Qorium, the Dutch biotechnology company focused on developing cultivated leather, announced that it has raised €22 million in new funding from Invest-NL and LIOF, along with continued support from existing investors Brightlands Venture Partners and Sofinnova Partners. Several private investors also participated in the financing, and the investment from Invest-NL was made through the European Commission’s InvestEU guarantee scheme.
The company produces genuine leather using a small sample of animal cells rather than livestock farming. This approach reduces production waste, enables consistent product quality, and significantly lowers environmental impact compared to traditional animal-derived leather. As demand for sustainable and high-quality leather alternatives continues to rise, cultivated leather is expected to become a rapidly expanding market category.
The new investment follows €8 million in earlier seed funding and represents another key step in Qorium’s transition from research and development to commercial production on a larger scale. The company is currently producing cultivated leather at its facilities in Maastricht, installing new bioreactor systems, and working with commercial partners to prepare for broader market entry. With this Series A round, Qorium is positioned to increase output and advance towards industrial-scale manufacturing.
The latest funding reinforces Qorium’s position among biotechnology companies aiming to shift global material supply chains toward more sustainable and resource-efficient models. The company also plans to appoint a new director to its board in the coming weeks.
KEY QUOTES:
“This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in our mission to transform the leather industry. By combining cutting-edge science with deep leather expertise and sustainable practices, we are creating real leather that offers better performance than traditional animal-derived leather, without the environmental and ethical costs. With Invest-NL, LIOF, and others now on board, we can take the next steps towards reinventing real leather and bring it to market at scale.”
Michael Newton, Chief Executive Officer, Qorium
“At Invest-NL, we invest in technologies that drive systemic change. Qorium’s leather is a breakthrough innovation that can transform one of the world’s most polluting industries. By producing real leather without livestock, Qorium shows how biotechnology can build a more sustainable materials system. We are proud to support this Dutch frontrunner in scaling their impact.”
Lisette Kersting-van der Boog, Invest-NL
“We’ve been on this journey with Qorium from the start, backing both the science of Dr. Mark Post and the deep leather experience of Rutger Ploem. This investment reflects Qorium’s impressive progress to date and our strong belief in the economic and sustainability potential of its leather. We are confident that this momentum will only continue.”
Guillaume Baxter, Partner, Sofinnova Partners
