Solugen is a startup using synthetic biology to create plant-based alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals. The company was founded in 2016 by Gaurab Chakrabarti and Sean Hunt, who met while Chakrabarti was studying cancer biology in medical school and Hunt was pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering at MIT.
The founders combine their expertise in enzymes and metal catalysts to convert plant sugars into chemicals like hydrogen peroxide through a proprietary biofabrication process. This novel production method aims to be safer, more sustainable, and potentially less expensive than traditional petrochemical manufacturing. However, achieving cost-competitiveness depends on continued innovation as petrochemicals benefit from massive scale.
Solugen is initially targeting specialty chemicals, but aims over time to produce a wider range of everyday chemical products. Its first commercial facility in Houston is already producing chemicals used in industries ranging from agriculture to personal care to the military. With strong early traction and backing from leading investors, Solugen has the potential to pioneer a next-generation chemical production platform.
As an early employee, you would have the opportunity to join an innovative synthetic biology company as it scales. Given the backgrounds of the founders, Solugen is positioned to advance biofabrication methods to reduce society's reliance on fossil fuels. The opportunity exists to be part of a team working at the intersection of biotechnology, chemistry, and clean technology.
2016
Founded
100-250
Employees
Series D
Stage
>$2B
Latest Valuation
$400-700M
Total Funding
Jul 26 2022
Last Fundraise
Why is the rating
Open Roles
Top Previous Employers
Baker Hughes
Halliburton
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Texas A&M University
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Investors
Founders Fund
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Y Combinator
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