PINC, the venture arm of international food and beverage company Paulig, has announced its investment in Scindo, a UK-based biotech startup pioneering AI-driven enzyme engineering to produce sustainable, bio-based ingredients. The investment is part of a £4 million (US$5.3 million) funding round co-led by Kadmos Capital (London) and Clay Capital (Singapore), aimed at scaling Scindo’s enzyme discovery platform and expanding its wet-lab operations. Founded in 2020, Scindo has developed a full-stack platform that combines advanced artificial intelligence with experimentally validated reaction data to design and optimize enzymes, naturally occurring proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. These enzymes enable the transformation of renewable feedstocks into high-value ingredients for food, flavorings, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals.

This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional manufacturing processes, which often rely on petroleum-based inputs. By engineering enzymes to perform complex biotransformations more efficiently, Scindo supports the scalable production of natural flavors and fragrances with a reduced environmental impact. “Traditional manufacturing of ingredients like flavors and fragrances still relies heavily on petroleum derivatives,” said Rosemari Herrero, Senior Investment Manager at PINC. “Scindo’s enzyme platform offers a cost-effective way to produce bio-based ingredients, driving the transition toward more sustainable and affordable products.” The investment aligns with Paulig’s broader mission to build a tastier, healthier, and more sustainable planet. PINC actively seeks out startups that can reduce emissions and improve food systems, and Scindo’s platform aligns perfectly with that vision. Scindo is already attracting strong industry interest, having established partnerships with leading chemical manufacturers and initiated pilot scaling to bring its first products to market.

The new funding will be used to expand the company’s enzyme discovery engine, strengthen its team with hires from top pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions, and accelerate commercialization efforts. Gustaf Hemberg, Co-founder and CEO of Scindo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This support enables us to scale our enzyme platform and start producing sustainable, high-value products that will help transform how industries approach ingredient sourcing and production.” As demand for clean-label, bio-based solutions continues to rise, Scindo’s innovative approach positions it as a key player in the future of sustainable ingredient manufacturing.