Egypt-based biotechnology startup Natrify has raised a six-figure pre-Seed round from Ambo ventures, a recently launched, sustainability-focused $50 million VC fund focused on investing in startups based in Africa.
The startup aims to prevent plastic waste and help achieve a negative green premium for all businesses. Natrify’s mission is to solve the increasing environmental damage caused by plastic production and disposal.
Natrify was founded in 2020 by Abdullah Al-Atrash, Amr Galal, and Ahmed Hassanen to offer a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic. It has recently developed its first product, Adigide, a bioplastic that is biodegradable in many environments.
Adigide is a bioplastic produced from genetically modified microorganisms. The product shares the same characteristics and applications as petroleum-based plastic yet causes zero environmental harm. It bio-degrades naturally in any environment including marine environments, this makes Adigide safe for marine life and humans. Adigide shares the same market price as conventional plastic yet competes with its pro-sustainability.
Natrify is launching its operations domestically and globally. The startup has signed a deal to facilitate Natrify’s entrance to the US market. It is currently planning to launch its pilot facility in Egypt as a kickstart for its operations in the MENA region’s market, and will also launch a licensing deal in the UK by the end of this year.
