Chromologics raises €7 million to bring its natural colour ingredients closer to market
Copenhagen, Denmark
18th of November 2025​
Investors reaffirm their commitment
Copenhagen, Denmark. November 18th , 2025, – Chromologics, a Danish biotech company developing fermentation-based natural colours, has raised €7 million from Novo Holdings, EIFO (the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark), Döhler Ventures, Collateral Good Ventures and Synergetic. This takes the company’s total capital raised to almost €20 million.
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The funding will enable Chromologics to complete regulatory submissions for its natural food colour, Natu.Red®, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will also support the subsequent product launch and the scale-up of production in collaboration with its large-scale CMO partner providing access to high-capacity fermentation facilities.
Chromologics is a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and Novo Holdings and EIFO have backed the company since 2020 with a shared conviction of the market potential for fermentation-derived natural colors.
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CEO Gerit Tolborg, is pleased with the continued support from the investors and Board.
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“In times of shifting priorities, we deeply value the continued trust in our mission. Biomanufacturing remains essential to stabilize food supply chains – an endeavor that requires patient investors who understand the realities of innovation. The support from our existing shareholders underscores the confidence in both Chromologics’ technology and its commercial potential. Chromologics has demonstrated the cost efficiency, scalability, safety, and product-market fit of Natu.Red®.”
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Advancing regulatory milestones and market readiness
​The latest funding comes at a pivotal moment for the food colouring industry. As a result of the recent scrutiny of synthetic colourants, which has led to the ban of synthetic Red 3 in the United States, the demand for natural, heat- and pH-stable alternatives is now increasing further among food and beverage producers.
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Chromologics’ Natu.Red® offers a high-performing, heat- and pH-stable solution that is suitable for vegan diets and based on a stable supply chain, operating independently of traditional seasonal production cycles and geographic constraints. The development of fermentation-derived food ingredients is a key element in advancing the green transition. Fermented natural colours are more sustainable than natural colours extracted from fruits and vegetables as they require less land, water, and agricultural input while providing consistent quality independent of season or geographies.
Over the past four years, Chromologics has conducted trials with more than 90 food manufacturers across Europe and the United States, generating valuable insights into the performance and application potential of Natu.Red®.
Natu.Red® successfully replaces Red 3
— shown here in strawberry milk drinks.
Scaling for commercial readiness
Chromologics continues to experience strong customer interest across multiple applications – from meat and confectionery to plant-based products. With solid investor backing and a clear regulatory roadmap, the company is well positioned to bring its first natural colourant to market and pave the way for a new generation of sustainable food colours.
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​Chromologics has evolved from a pioneering innovator to a dedicated fermentation platform for natural colors. This transformation marks a new phase focused on delivering high and consisting quality batch after batch after batch — first to meet stringent regulatory standards, and ultimately to ensure the same excellence as a supplier for natural colors.​​​​​​​​
Thomas Grotkjær, Partner, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings, said:
“Our renewed, increased commitment reflects both Chromologics’ strong progress over the past five years and the growing market demand for natural, more sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. We continue to be impressed by the Company’s ability to develop a truly differentiated red color, and by the maturity of its technology, which has already led to a competitive cost position with potential for further optimization. The constructive dialogues with strategic players suggest that we can scale the business rapidly upon regulatory approval. We are confident that Chromologics’ technology and strategy will have a significant impact on the landscape for natural food colors.”
Sara Sande, Partner, EIFO, said:
“As bans on synthetic food colorants increase and current natural alternatives fall short and are not fully sustainable, Chromologics sets itself apart with proven, scalable, cost-competitive fermentation derived colors. In Chromologics we see a future technology leader with strong commercial potential in the growing natural food color market. This investment supports Chromologics as they prepare to launch their first product – and it underlines EIFOs commitment to support the green transition.”
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Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, Director, Döhler Ventures, said:
“Chromologics is favorably positioned to lead the forthcoming shift towards more natural and better performing ingredients. The sustainable fermentation technology provides a stable, scalable, and cost competitive solution for customers to quickly transition from existing solutions to the high-quality, natural colors that are required to meet both new legislative frameworks and a surging consumer demand.”
About Chromologics
Founded in 2017, Chromologics is a Danish company that has developed a precision fermentation platform for the production of natural food colours. Its proprietary process enables the sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective manufacture of these colours, which are compatible with a wide range of dietary requirements, including kosher, halal, and vegan.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chromologics.com
About Novo Holdings
Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic enterprise foundations. Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective.
In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Principal Investments, Planetary Health Investments, and Asia teams, Novo Holdings invests in life science companies at all stages of development.
As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had Total Assets under Management of DKK 1,060bn (EUR 142bn). For more information, please visit: www.novoholdings.com
About EIFO
As Denmark’s national promotional bank and official export
credit agency, EIFO works to open doors for global business, drive the green transition, advance innovative technologies, and contribute to Denmark’s security.
With total commitments exceeding EUR 22 billion and activities in more than 100 countries, EIFO provides financial solutions to Danish companies and their global partners.
EIFO is also Denmark’s largest venture investor, investing in both startups and funds. In 2024, EIFO made 78 investments in companies and 16 in funds.
For more information, please visit: www.eifo.dk
Press contact:
For more information, additional pictures, and interview requests, please contact:
CEO Gerit Tolborg
Email: gtolborg@chromologics.com
Phone: +45 61 60 32 09
Chromologics and Olon Group Announce Partnership
Copenhagen, Denmark
May 2024
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Olon Group, a global leader in food biomanufacturing and development, and Chromologics, a Danish biotech company specializing in innovative natural food colors, announced today their ongoing partnership aimed at leveraging Olon’s extensive fermentation infrastructure to manufacture Chromologics'
cutting-edge products.
Chromologics, a Danish biotech company specializing in the production of innovative natural food colors, and Olon Group, a global leader in food biomanufacturing and development, today announced an ongoing partnership to leverage Olon’s vast fermentation infrastructure to manufacture Chromologics products. Olon and Chromologics established this partnership to leverage Olon’s fermentation sites across Italy. Chromologics are going to revolutionize the natural food color market by selling a natural red color to enable food manufacturers in the US and EU to replace synthetic or unstable natural colors.
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Olon Group will play a pivotal role as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), scaling Chromologics’ biomanufacturing processes and focusing on the production of natural colors for the food and beverage industry.
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“Olon Biotech has over 50 years of experience in providing high-quality fermentation manufacturing services,” commented Andrea Conforto, VP CDMO of Olon Biotech. “Our global footprint has positioned us as one of the leading companies in microbial fermentation for third parties in Europe, supported by our significant fermentation capacity of 5,000m³. Over the last three years, we have invested more than 130 million euros in our Biotech Centers, significantly enhancing our capacity and sustainability. We are truly delighted that these efforts are contributing to the success of such a promising project in partnership with Chromologics.”
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Karsten Dinesen, COO of Chromologics, added, “It has been essential for Chromologics to find a CDMO capable of ensuring the quality of our final product and rapidly scaling our production capacity to meet the global demand for natural colors. Olon has met these requirements and demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism in implementing our novel technology.”
This partnership signifies a new chapter of innovation and growth for both Chromologics and Olon Biotech. Together, they are poised to drive positive change, deliver exceptional products, and make a lasting impact in the industry.
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About Chromologics
Chromologics is a Danish biotech company specializing in the production of innovative natural food colors. Committed to revolutionizing the natural food color market, Chromologics develops stable and high-quality alternatives to synthetic colors, catering to the global food and beverage industry.
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About Olon Group
Olon Group is a global leader in food biomanufacturing and development, known for its extensive experience in microbial fermentation. With over 60 years of industry expertise and significant investments in its Biotech Centers, Olon continues to lead the way in providing sustainable and high-quality fermentation manufacturing services.
Closure of an investment round
Copenhagen, Denmark
March 2023
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Chromologics raises additional funding, bringing the series seed to a total of EUR 12.6 M, and welcomes two new investors Doehler Ventures and Thia Ventures. The proceeds of EUR 7.1 M will be used to accelerate the commercialization of the first product, the natural red food color Natu.Red® provides attractive
advantages for both consumers and food manufacturers.
Chromologics, the Danish biotech company specializing in production of innovative natural food colors, today announced the successful closure of an extended seed round. The company raised an additional EUR 7.1 million in equity from its existing investors plus two new investors.
“We are thrilled to be able to accelerate our commercial development and welcome two new, strong investors, Doehler Ventures and Thia Ventures,” said Gerit Tolborg, CEO of Chromologics. “In particular, Doehler’s formal investment marks a new phase in our collaboration. We look forward to benefiting from their expertise as we begin developing commercial-scale production.”
Chromologics’ proprietary fermentation production method is environment-friendly, stable, and can ensure a cost competitive and sustainable supply to food and beverage manufacturers. Natu.Red®, the first product in the pipeline, is pH- and temperature stable, tasteless, water soluble, and vegan.
The co-founders, CEO Gerit Tolborg and CTO Anders Ødum, discovered this novel molecule and have over the last 5 years built Chromologics from a university spin-out to a company with own lab and pilot production facilities.
“Chromologics has convincingly demonstrated that, Natu.Red® is an attractive and sustainable alternative to existing synthetic and natural food colors. It is great to see growing international interest and validation of the company not just from investors but also from strategic partners, and a growing number of potential customers. The successful scale-up and production of the first several hundred kilograms of Natu.Red®, as well as the line of sight for regulatory approval calls for accelerating the commercial development.
The newly established Bioindustrials team at Novo Holdings has been established to support such a growth journey,” said Thomas Grotkjær, Partner at Novo Holdings, Chromologics’ largest investor.
“We look forward to supporting Chromologics as they develop and bring to market a range of natural food colors using their precision fermentation platform. We see a competitive advantage in this type of sustainable natural ingredient,” says Rodrigo Hortega at Doehler Ventures, the investment arm of global natural ingredients supplier, Doehler Group. “The timing is right, and we are prepared to offer the full network and know-how of the Doehler Group,” he added.
Chromologics’ has demonstrated scalability of their fermentation process to industrial scale, built a strong network of potential customers, and began their regulatory approval program. Early results indicate cost-effective production, excellent product performance, and safe use of Natu.Red® as a novel food additive.
During the coming funding period Chromologics will further advance regulatory approval, establish a commercial production line, expand the portfolio towards additional colors, and progress on commercial execution.
“This is an exciting time for Chromologics. The team has developed, grown their skillset, and added new expertise. They are well equipped and ready for the next stage of their journey towards commercial success,” said Jarne Ellehollm, Chairman of the Board.
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See here for synopses of investors Novo Holdings, Nordic Foodtech VC, Danmarks Eksport- og Investeringsfond, Thia Ventures, Doehler Ventures, Synergetic and Blue Horizon.
ABOUT CHROMOLOGICS
Chromologics is a Danish company founded in 2017 with a precision fermentation platform to produce natural food colors. Our proprietary fermentation process allows us to produce natural colors that are sustainable, scalable, and cost-competitive while being compatible with most dietary needs, including kosher, halal, and vegan diets.
ABOUTÂ DOEHLER
Doehler is a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the global food, beverage, and nutrition industry. Doehler is all about mastering multi- sensory performance and nutrition. Being Sustainable by nature®, we help to nourish the world better – good for people, good for planet®.
All our ingredients are derived from natural raw materials. Doehler’s comprehensive product portfolio of natural ingredients ranges from natural flavors, natural colors, natural health ingredients, a broad range of plant-based ingredients to ingredient systems and end-to-end solutions. Focused on science, technology and innovation, we shape the future of nutrition.
