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Danish biotech Chromologics has raised €7 million in a funding round led by Novo Holdings, EIFO, Döhler Ventures, Collateral Good Ventures and Synergetic, bringing its total capital raised to nearly €20 million.

The funding will support regulatory submissions for Chromologics’ natural red colour, Natu.Red, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US FDA, as well as scale-up production through a large-scale contract manufacturing partner.

Chromologics, a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark, develops fermentation-based natural colours designed to be heat- and pH-stable, vegan-friendly and independent of seasonal agricultural constraints.

Trials with over 90 food manufacturers across Europe and the US have demonstrated its performance in applications ranging from meat and confectionery to plant-based products.

Investor interest reflects growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic colourants, particularly amid recent regulatory scrutiny of artificial reds in the US fermentation-derived colours like Natu.Red are considered more sustainable than fruit- or vegetable-extracted alternatives, requiring less land, water and agricultural input.

Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, director at Döhler Ventures, said Chromologics’ technology offers a “stable, scalable, and cost-competitive solution” for food producers navigating both regulatory changes and rising consumer demand.

Gerit Tolborg, CEO, Chromologics, commented: "In times of shifting priorities, we deeply value the continued trust in our mission. Biomanufacturing remains essential to stabilise food supply chains – an endeavour that requires patient investors who understand the realities of innovation."

Tolborg continued: "The support from our existing shareholders underscores the confidence in both Chromologics' technology and its commercial potential. Chromologics has demonstrated the cost efficiency, scalability, safety, and product-market fit of Natu.Red."

Top image: © Chromologics