Austrian biotech startup Vertus Energy gets €8.75M seed funding to generate renewable energy from waste

Vertus Energy, an Austrian industrial biotech startup specializing in Waste-to-X solutions, has raised €8.75 million in seed funding to boost biogas production and drive the delivery of the European renewable energy objectives. The round was led by Energy Capital Ventures, with participation from Blackbird, the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, and Aussie Angels.

This major financial boost will advance Vertus Energy’s mission to revolutionize carbon-negative energy production. The company’s flagship product, BRIO, is a biogas technology that optimizes bacterial control to convert waste into renewable energy.

Vertus will use the fresh capital infusion to accelerate the adoption of BRIO in commercial applications, from full-scale wastewater treatment plants to large-scale biogas plants, potentially revolutionizing biogas production in Europe and contributing to the continent’s renewable energy goals.

The company’s flagship product, BRIO, is a cutting-edge biogas technology that optimizes bacterial control to convert waste into renewable energy. Vertus Energy’s innovative approach harnesses advanced bacterial behavior control, enabling BRIO to seamlessly integrate with existing anaerobic digestion plants and adapt to diverse waste streams. This adaptability positions Vertus Energy as a leader in the burgeoning biogas market, projected to reach $86.7 billion by 2030.

The company is strategically establishing its regional headquarters in Vienna, Austria, to strengthen its influence across Europe and the UK. Biomethane production facilities in these regions have surged by 30%, totaling 1,322 as of April 2023.

Vertus co-founder and COO Benjamin Howard said the company’s commitment to enhancing access to sustainable energy. “With the backing of our proprietary BRIO technology by world-class investors, we’re able to achieve our key objectives. We’ve forged relationships with global industry leaders who recognize the potential of our technology to meet renewable energy goals.”

BRIO, developed through extensive research and development, is a groundbreaking biogas technology that produces biomethane up to three times faster and increases energy output by up to 60% from the same amount of waste. Its flexibility allows it to retrofit into existing anaerobic digestion plants and adapt to various systems, controlling existing bacteria rather than introducing new ones, making it suitable for any waste stream.

The global biogas market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.2% from 2020 to 2030, reaching $86.7 billion by 2030. Europe is set to be a major player, with targets to produce 35 billion cubic meters of biomethane annually by 2030.

Founded in 2019, Vertus Energy focuses on the advanced control of bacterial behavior in Waste-to-X applications. The decision to establish its regional HQ in Vienna underscores its commitment to expanding its influence throughout Europe and the UK.

Vertus said, Benjamin Howard, based in the UK, will lead the company’s operations across Europe and implement a strategy for global commercialization. “Vertus Energy is determined to radically improve access to sustainable energy and help Europe meet its renewable energy objectives,” Howard said. “Thanks to the backing of our proprietary BRIO technology by world-class investors, we’re able to deliver some key objectives.

Vic Pascucci, Managing General Partner and Co-founder of Energy Capital Ventures, also commented on the funding saying, “As the only venture capital fund solely dedicated to green molecules™, we have thoroughly analyzed technologies and startups in biogas, bio methanation, and renewable natural gas. Vertus Energy’s technology, commercial progress, and team stood out as superior to anything else in the market. We backed Vertus Energy because of their exceptional team, demonstrable technology, and verifiable results that far exceed competitive options.”

With the new funding, Vertus Energy is well-positioned to drive significant advancements in biogas production, contributing to global energy equity, sustainability, and resilience.

Vertus Energy co-founders Santiago de los Reyes, Dr Danilo Perez, Benjamin Howard and Freddy Gonzales.