Zymergen
Develops bio-based materials and molecules using machine learning, genomics, and automation, with applications in electronics, consumer care, and agriculture.
- CEO / Founder
- Jay Flatley
- Team Size
- 501-1000
- Stage
- Acquired
- Total Funding
- $883M
- Latest Round
- IPO
- Key Investors
- SoftBank; Baillie Gifford; Baron Capital; True 18 Ventures; First Round Capital; Obvious Ventures; Prelude Ventures
Technology & Products
Key Products
Hyaline; ZYM0107; Z2 polyimide powder
Technological Advantage
Zymergen's platform integrates machine learning, genomics, and automation to rapidly design and optimize microbes for material production. This approach enables the creation of unique bio-based materials that are difficult to replicate, providing a competitive edge in performance and sustainability. The company's IP portfolio includes patents related to polyimide particles for additive manufacturing, indicating a focus on high-performance applications.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides sustainable, high-performance materials and molecules that replace traditional petrochemical-based products, offering improved performance and reduced environmental impact.
How They Differentiate
Zymergen differentiates through its integrated platform that combines biology, chemistry, and automation, enabling the rapid development of novel materials. Unlike competitors focused on specific applications, Zymergen targets multiple high-value industries with a diverse product portfolio.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers in electronics, consumer care, and agriculture
Industry Verticals
Electronics; Consumer Care; Agriculture
Competitors
Ginkgo Bioworks; Twist Bioscience; Arzeda
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Revenue decreased 55.26% YoY in Q2 2022; product revenue expected immaterial in 2022; headcount reduced by ~80 jobs in July 2022, nearly half of size from a year ago.
Major Milestones
Founded in 2013; Raised $300M in Series D led by Baillie Gifford in 2020; IPO in April 2021 raising ~$530M; Acquired by Ginkgo Bioworks in 2022 for ~$300M
Notable Customers
Octant