Sparxell, the Cambridge-based pioneer of bioinspired colour technology, has raised $5M in Pre-Series A funding to replace toxic chemicals in the $48 billion global colourants market.
The round is led by SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean 2 fund, with participation from Alpha Star Capital and Cambridge Enterprise. The investment accelerates Sparxell's transition from pilot programmes to commercial-scale manufacturing, with tonne-scale production facilities operational by 2026.
Sparxell is on a mission to revolutionise the world of industrial colourants. Its patented technology uses cellulose from wood pulp, extracting and assembling cellulose crystals into structures that reflect specific wavelengths of light to create 100% plant-based structural colour – the same principle that creates vibrantly coloured butterfly wings – eliminating petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic dyes, toxic heavy metals and minerals.
Using physical structures rather than toxic chemicals to create colour, their capabilities span pigment powders, glitters, inks, sequins, and films for applications across textiles, cosmetics, food and beverage, packaging, paint and coatings, automotive sectors and more.
Outperforming synthetic alternatives, their technology is a drop-in solution that integrates seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes whilst significantly reducing water use and energy consumption, and eliminating microplastics and chemical pollution.
The textile industry alone releases 1.5 million tonnes of toxic synthetic dyes into waterways annually.[1] And unlike synthetic dyes which persist in the environment and complicate recycling, their 100% cellulose pigments are biodegradable and integrate into circular economy systems fundamentally transforming end-of-life scenarios for coloured textiles and packaging.
Dr Benjamin Droguet, Founder and CEO of Sparxell, said: "Our technology isn't just an alternative – it is here to stay because it delivers superior performance due to its nature-inspired features. This funding takes us from proof of concept to production and commercial launches. “
“We're at an inflexion point. Brands are under pressure to eliminate synthetic toxins from their supply chains. Momentum is building in Europe around banning ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS. The EU microplastics ban is also now in force, while the FDA is reassessing synthetic colour additives.”
The investment follows a landmark year for Sparxell. Earlier this year, Sparxell secured a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC). Commercial validation has come through several high-profile partnerships across diverse industries, including fashion, beauty, automotives, packaging and more. Sparxell announced a collaboration with British luxury brand Patrick McDowell and launched commercially available plant-based textile inks with Positive Materials.
SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean 2 fund focuses on solutions to ocean overexploitation, climate change and pollution, while Alpha Star Capital brings deep expertise in biomimicry and AI-driven innovation with extensive fashion and beauty connections. Cambridge Enterprise's continued investment validates Sparxell's progress since spinning out from world-leading academic research at the University of Cambridge.
Mélanie Le Guen, Investment Director, SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean strategy: "Sparxell’s innovation is fully aligned with the ambition of our SWEN Blue Ocean 2 fund. By reinventing colour through a bio-based, biodegradable approach, Sparxell offers a tangible response to a major environmental challenge while enabling global industries to transition toward safer and more sustainable practices. We are delighted to accompany them in this next phase of growth."
Chris Gibbs, Investment Director, Cambridge Enterprise, said: “This investment is an important milestone in Sparxell’s development, enabling more sustainable colourants based on natural, biodegradable pigments delivering tangible environmental benefits as the technology scales.
“We’re pleased to have worked alongside the team since their earliest stages and to continue to support them through this next phase. The team has built a great round and a great investor syndicate to take the technology global.”
Alexandre Cadain, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Alpha Star Capital, said: “We were drawn to Sparxell’s method and leadership: Instead of trying to retrofit sustainability into existing chemistry, they rebuilt colour from first principles using a natural structure. It offers a clear answer to a long-standing industry challenge, and it works at a scale that matters.”
The Pre-Series A funding will drive three strategic priorities: scaling manufacturing to tonne-scale production, accelerating product certification for textiles, cosmetics, and automotive applications, and hiring key new staff, including for business development. Following several fully funded pilot projects with some of the biggest global brands and manufacturers, Sparxell will announce major commercial partnerships in 2026.
"Every major brand knows they need to eliminate toxic chemicals and colourants. These have been on their checklist, but with limited options that truly compete with synthetics’ performance. The question isn't if, but when and how. We have the answer from nature itself," added Droguet. "We're giving them a solution that's ready now, performs better, and costs competitively at scale. Brands no longer have to choose between sustainability and performance."
For more information: www.sparxell.com
[1] Environmental impacts and remediation of dye-containing wastewater | Nature Reviews Earth & Environment