Level Nine has completed 4 million seed

The Berlin-based start-up Level Nine has closed a seed financing round of 4 million euros. The round is led by Visionaries Tomorrow. Other investors include Zero Carbon Capital, Rockstart, IBB Ventures and the angel alliance better ventures.

The startup is developing an AI-supported platform for the development of industrial catalysts. The aim is to convert locally available bio-based raw materials into chemical building blocks and thus replace fossil raw materials in the long term.

Chemical industry under structural pressure

With an annual market volume of around one trillion euros, the European chemical industry is one of the most important industrial sectors on the continent. At the same time, the industry is under increasing pressure from volatile raw material prices, high energy costs and new production capacities in China and the Middle East.

Biomass has been seen as a possible alternative to fossil fuels for years. In industrial practice, however, this option has so far only gained limited acceptance. Traditional industrial catalysts are often not selective enough for complex bio-based molecules. Although natural enzymes provide more precise reactions, they are considered too sensitive and cost-intensive for large-scale industrial use.

New class of industrial catalysts

Level Nine is developing a new class of industrial catalysts that are based on the precision of biological enzymes but are also designed for industrial conditions. The catalysts are designed to work stably even at high temperatures, high pressure and in industrial solvents.

The result is a more efficient conversion of complex bio-based raw materials into chemical intermediates. According to the company, these processes can take place under milder conditions and with lower energy consumption.

The core of the technology is a platform based on machine learning, which is intended to accelerate the development of new catalysts and enable faster industrial testing.

Initial focus on the polyurethane market

Level Nine has selected the global polyurethane industry as its first target market. This market is estimated to be worth more than 100 billion euros per year and plays a key role in sectors such as automotive engineering, the construction industry, insulation, furniture production and consumer goods.

The start-up has developed a bio-based aromatic polyol that is designed to match the performance of fossil alternatives. According to the company, the material also has flame-retardant properties and can be used without additional halogenated additives.

Another advantage lies in its integration into existing production facilities. According to Level Nine, the product can be incorporated directly into existing polyurethane production processes.

Cooperation with industry partners

The company is already working with several manufacturers and raw material suppliers from the polyurethane industry. At the same time, Level Nine is preparing to build its first production plant with a capacity in the kiloton range.

The fresh capital will be used in particular to drive forward the industrial expansion of the catalyst platform. In addition, the start-up is planning to develop further product lines beyond the polyurethane market.

Founding team with experience in catalysis and scaling

Level Nine was founded by Seadna Quigley and Emily Sheridan. Quigley brings experience from the circular economy and business scaling. Sheridan specializes in enzyme-inspired materials and reaction engineering. The team currently comprises 14 employees at the Berlin site.

With the current financing, the company aims to industrialize its technology and make the use of bio-based raw materials in the chemical industry more economically attractive.