Locus Fermentation Solutions (FS) secured $117 million in Intellectual Property-insurance backed debt financing arranged by Jeffries, bringing its total raise to over $250 million.
Founded in 2013, Locus FS transforms biologicals made from 100% renewable agricultural resources into alternatives that advance Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, with better performance and cost metrics, according to Andrew Lefkowitz, chairman and CEO of the company. The cleaner, more sustainable biological ingredients improve profitability and decarbonize the agricultural, energy, mining, industrial, consumer packaged goods, and other sectors, he continues.
“The immediate need for solutions that reduce the global carbon footprint has never been more urgent; but production limitations, high costs and inconsistent performance have hindered implementation of biological alternatives,” says Lefkowitz. “Through scientific breakthroughs backed by intellectual property, strategic funding and corporate partnerships, we’re accelerating the pivotal role customized biologicals can play in advancing the decarbonization and ESG goals for our clients.”
Innovation and intellectual property
The company has obtained investments and agreements with a variety of other strategic partners, including Dow and Anew Climate.
“Innovation is a critical ingredient for the growth economy, but intellectual property is its foundation,” adds Lewis Lee, CEO of Aon’s Intellectual Property Solutions. “Aon is working with IP-rich companies like Locus Fermentation Solutions, particularly in the green tech space, to help leverage the potential value of their intangible assets to accelerate their ability to bring these important solutions to market.”
Locus FS works on biobased solutions that are non-GMO, palm-free, and low-carbon, explains Lefkowitz. The company’s biomanufacturing approach involves isolating and fermenting unique microorganisms and the biosurfactants that they produce.
“The resulting biologicals are tailored for use across industries that are reliant on chemicals. They are designed to advance ESG goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving food security, accelerating clean-label product formulations, slowing palm deforestation, and driving the clean energy transition,” points out Lefkowitz.
