Epoch: Transforming Plastics Recycling with £14M Boost
Deal News | Mar 07, 2025 | Business Cloud
Epoch BioDesign, a London-based company, has raised £14.2 million in a Series A funding round aimed at enhancing recycled plastics to stand as a superior alternative to existing materials. This capital will be allocated to the development of an industrial-scale plant and the refinement of their proprietary plastic-degrading supercharged enzymes. These enzymes mimic the natural decomposition process, transforming waste into valuable chemicals at room temperature. Spearheaded by Extantia Capital and also receiving support from the UK government and notable investors like Inditex, Lowercarbon Capital, and others, this investment round underscores Epoch's potential to rewrite the narrative on plastics recycling. CEO Jacob Nathan emphasized the vision for a circular economy, where plastics are treated not as waste but as a renewable resource. The initiative signifies a transformative step in the plastic industry's value chain, prioritizing sustainability.
Sectors
- Environmental Technology
- Chemical Industry
- Investment Management
Geography
- United Kingdom – Epoch BioDesign is based in London and received a grant from the UK government.
- Ireland – The article references a separate investment initiative originating from an Irish firm, showing the interconnectedness of UK and Irish investments.
Industry
- Environmental Technology – Epoch BioDesign operates within the environmental technology sector through its innovative approach to plastic recycling using enzymes.
- Chemical Industry – The development and transformation of plastic waste into valuable chemical products situate Epoch BioDesign in the chemical industry.
- Investment Management – The involvement of multiple investment firms in the Series A funding round places this article at the intersection of technology and investment management.
Financials
- £14.2 million – Total amount raised in Series A funding for Epoch BioDesign.
- £780,000 – Grant provided by the UK government as part of the funding.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoch BioDesign | Company | Target Company | A London-based company pioneering the development of enzymes to recycle plastics efficiently. |
| Extantia Capital | Lead Investor | Private Equity | Investment firm that led the £14.2 million Series A funding round. |
| Jacob Nathan | CEO | Person | Founder and CEO of Epoch BioDesign, leading the company's vision towards sustainable plastic recycling. |
| UK Government | Grant Provider | Government | The UK government contributed a £780,000 grant to support Epoch BioDesign's initiatives. |
| Inditex | Investor | Company | Participating investor in the Series A funding round. |
| Lowercarbon Capital | Investor | Company | Participating investor in the Series A funding round. |
| Happiness Capital | Investor | Company | Participating investor in the Series A funding round. |
| Kibo Invest | Investor | Company | Participating investor in the Series A funding round. |
| Day One Ventures | Investor | Company | Participating investor in the Series A funding round. |