In the food and beverage industry, recalls due to contamination can be catastrophic. Beyond financial penalties, long-lasting damage to a brand’s reputation is a significant threat. Spore.Bio, a deeptech startup based in Paris, aims to mitigate these risks by reinventing microbiology testing.

Spore.Bio Secures Significant Funding for Cutting-Edge Technology

Spore.Bio recently raised $23 million in a Series A round, following an €8 million pre-seed investment a year earlier. This rapid fundraising reflects strong interest from industry players. The round was led by Singular, with contributions from Point 72 Ventures, 1st Kind Ventures (the Peugeot family’s office), Station F, and Lord David Prior. LocalGlobe, No Label Ventures, and Famille C also participated as returning investors.

Meeting Customer Demand with Innovative Solutions

Spore.Bio has already signed several commercial contracts with up to 200 factories, demonstrating its market appeal. The startup’s waitlist further underscores the demand for its technology. Traditional microbiology tests can take days, involving samples sent to specialized labs for petri-dish-based analysis, which requires offsite processing to prevent contamination.

The Transformational Power of Deep Learning in Microbiology

Spore.Bio employs a novel approach, analyzing samples by directing light at specific wavelengths and recording spectral signatures. Its pre-trained deep learning algorithm can identify bacteria or pathogens swiftly. According to co-founder and CEO Amine Raji, this method reduces testing time from days to minutes, aligning with the hyper-optimized processes of modern manufacturing.

“In 2022, every operation is finely tuned for efficiency,” Raji explained. “A five-day wait for microbiology results in the food sector, or a 14-day wait in pharma and cosmetics, can seem like an eternity when every step is counted in minutes.”

Partnerships and Future Developments

To enhance its technology, Spore.Bio has partnered with the prestigious Pasteur Institute, gaining access to a vast bank of bacteria samples. The startup plans to integrate machines into its customers’ facilities, enabling on-site testing. This development aims to further accelerate the detection process and provide immediate results.

Application Beyond Food and Beverage

While Spore.Bio initially targeted the food and beverage industry, its technology has found other valuable applications. Cosmetics manufacturers are keen on reducing preservatives without compromising quality. “Customers demand safer products, and environmental concerns drive companies to reduce synthetic preservatives,” Raji noted.

In the pharmaceutical sector, innovation in therapies like gene and cell treatments presents new challenges. “These cutting-edge treatments have very short shelf lives, often less than a week,” Raji explained. “Traditional testing methods are impractical when time is of the essence.”

Scaling Up with ExpertiseWith the Series A investment, Spore.Bio intends to expand its team from 30 to 50 members by the end of 2025. This growth underscores the startup’s commitment to developing and deploying its groundbreaking technology.

Conclusion

As the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries face increasing pressure to ensure product safety, Spore.Bio’s innovative microbiology testing solutions offer a transformative approach. By harnessing deep learning, the startup promises rapid, accurate on-site testing, reducing risk and enhancing brand reputation.

As Spore.Bio continues to grow and innovate, its technology promises to set new standards in safety and efficiency across multiple industries. Stay tuned for further developments and advancements from this promising startup.