Aropha, a leading lab focused on enhancing biodegradable material discovery and testing through lab automation and AI predictive modeling, announced that it has raised $1 million in a Series Seed funding round. Comeback Capital led the round, which also included Lightbank and Right Side Capital Management (RSCM).
Aropha works directly with customers to provide rapid biodegradation testing and implement AI screening into product development processes. This funding round will expand Aropha’s current laboratory operations, increase industry awareness, and fund the development of its biodegradation prediction model, ArophaAI.
With 145,000+ tons of microplastics used in the EU each year and new legislation requiring 100% of single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032 in California, the demand for cost-effective and efficient biodegradation testing is rapidly increasing. And Aropha is well-positioned to significantly impact the testing industry, as even one of the most common, short biodegradation studies may cost over $10,000 according to the EPA with some complex and lab-based simulation tests reaching over $300,000.
So far, Aropha has helped over 80 customers with their biodegradation testing through both in-lab and in-silico testing. And year-over-year booked revenue at the end of the fourth quarter saw 190% growth. The company also recently published a free version of its predictive model ArophaAI-2.
Aropha plans to continue expanding its current testing facility, invest heavily in predictive model development, and strengthen relationships with long-term partners and appropriate accreditation bodies.
KEY QUOTES:
“The timing could not be better for the innovation. What we are seeing is the convergence of adequate predictive testing becoming technologically feasible for the first time and the environmental importance of biodegradation being recognized through increasing legislation.”
– Travis Johnston, Co-Founder, COO, and CRO, Aropha
“This fundraising positions Aropha to be the market leader in the biodegradability testing category. It will enhance our ability to act as a specialty lab for biodegradation that provides rapid, cost-effective physical testing, as well as enable us to develop the first commercially viable biodegradation prediction model that can be widely used across multiple industries and applications.”
– Kuan Huang, Co-founder, CEO, and CTO, Aropha
“Through the integration of artificial intelligence for material screening and the automation of laboratory processes, Aropha stands on the brink of markedly expediting the creation of environmentally benign materials. We are thrilled to support their mission and believe they have the potential to make a lasting impact on the industry.”
– Scott Shane, Managing Partner, Comeback Capital
“Aropha’s unique approach to environmental testing has the potential to significantly impact how companies develop eco-friendly products. Their focus on biodegradability testing and future expansion into additional environmentally properties, combined with a market moving towards stricter environmental standards, positions them well as a valuable partner for companies in need of better environmental testing.”
– Eric Ong, Partner, Lightbank VC
