Solvay Ventures, the venture capital fund of Solvay, has participated in a financing round for Plyable, an online marketplace for composite tooling based in Oxford, United Kingdom.

The global automotive, aerospace and defense sectors are increasingly turning to composite materials to improve performance and fuel efficiency, and therefore lower CO2 emissions, through lightweighting.

Uniquely positioned on the market, Plyable has developed proprietary software that uses the latest AI and machine learning technology to enable instant quotes on cost and delivery times, while leveraging a large and highly vetted network of manufacturers worldwide to produce the molds.

“Plyable’s unique digital solution allows customers of all sizes to accelerate the pace of developing composite parts while also lowering the overall cost. Applying digital solutions, Plyable is helping to increase the efficiency of the supply chain and supporting overall growth in the composites industry,” said Coppelia Marincovic, Partner at Solvay Ventures.

The $3.2 million round is led by Maven Capital Partners, with participation from Forward Partners and Solvay Ventures. The funds will be used to further develop the software solution, while expanding Plyable’s business footprint in Europe and North America.

“We are delighted to add Solvay as one of our key investors as we move into this new phase for our business. Strengthening the ties between the different parts of the composites manufacturing value chain is key to the success of the company,” said Martin Oughton, CEO of Plyable.

The investment in Plyable, which will improve customers’ processes using digital tools, is a clear example of how Solvay Ventures acts to advance Solvay’s Purpose, in this case bonding with an innovative startup that is helping to reinvent the composites industry and contribute to creating a more sustainable future.