Manus Bio Inc. (Manus Bio), a leader in the production of complex natural products through advanced fermentation, has raised $75M in Series B financing to expand its advanced fermentation platform for manufacturing natural ingredients. This round was led by a new strategic partner, BBGI Public Company Limited (BBGI) as well as co-led by existing investor, NXT Ventures. BBGI is a leading manufacturer and distributor of bio-based products based in Bangkok, Thailand. Other participants in the round include both new and existing investors.

 

Chemical manufacturing is undergoing a period of transition, from an era focused on petrochemical derived chemical synthesis and plant extraction to one which leverages the power of biotechnology. Manus Bio was founded in 2011 with the mission of developing an economical and sustainable biomanufacturing platform for accessing rare and complex natural ingredients. This round of financing will be used to expand Manus Bio’s manufacturing capabilities in Augusta, GA and to bring a number of new products in Manus Bio’s R&D pipeline to commercialization.

 

“We believe that Manus Bio has unique capabilities to bring product innovation to the marketplace through their efficient and sustainable fermentation technology. With this additional funding, they are well-positioned to establish a world-class biomanufacturing platform at scale for a number of important ingredients,” said Kittiphong Limsuwannarot, CEO of BBGI.

 

Dr. Ajikumar Parayil, CEO of Manus Bio commented, “Over the next two decades, we expect biotechnology to expand markets, reduce costs, and replace traditional feedstocks with renewable alternatives. Manus Bio is ready to play a leading role in this transformation to make nature more accessible and affordable to the world while preserving precious natural resources.”

 

Earlier this year, Manus Bio successfully launched an important flavor ingredient for use in food and beverages. Manus Bio is also commercializing NutraSweet Natural, a great-tasting natural, zero calorie sweetener, which will help reduce sugar consumption and curb the growing rates of obesity and diabetes.