Niber Technologies, a deep-tech startup specializing in waterproof breathable membranes, has announced the successful completion of its pre-Series A funding round. Investors include Foxmont Capital Partners, ADB Ventures (the Asian Development Bank’s impact investment arm), and other regional family offices.
The newly acquired funding will be used to increase Niber Technologies‘ production capacity to meet rising demand from the consumer textiles market. The company also plans to expand into other sectors, including protective textiles, automotive ventilation, healthcare, and personal protective equipment.
Niber Technologies’ core technology is the development of PFAS-free electrospun polyurethane (ePU) membranes. This innovation addresses the growing global need for sustainable alternatives to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny due to their potential health and environmental risks. Bans on PFAS in textiles are approaching in regions like the EU, California, and New York, prompting brands to seek compliant solutions.
The company states that its PFAS-free membranes offer comparable waterproofing and breathability to traditional materials. Niber Technologies currently operates two manufacturing facilities in the Philippines, where it has established scalable production of its ePU membranes.
“This pre-Series A funding is a testament to the trust our investors place in our technology and the potential of our market,” said Jaemin Park, co-founder of Niber Technologies. “The demand for sustainable, high-performance materials has never been higher, and this investment allows us to accelerate production and meet the growing needs of our clients across multiple industries.”
Niber Technologies reports a surge in orders from global textile brands and increasing interest from specialized sectors like firefighter fabrics. The company is also exploring new applications for its technology in areas such as mattresses, automotive, and healthcare.
ADB Ventures highlighted the importance of sustainable material alternatives. “Niber Technologies’ technology supports the global shift towards the use of safer and more sustainable materials,” said Charles Cole Navarro, of ADB Ventures. “By eliminating PFAS and delivering high-performance waterproof breathable membranes, Niber Technologies is addressing a critical global challenge. We look forward to supporting its growth as it expands beyond textiles into new industries.”
Foxmont Capital Partners expressed confidence in Niber Technologies’ progress. Jelmer Ikink, Founding Partner at Foxmont Capital Partners said, “We are very happy to have worked closely with ADB Ventures on this round, which highlights proof of Niber Technologies’ impact. The growth and potential Niber Technologies’ has shown over the last quarters have exceeded our expectations, and we are proud to have made a follow-on commitment to fuel Niber Technologies’ growth.”
The funding will support scaling production at Niber Technologies’ second facility, expanding research and development for professional textiles, and preparing for future demand in emerging applications. The company aims to pursue a Series A funding round in 2025 to further expand its production capacity.
Founded in 2019, Niber Technologies develops and manufactures PFAS-free nanofiber membranes using proprietary electrospinning processes. These membranes are designed for various applications across industries including technical textiles, healthcare, filtration, automotive, and professional uses.