Paulig’s PINC backs Scindo in US$5.3M funding round to advance AI-driven enzyme innovation

UK – PINC, the venture arm of international food and beverage company Paulig, has joined a £4 million (US$5.3 million) investment round in Scindo, a UK-based biotech startup developing a data-rich AI platform to design next-generation enzymes. 

PINC’s participation strengthens Scindo’s mission to unlock bio-based ingredients and sustainable chemistry, aligning with Paulig’s ambition to support innovation in food and flavour while reducing environmental impact.

Scindo’s full-stack platform engineers enzymes, the naturally occurring proteins in plants and microbes, to convert renewable feedstocks into high-value, bio-based ingredients. 

By combining advanced AI models with proprietary reaction data, the technology accelerates enzyme discovery and optimisation, making complex reactions faster, more efficient and more sustainable. 

The innovation provides opportunities for consistent and scalable production of natural flavours and fragrances, sectors that have traditionally relied heavily on petroleum-based derivatives.

Rosemari Herrero, Senior Investment Manager at PINC, highlighted the importance of the partnership.

“Traditional manufacturing of ingredients like flavours and fragrances still relies heavily on petroleum derivatives. However, alongside consumer expectations and policy changes, companies like Paulig also recognise their responsibility to drive the shift towards clean and sustainable alternatives,” she said.

She added that Scindo’s ambitious enzyme platform provides a cost-effective pathway to bio-based ingredients, helping accelerate the transition toward more sustainable and affordable products.

Founded in 2020, Scindo has already attracted strong industry interest. The company has formed partnerships with leading chemical manufacturers and initiated pilot-scale projects to move its first products closer to market. 

With the new funding, Scindo will expand its enzyme discovery engine, scale its laboratory capabilities and strengthen its team.

Recent hires from top pharmaceutical companies and the University of Oxford add expertise in machine learning, enzyme engineering, process scaling and commercialisation.

“We’re thrilled to have the backing of such a strong consortium of investors,” said Gustaf Hemberg, Co-founder and CEO of Scindo.

“This support enables us to accelerate the scale-up of our enzyme platform and start producing sustainable, high-value products. With PINC and Paulig as strategic partners, we gain not only capital but also expertise in food, flavour and sustainability, helping us bring cleaner solutions to market faster,” Hemberg said.

The round was co-led by Kadmos Capital in London and Clay Capital in Singapore. 

The investment aligns with Paulig’s mission, “for a life full of flavour,” and its commitment to building a tastier, healthier, and more sustainable food culture.

PINC continues to target early-stage startups developing solutions that lower emissions and improve food systems, with Scindo representing a strategic fit for its portfolio.

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