Startup Fundraising

iGii Raises €26.5M for Advanced Carbon Nanomaterial

DeepTech firm iGii secures €26.5M from Scottish National Investment Bank, PXN Ventures, Archangels, and Scottish Enterprise to commercialize its novel carbon nanomaterial.

Share:
AM
Alvaro de la Maza

Partner at Aninver

Stay ahead of the market

Get instant notifications when new news matching "Materials, Chemicals & Natural Resources, Manufacturing in United Kingdom" are published.

Key Takeaways

  • iGii raised $28.5M (Series B) from Scottish National Investment Bank, PXN Ventures, Archangels, Scottish Enterprise.
  • Sector: Materials, Chemicals & Natural Resources, Manufacturing.
  • Geography: United Kingdom.

Analysis

iGii, a Scottish innovator in advanced materials, has successfully closed a significant funding round totaling €26.5 million (approximately $28.5 million USD). This capital infusion is earmarked to propel the commercialization of its unique, three-dimensional porous carbon nanomaterial, known as Gii. The company's proprietary technology, developed over years of dedicated research and development, offers a novel approach to material science, moving beyond traditional extraction or compounding methods.

The Series B financing was spearheaded by the Scottish National Investment Bank, which contributed €13.65 million. Further robust backing came from existing investors PXN Ventures and Archangels, alongside a substantial commitment of €12.84 million from Scottish Enterprise. This multi-faceted support underscores confidence in iGii's potential to disrupt multiple industrial sectors.

Jean-Christophe Granier, CEO of iGii, articulated the company's vision, stating, "Every industrial revolution has been enabled by a breakthrough in materials, and this funding means iGii can help enable the next one." He emphasized that the company has moved past the foundational research phase and now possesses the manufacturing capacity to translate its scientific achievement into industrial reality. Granier highlighted the strategic importance of this investment in accelerating Gii's market penetration and fostering collaborations with major global manufacturers.

The Gii material is distinguished by its ability to be grown at room temperature and scaled to industrial volumes, offering a versatile platform for next-generation products. Its unique properties allow integration across diverse biological, chemical, and physical systems, unlocking capabilities previously unattainable with conventional materials. Potential applications span multi-analyte sensing, microheaters, and flexible printed battery electrodes, positioning iGii at the forefront of innovation in high-performance materials.

This development arrives at a critical juncture for global supply chains, which are increasingly strained by geopolitical uncertainties and concentrated sourcing of essential raw materials like platinum and gold. iGii's technology offers a compelling alternative, aligning with national industrial strategies focused on rebuilding domestic manufacturing resilience and reducing reliance on volatile supply sources. The company's ability to deliver enhanced performance while mitigating supply chain risks presents a significant market advantage.

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, commented on the strategic significance of the investment, noting, "iGii’s technology is an exciting, sustainable and scalable alternative to constrained raw materials which will help build resilience in global supply chains." He further elaborated that the diverse applications across high-growth industries could establish Scotland as a leader in advanced materials innovation. Gillespie also pointed out that this funding package exemplifies Scotland's collaborative approach, combining private capital with public sector support to foster significant business growth.

With its manufacturing capabilities already established for large-scale production, iGii plans to leverage this funding to transition from R&D to full-scale execution. The company intends to deepen existing relationships and secure long-term supply agreements with major manufacturers over the next 12-24 months. The investment will also fuel team expansion, with iGii aiming to grow its workforce to nearly 70 employees, including its current contingent of 55 "Integrators," 17 of whom hold PhDs.