Spore.Bio Secures $23M Funding to Revolutionize Microbiology Testing with Machine Learning
In the fast-paced food and beverage industry, microbiology testing plays a critical role in ensuring safety and compliance. Recent contamination incidents have led to significant recalls, impacting both the financial standing and reputation of companies. To combat these challenges, Spore.Bio, an innovative deeptech startup based in Paris, is reimagining microbiology testing to help businesses avoid potential crises. The company has recently announced a successful $23 million Series A funding round, following an earlier €8 million pre-seed round.
Funding Success and Investor Interest
The Series A funding round was led by Singular, with participation from several notable investors including:
- Point 72 Ventures
- 1st Kind Ventures (the Peugeot family office)
- Station F
- Lord David Prior
- Returning backers such as LocalGlobe, No Label Ventures, and Famille C
Spore.Bio’s rapid fundraising success is attributed to strong customer interest. The startup has already secured contracts with numerous factories, leading to the creation of a waitlist to manage demand.
Revolutionizing Microbiology Testing
Traditional microbiology testing in the food and beverage sector typically takes several days, requiring samples to be sent to specialized labs for analysis. Co-founder and CEO Amine Raji explained, “In 2022, while everything is hyper-optimized, agri-food sector tests can take up to five days, and even longer for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to the need for bacterial growth.”
Spore.Bio is changing the game by utilizing a unique method that involves:
- Sending light at specific wavelengths to analyze samples
- Recording the spectral signature to detect bacteria or pathogens
- Employing a pre-trained deep learning algorithm for rapid analysis
This innovative approach significantly reduces testing times from days to mere minutes, allowing businesses to respond swiftly to potential contamination issues.
Partnerships and Future Developments
One of Spore.Bio’s key assets is its partnership with the Pasteur Institute, granting the startup access to an extensive bank of bacteria samples. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop testing machines that clients can use directly in their facilities for on-site microbiology testing.
Expanding Beyond Food and Beverage
Spore.Bio’s technology is drawing interest from various sectors, including:
- Cosmetics: Manufacturers are seeking alternatives to preservatives due to environmental concerns and consumer preferences.
- Pharmaceuticals: Innovative therapies, such as gene and cell treatments, require rapid testing due to their short shelf life, often as little as seven days.
With the recent funding, Spore.Bio aims to grow its team from 30 to 50 by the end of 2025, positioning itself as a leader in microbiology testing innovation.
For more information on the importance of microbiology testing in food safety, visit FoodSafety.gov. To learn more about Spore.Bio’s groundbreaking technology, check their official website at Spore.Bio.
