Ecovia Bio raises Series B to scale biodegradable biopolymer production

Ecovia Bio, a Michigan biotech company developing biodegradable biopolymers, has closed a Series B funding round led by local investor group Pointe Angels to expand production at its Livonia, Michigan manufacturing site. The size of the funding was undisclosed, but the company has raised a total of $16.1m thus far, according to data from Dealroom.

In the announcement, the company said the funding will be used to increase output of its AzuraBase and AzuraGel product families, formulations based on gamma-polyglutamic acid (γ‑PGA), which Ecovia markets to manufacturers in the cosmetics, personal care, agriculture, and hygiene sectors. 

Ecovia projects its Livonia facility will reach full operational capacity by 2028 and is evaluating additional production locations to meet anticipated demand beyond that date.

Ecovia describes γ‑PGA as a biodegradable alternative to petrochemical-derived superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are used in products such as diapers, feminine hygiene items, and some cosmetics. SAPs persist in the environment and subsequently break down into microplastics, which have been found in the natural environment and, in some studies, in human tissues. Due to concerns around this lingering presence, innovators and regulators have increasingly sought lower‑impact materials. 

Ecovia says its fermentation‑derived γ‑PGA can deliver comparable performance in everyday products while also being fully biodegradable.

“We are excited to partner with Pointe Angels,” Ecovia CEO Kousay Said said in a company statement, noting the funds will help meet near‑term customer demand and prepare the company to serve the hygiene sector at scale. 

Pointe Angels’ executive director David Bloom said, "Ecovia Bio represents exactly the kind of venture we love to back at Pointe Angels. We're confident this capital will unlock significant value for our investors while strengthening Michigan's position as a leader in biotechnology and advanced manufacturing."