Belgian biotech startup AmphiStar has secured €6 million from the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), Qbic III, and the Flanders Future Tech Fund (FFTF). The capital will allow AmphiStar to accelerate the industrialization of its biosurfactant range and further expand the team.
- Numerous common products like toothpastes, shampoos, cosmetics, inks, paints, and more require surfactants. Each year, over 20 million tons of surfactants are produced, primarily derived from unsustainable sources like fossil fuels or palm oil. Ghent-based AmphiStar is transforming the industry by offering microbial biosurfactants — crafted from locally available waste streams, such as food waste from supermarkets — to enterprises.
- AmphiStar was founded in 2021 by Sophie Roelants and Bernd Everaert as a spin-off company from Ghent University and the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant.
- The funding was backed by ECBF, a venture capital firm that invests in startups focusing on circular bioeconomy. It offers a range of financing options, including mezzanine and equity capital, inter-university venture capital fund Qbic III, and early-stage Flanders Future Tech Fund, managed by Flemish investment company PMV.
“This round financing will enable to further develop the promising sustainable technology of AmphiStar, originating in Flemish universities and research organisations, towards broad market adoption. It hits the sweet spot of the investment focus of Flanders Future Tech Fund,” Business manager at FFTF, Vincent Hebbelynck, stated.
- With the €6 million in funding, AmphiStar will further develop its technology and expand its team. In 2025, AmphiStar aims to raise more capital for the construction of the production facility.
