Level Nine Secures €4M to Revolutionize Bio-Based Chemicals

Berlin-based chemistry startup Level Nine has successfully closed a €4 million seed funding round, led by Visionaries Tomorrow and supported by Zero Carbon Capital, Rockstart, IBB Ventures, and better ventures. The company is pioneering an AI-driven platform to develop industrial catalysts that convert bio-based raw materials into chemical building blocks, aiming to replace fossil fuels in the long term.

The European chemical industry, valued at over €1 trillion annually, faces mounting pressure from volatile raw material prices and rising energy costs. While biomass offers a sustainable alternative, traditional catalysts often lack the selectivity required for complex bio-based molecules.

Level Nine’s innovative approach combines the precision of biological enzymes with industrial robustness, enabling stable performance under high temperatures and pressure. Their machine learning platform accelerates catalyst development, promising faster industrial adoption and lower energy consumption.

Level Nine’s first target is the €100 billion polyurethane market, which spans automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The startup has developed a bio-based aromatic polyol that matches the performance of fossil alternatives, with added flame-retardant properties and seamless integration into existing production lines. The company is already collaborating with industry partners and plans to build its first kiloton-scale production plant.

Founded by Seadna Quigley and Emily Sheridan, Level Nine’s 14-strong team brings expertise in catalysis and scaling. The new funding will drive industrial expansion and the development of additional product lines. As Quigley notes, “Our goal is to make bio-based raw materials economically viable for the chemical industry,” marking a significant step toward sustainable industrial practices.