Dutch biotechnology company Qorium has raised €22 million to accelerate the scale-up of its cultivated leather production, marking a major step toward commercialisation.
The funding round was backed by Invest-NL and LIOF, with continued support from existing investors Brightlands Venture Partners and Sofinnova Partners, as well as several private investors. Invest-NL’s participation is supported by the EU’s InvestEU guarantee programme.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our mission to transform the leather industry,” said Michael Newton, CEO of Qorium. “By combining advanced biotechnology with deep leather craftsmanship, we’re creating real leather that outperforms traditional materials — without the ethical or environmental costs. With Invest-NL, LIOF, and our long-term partners on board, we can now scale production and bring cultivated leather to market at industrial scale.”
From lab innovation to industrial production
Qorium produces genuine leather from a small sample of animal cells, eliminating the need for livestock while reducing waste, water use, and emissions. The result is a consistent, high-quality material with the same look, feel, and durability as traditional leather — but with a dramatically smaller footprint.
The new funding follows an earlier €8 million seed round, bringing total investment to €30 million. The startup will use the capital to install next-generation bioreactors in Maastricht, expand its production facilities, and build strategic partnerships with brands seeking sustainable alternatives.
“At Invest-NL, we back technologies driving systemic change,” said Lisette Kersting-van der Boog of Invest-NL. “Leather production is one of the world’s most polluting industries. Qorium’s biotechnology offers a breakthrough — producing real leather without livestock and setting a new sustainability standard for materials.”
Advertisement
Cultivated leather on the rise
As consumer and industrial demand for sustainable materials accelerates, cultivated leather is emerging as a key innovation in the global fashion and automotive industries. Analysts project strong market growth driven by the need for traceable, consistent, and cruelty-free materials.
Guillaume Baxter, Partner at Sofinnova Partners, added:
“We’ve supported Qorium since its inception, backing both the pioneering science of Dr. Mark Post and the leather expertise of Rutger Ploem. This new investment reflects Qorium’s remarkable progress and our conviction in its potential to redefine leather as both an economic and environmental innovation.”
Qorium’s Series A marks a milestone for Europe’s sustainable materials sector, reinforcing investor confidence in biotech-driven alternatives. The company plans to announce a new board appointment in the coming weeks as it prepares for its next growth phase.
About Qorium
Qorium creates premium, authentic leather using advanced biotechnology — no animals, no compromise. By eliminating livestock from the process, Qorium dramatically reduces carbon emissions, water and chemical use, and land demand. The result is real, high-quality leather that combines luxury performance with sustainability, redefining how leather is made for the future.
