusing on microbial whey protein and ongoing research into caseins. The company says its technology can produce high-quality, cow-free dairy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use. It plans to scale up production of its microbial whey protein using proceeds from the recent seed round. Daisy Lab positions itself alongside category players such as Perfect Day and Remilk. The founding team is all-female and includes co-founders Irina Miller (CEO), Emily McIsaac (Operations Manager), and Dr. Nikki Freed (Chief Science Officer). The company recently appointed Leon Clement, an industry veteran, as board chair to provide strategic guidance. The team emphasizes collaboration with the food industry to accelerate commercialization and transformation of the food system.