Creo, an ingredient company with a platform for producing rare cannabinoids, such as CBG, announces its official launch today. Creo, who is partnered with biotech industry-leader Genomatica, has been developing fermentation-based cannabinoid production technologies since 2016. Creo was co-founded by science entrepreneur and CEO, Roy Lipski, and leading professor of bioengineering, Dr. Ramon Gonzalez.
Creo has the technology to deliver a reliable, high-quality and consistent supply of rare and novel cannabinoid ingredients at commercial scale. With its launch, Creo's customers will gain access to new ingredients that support their development of innovative products for people everywhere. Samples are now available.
"As early as 2015, we recognized the untapped potential of biotechnology to make cannabinoids better," said Lipski. "Now working alongside our technology partner Genomatica, we've built a strong IP position, developed our core technology, and are ready to move to commercial scale."
Creo's brand is built on three core pillars: sustainable innovation, access to abundance and being a trusted partner to customers. Creo's promise of greater sustainability is why it makes its cannabinoid ingredients using one of the world's oldest natural processes – fermentation. Fermentation requires less water, energy and land than the plant-based approaches typically used to extract cannabinoid ingredients.
"We are fully committed to Creo in the field of cannabinoids and have strong confidence in their team and the market opportunity," said Christophe Schilling, Co-founder & CEO, Genomatica. "We believe in positive disruptors and are proud to stand by Creo at its launch, and to bring the power of our proven technology innovation engine."
Creo is backed by both institutional and private capital, with Genomatica being one of the largest shareholders in the business. To date, Creo has received close to $50M in equity investment. Creo has built a strong portfolio of patent applications related to its technology and process, and has high confidence in its freedom-to-operate.
Creo's first product, CBG, is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" or "skin cannabinoid," and is the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are made. Because CBG is mostly converted into other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, very little of it remains intact in the plant (typically <0.5% by weight). Due to its scarcity, up until now, customers have struggled to access the benefits of this important non-intoxicating cannabinoid.
"As the cannabinoid industry continues to grow, Creo is entering the marketplace as a true innovator, with a focus on our customers and their needs," said Shuchi Sarkar, CMO, Creo. "Creo will be known for its reliability, with our products independently tested by Eurofins, one of the most respected third-party labs."
