Membrion, a company specializing in ceramic desalination technology, has raised €11.4 million in a Series B funding round. The investment was led by Indico, with participation from Samsung Ventures, Lam Capital, PureTerra, GiantLeap, Freeflow, and Safar Partners, among others. The funds will be used to expand Membrion’s operations and support its mission of addressing the global water crisis.
Founded in 2016 as a spin-out startup from the University of Washington, Membrion has developed electro-ceramic desalination technology to effectively and environmentally treat harsh water effluents from industrial facilities. This technology is especially crucial for industrial sectors such as electric battery production, where the treatment of heavy metal wastewater, concentration of challenging brine streams, and high-temperature wastewaters present significant challenges.
Unlike traditional polymeric membranes, which cannot withstand harsh conditions, Membrion’s ceramic membranes offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. By selectively removing dissolved salts, minerals, and metals from industrial water streams, the company’s technology allows for the recycling of previously wasted water. In fact, it can recover up to 98% of water even in the harshest conditions.
The global water crisis and the increasing scarcity of clean water make Membrion’s innovation essential. Water scarcity has severe environmental consequences, particularly in terms of contaminating oceans and rivers. With its expansion plans, Membrion aims to serve a global market that is eagerly seeking sustainable solutions for water savings and combating ocean contamination.
The recent funding round not only marks a significant milestone for Membrion but also paves the way for the company’s expansion into Europe. Greg Newbloom, Founder and CEO of Membrion, expressed his delight at welcoming Indico to their journey and noted that their focus on sustainable solutions aligns perfectly with Membrion’s mission. He also expressed hope for future expansion to Europe through Portugal.
Stephan Morais, Managing General Partner of Indico Capital, emphasized the importance of Membrion’s work in addressing a serious environmental problem. Water scarcity and the need for clean water preservation are fundamental challenges that societies worldwide face. Indico Capital is pleased to support Membrion’s expansion and their ambitions in Europe.
As Membrion continues to grow and expand, its ceramic desalination technology holds the promise of delivering sustainable and cost-effective solutions to various industries, including food and beverage. By providing a means to tackle the world’s water crisis, Membrion’s cutting-edge innovation has the potential to make a significant impact on global sustainability.
In conclusion, Membrion’s successful Series B funding round will enable the company to further develop its ceramic desalination technology and expand its reach. With a focus on providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions, Membrion is well-positioned to play a crucial role in addressing the global water crisis and promoting environmental preservation.
