BeDimensional, an Italian deep tech company in the production of graphene and other two-dimensional crystals with few atomic layers, announces the conclusion of a new €5 million capital increase.
The transaction is led by EUREKA! Venture SGR through the Fund “Eureka! Fund I – Technology Transfer,” which complements with this investment a recent capital increase subscribed in January 2023 by leading Italian investors: CDP Venture Capital SGR (through the Evoluzione fund, led by Mario Scuderi), NovaCapital (a holding company focused on innovative initiatives, headed by Paolo Merloni and led by Carlo Germano Ravina) and Eni Next (Eni’s Corporate Venture Capital company based in Boston, led by Clara Andreoletti).
The company, based in Genoa, was founded in 2016 as a spin-off of the Graphene Labs of the Italian Institute of Technology, in order to exploit the scientific expertise gained by the group of founders, Vittorio Pellegrini, Francesco Bonaccorso and Andrea Gamucci, scientists with more than 15 years of experience in the world of two-dimensional (2D) materials with few atomic layers (<10). These materials, including, in particular, graphene are currently applied by BeDimensional in three areas: i) coatings and multifunctional composites; ii) energy; iii) lubricants also through partnerships with companies such as VARTA in the battery sector and ENEL GP in the photovoltaic sector. The manufacturing process is patented and the distinguishing feature is its ability to produce a wide range of 2D materials; the company in total has a comprehensive and articulated portfolio of 12 patent families.
This new investment will enable BeDimensional to accelerate the industrial scale-up, which was started earlier with the entry of Pellan Italia (led by Carlotta Costamagna) into the company, and especially to commercially validate the use of 2D crystals as additives in innovative industrial products, such as longer-lasting batteries and lubricants with unique characteristics, new polymers with high impact resistance, or heating membranes for textile applications.
Vittorio Pellegrini, CEO stated: “With the entry of Eureka! we can accelerate our path of industrialization of two-dimensional crystal production technology.” Vittorio also added, “In 2024, the world’s first industrial line capable of producing graphene and two-dimensional boron nitride on the scale of tons per year will be ready in our Genovese facility. The quality and prices of our 2D materials place us in a unique position in the emerging global market for 2D crystals whose value will grow significantly within the next five to seven years and will revolutionize many application areas where BeDimensional is already able to offer innovative solutions.“
Stefano Peroncini, managing director of EUREKA! Venture SGR mentioned: “The technology and expertise of BeDimensional’s scientists represent a unique approach to the production of graphene and other two-dimensional crystals that can revolutionize traditional manufacturing industry methods.” Eureka! Fund’s entry into BeDimensional is particularly in line with the general investment thesis of our Technology Transfer Fund, which is intended to enhance the most innovative Italian scientific research in advanced materials.“
