DIC Corporation has joined the biotechnology startup Debut Biotechnology, Inc.. by investing in it. This investment is due to the participation in the Series B round of the lead investor, BOLD, a venture capital fund of the L'Oréal Group. This investment will deepen and expand the strategic collaborative relationship between DIC and Debut, and accelerate the creation of new businesses in the healthcare and color science fields, which are the priority areas of the long-term management plan "DIC Vision 2030."

 

Debut has outstanding enzyme search and design technology and a bio-manufacturing platform (precision fermentation, cell-free synthesis) using those enzymes. This technology enables the selective, stable, and sustainable production of many rare, naturally-derived organic compounds.

 

From July 2021, our company and Debut will jointly develop natural pigments and polyphenols for cosmetics and nutrition from March 2023. Through these joint developments, the two companies have confirmed that many of their philosophies, such as sustainability and contribution to health, are aligned in terms of technology and business. This investment was made in order to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two companies and accelerate the market entry of bio-derived products using this platform.

 

In order to contribute to the "Quality of Life (QOL)" society set forth in our long-term management plan "DIC Vision 2030," we will strengthen our bio-business in the fields of healthcare and color science to provide products that are safe for our customers. We will provide high-value products and promote the creation of strategic new businesses.