What is Pili?
Founded in 2015, Pili operates at the intersection of biotechnology and material science. The company addresses the environmental challenges posed by traditional dye production, which remains one of the most polluting sectors in global manufacturing. By utilizing proprietary fermentation techniques, Pili generates high-performance color ranges suitable for textiles, inks, polymers, and coatings. This innovative approach allows the firm to replace petroleum-based pigments with bio-based solutions, effectively reducing the carbon footprint of its industrial partners. As the company matures, its focus remains on scaling these processes to meet the rigorous demands of large-scale enterprise applications while maintaining the performance standards required by the fashion and chemical industries.
How much funding has Pili raised?
Pili has raised a total of $24.5M across 3 funding rounds:
Unspecified
$4M
Unspecified
$4.7M
Series A
$15.8M
Unspecified (2019): $4M with participation from BPI France, PSL Innovation Fund, SOSV, and the French State
Unspecified (2021): $4.7M led by SOSV LLC and Elaia Partners
Series A (2023): $15.8M supported by Startup Angels Alb Bodensee, Famille C Venture, SOSV, Bpifrance, and Elaia Partners
Key Investors in Pili
SOSV
SOSV is a multi-stage venture capital investor that provides intellectual and financial capital to accelerate founders big ideas.
Bpifrance
Founded in 2012, based out of France, Bpifrance finances companies - at each stage of their development - with credit, guarantees and equity.
Elaia Partners
Elaia is a full stack investor focused on supporting ambitious entrepreneurs from inception to leadership, specializing in backing tech disruptors.
What's next for Pili?
With the recent infusion of capital, Pili is well-positioned to transition from pilot-scale production to full-scale industrial deployment. The company's strategic roadmap involves expanding its manufacturing capacity and deepening its penetration into key markets such as textiles and high-performance polymers. As the regulatory environment tightens around chemical waste and environmental impact, Pili's technology offers a compelling value proposition for global brands seeking to meet sustainability targets. Future growth will likely focus on optimizing supply chain integration and establishing long-term partnerships with major industrial players, further cementing its role as a leader in the green chemistry revolution.
See full Pili company page
