Primogene Raises €4.1 Million to Bring Nature’s Complex Bioactive Molecules to Industrial Scale

Primogene, a biotechnology company developing bioprocesses to manufacture functional ingredients based on multi-enzyme systems, led by Dr.-Ing. Reza Mahour, Valerian Grote, and Linda Karger, has raised €4.1 million in funding to bring complex bioactive molecules to market at scale. The seed round is led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) with additional investors including Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS), better ventures, Sächsische Beteiligungsgesellschaft (SBG), Golzern Holding GmbH, FS Life Science Investment GmbH, and Dr. Marc Struhalla (founder and CEO of c-LEcta GmbH).

Using a proprietary enzymatic platform, biomolecules identical to natural ones are produced sustainably and at scale. Primogene serves markets spanning nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

The Starting Point: Human Milk as a Blueprint

Breast milk remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, especially for premature infants, where specific human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) like DSLNT play a critical clinical role. However, producing these complex molecules at scale has been a major challenge.

Primogene addresses this through an enzymatic platform that enables the cost-efficient, scalable production of structurally complex HMOs, overcoming the limitations of traditional fermentation. This includes DSLNT and other key molecules found abundantly in breast milk.

The opportunity is growing rapidly, with the global HMO market expanding at ~18–20% annually and the majority of new infant formula products now incorporating HMOs.

A Platform Technology With Applications Across the Human Lifespan

Primogene’s technology extends beyond infant nutrition, enabling the production of bioactive molecules that support gut health, cognitive function, and personal care applications across different life stages. It also supplies high-quality inputs for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical use, strengthening supply chain resilience through European-based production.

The full process, from enzyme development to final output, is managed at its Leipzig facility, supported by a strong, multi-category IP portfolio.

Commercial Traction and Research Collaborations

Primogene has established personal care partnerships with products already on the market, while pharmaceutical materials are in advanced evaluation. The company is also seeking partners to scale HMOs like DSLNT.

Research collaborations include work with Fraunhofer IZI on infectious diseases and with neonatal units to study HMO use in preterm care.

Scaling in Leipzig

Founded in 2023 in Leipzig by Dr.-Ing. Reza Mahour, Valerian Grote, and Linda Karger, Primogene is now scaling its platform to produce bioactive ingredients across life stages. New funding will expand production capacity, strengthen its IP portfolio, and grow the team, while supporting customer expansion and new partnerships, particularly in infant nutrition.

“Primogene combines deep scientific expertise with strong industrial relevance, addressing the costly and limited production of complex biomolecules through traditional methods. Its multi-enzyme platform enables scalable production of molecules that were previously difficult or uneconomical to make. The team demonstrates strong execution, customer focus, and early traction, with confidence in continued progress following the financing round,” said Dr. Stephan Ruck, Investment Analyst at HTGF.

“Enzymatic synthesis is key to unlocking the next generation of complex bioactive molecules, and Primogene has developed efficient approaches to produce several high-potential products. This underpins strong enthusiasm to be part of the journey and contribute to the company’s success,” said Dr. Marc Struhalla, founder and CEO of c-LEcta GmbH.

“The capital will support the next phase of Primogene’s growth, scaling production, expanding the team, and accelerating the industrial launch of its products,” said Dr.-Ing. Reza Mahour, CEO and Co-founder. “The goal is to make complex ingredients accessible at scale and support human health across all life stages,” added Linda Karger, COO and Co-founder.