ViridiCO₂ Ltd. Company Profile

Background

ViridiCO₂ Ltd., established in 2020 as a spin-out from the University of Southampton, is dedicated to revolutionizing the chemical industry by converting waste carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable chemical products. The company's mission is to assist the chemical sector in achieving net-zero emissions by repurposing CO₂ emissions into sustainable materials. ViridiCO₂'s innovative technology addresses the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, positioning the company as a significant player in the global effort to combat climate change.

Key Strategic Focus

ViridiCO₂'s strategic focus centers on:

• Decarbonizing the Chemical Industry: By transforming waste CO₂ into high-value chemical products, the company aims to reduce the industry's reliance on fossil fuel-based petrochemicals.

• Technological Innovation: Utilizing proprietary solid catalyst technology, ViridiCO₂ enables the integration of CO₂ into existing chemical manufacturing processes.

• Market Applications: The technology produces surfactants, polymer feedstocks, and small molecules used in consumer products such as detergents, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing.

• Energy Efficiency: The process operates under reduced temperatures and pressures, leading to lower energy consumption and manufacturing costs.

Financials and Funding

ViridiCO₂ has secured significant funding to advance its technology:

• Seed Funding: In March 2023, the company closed a £3 million seed funding round led by EQT Ventures.

• Utilization of Funds: The capital is allocated to accelerate technology development, achieve system prototype demonstration (TRL 7), and collaborate with manufacturing partners for scaling solutions.

Pipeline Development

ViridiCO₂ is progressing through key development stages:

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Advancing towards TRL 7, focusing on system prototype demonstration in operational environments.

• Collaborations: Engaging with chemical manufacturers to validate and scale the technology in line with market demand.

Technological Platform and Innovation

ViridiCO₂'s proprietary technology is distinguished by:

• Solid Catalyst Platform: A patented catalyst that activates CO₂ for chemical transformations, enabling its use as a feedstock in chemical manufacturing.

• Process Integration: The technology can be retrofitted into existing chemical processes, facilitating the replacement of petrochemicals with CO₂.

• Energy Efficiency: Operates under lower temperatures and pressures, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs by up to 30%.

Leadership Team

• Dr. Daniel Stewart, Co-Founder & CEO: Holds an MChem and Ph.D. from the University of Southampton. His doctoral research led to the development of ViridiCO₂'s core technology.

• Professor Robert Raja, Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Advisor: Professor of Materials Chemistry & Catalysis at the University of Southampton, with over 25 years of experience in catalyst design and commercialization.

• Will Barton, Chairman: Brings extensive experience in manufacturing and technology, having held leadership roles in multinational chemical companies and served on various industry boards.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global chemical industry, valued at approximately $5 trillion, is a significant contributor to CO₂ emissions. Achieving net-zero targets necessitates innovative solutions like those offered by ViridiCO₂.

Competitor Analysis

• Allonnia: Focuses on bioremediation technologies for water and waste treatment.

• MEIKO: Manufactures commercial warewashing equipment and food waste handling systems.

• Zero Plastic: Develops products from waste polymers.

• Midwater: Provides solutions for water, wastewater, and environmental technologies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• EQT Ventures: Led the £3 million seed funding round, providing financial support and strategic guidance.

• Innovate UK: Provided grant funding to support early-stage development and commercialization efforts.

Operational Insights

ViridiCO₂'s competitive advantages include:

• Sustainability: Offers a solution that reduces CO₂ emissions and fossil fuel dependency.

• Cost Efficiency: Potential to lower manufacturing costs by up to 30%.

• Market Demand: Aligns with increasing consumer and regulatory demand for sustainable products.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ViridiCO₂ aims to:

• Scale Technology: Advance to full-scale commercial deployment with manufacturing partners.

• Expand Product Applications: Explore additional chemical products and industries for CO₂ utilization.

• Global Impact: Contribute significantly to global net-zero emission targets by transforming industrial CO₂ emissions into valuable resources.

Contact Information

• Website: ViridiCO₂ Ltd.

• Headquarters: Southampton, United Kingdom