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§ Private Profile · Paris
Biotechnology startup engineering microorganisms to produce biosynthetic, carbon-negative natural rubber for the rubber industry.
Based in Paris, France, baCta is a biotechnology company that produces biosynthetic, carbon-negative natural rubber using engineered microorganisms and renewable feedstocks like glucose. The business utilizes a synthetic biology platform to polymerize polyisoprene via fermentation, bypassing traditional petrochemical processes and deforestation-linked rubber tree cultivation. This manufacturing process is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 151 percent for industrial customers in the automotive and advanced materials sectors. The enterprise aims to scale its laboratory operations to a pilot facility by 2025 and a commercial unit capable of manufacturing 100 tons of rubber annually by 2027. To support its ongoing commercialization strategy, the startup secured €3.3 million in pre-seed funding from venture capital firms including OVNI Capital, Seedcamp, Giant Ventures, and Kima Ventures. baCta was founded in 2024 by Mathieu Nohet, Marie Rouquette, and Selcuk Aslan.
baCta has raised $12.2M across 2 funding rounds.
baCta has raised $12.2M in total across 2 funding rounds.
baCta is a Paris-based biotechnology company that produces biosynthetic, carbon-negative natural rubber using genetically engineered bacteria, specifically *Escherichia coli* (E. coli). Their proprietary process leverages synthetic biology and AI-driven enzyme technology to polymerize rubber inside bacteria, resulting in a product that matches or exceeds the quality of traditional rubber while being hypoallergenic and environmentally sustainable. Initially, baCta targets premium markets such as luxury footwear and fashion brands, where sustainability and product quality are highly valued. The company aims to scale production from lab to pilot and eventually industrial scale, with plans to expand beyond rubber to other valuable isoprenoids used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels[1][2][3][4].
Founded in January 2024 by Mathieu Nohet, an engineer with a background in mathematics, computer science, and software engineering, baCta emerged from the vision to revolutionize rubber production by making it carbon-negative and sustainable. Nohet’s experience in Silicon Valley and previous ventures in data analytics informed the company's data-driven and AI-powered approach. Early traction includes securing €3.3 million in pre-seed funding and developing a proof of concept that demonstrates the feasibility of producing high-quality biosynthetic rubber. Key team members include COO Marie Rouquette and CSO Selcuk Aslan, with scientific advisors from leading institutions supporting the company’s technology development[2][3][4][5].
baCta rides the convergence of synthetic biology, AI, and sustainability trends, addressing urgent market demands for environmentally friendly industrial materials. The timing is critical as industries seek to reduce carbon footprints and replace petrochemical-derived products with bio-based alternatives. By pioneering carbon-negative rubber production, baCta influences the broader ecosystem by setting new standards for sustainable manufacturing and inspiring innovation in bioproduction platforms. Their approach exemplifies how AI and automation can accelerate biotech scale-up, making sustainable materials more accessible and economically viable[1][3][4].
Looking ahead, baCta aims to scale its production capabilities from lab to pilot and industrial scales, targeting 100 tons per year by 2027. The company plans to broaden its product portfolio beyond rubber to other isoprenoids with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels, potentially transforming multiple sectors. Trends such as increasing regulatory pressure on carbon emissions, growing consumer demand for sustainable products, and advances in AI-driven biomanufacturing will shape baCta’s journey. As it matures, baCta could become a global leader in sustainable industrial bioproduction, driving a shift toward carbon-neutral materials and influencing the future of green manufacturing[2][4].
This trajectory ties back to baCta’s founding mission: to unlock sustainable abundance of valuable molecules through AI-powered bioproduction, starting with natural rubber and expanding into a broad range of industrial ingredients[1].
baCta has raised $12.2M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $8.2M Seed in March 2026.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2026 | $8.2M Seed | Pierre Yves Meerschman, Remus Brett | Ovni Capital | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2024 | $4M Seed | Augustin Sayer | Alven, Ankaa Ventures, Heartcore Capital, Newfund, Nicolas Morin Forest, Thibaud Elziere, Falk Haurenherm, Kima Ventures, Sharpstone Capital | Announced |
baCta has raised $12.2M in total across 2 funding rounds.
baCta's investors include Pierre-Yves Meerschman, Remus Brett, OVNI Capital, Augustin Sayer, Alven, Ankaa Ventures, Heartcore Capital, NewFund, Nicolas Morin-Forest, Thibaud Elziere, Falk Haurenherm, Kima Ventures.