Spanish startup Catalyxx secures €3 million to boost its sustainable chemicals R&D centre

Seville-based startup Catalyxx, specialised in converting bioethanol into sustainable chemical products, has closed a €3 million funding round led by Axon Partners Group to drive development of the company’s facility, focused on producing renewable chemicals and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

The operation is part of the Axon Desarrollo Andalucía fund, managed by Axon with support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Regional Government of Andalusia.

“This new round allows us to strengthen and continue the development of our technology centre in Seville and to consolidate an industrial base from which we can scale our technology globally,” said Joaquín Alarcón de la Lastra, CEO of Catalyxx.

Founded in 2017 by former executive at Abengoa, Joaquín Alarcón de la Lastra, Catalyxx is a sustainable chemistry company whose mission is to replace fossil-based chemicals and help transform the industry toward greater sustainability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Catalyxx has developed a patented, non-fermentative process capable of converting bioethanol into biobutanol, biohexanol, biooctanol, and biodecanol —renewable alternatives to fossil-derived products used in paints, adhesives, resins, and cosmetics.

The company has raised over €18 million in the past year from investors including Aether Chemical Investments, the European Commission’s EIC Accelerator, and now Axon Partners Group.

“Catalyxx is a clear example of the kind of transformative company we aim to support through the Axon Desarrollo Andalucía fund,” said Macarena González, Investment Manager at Axon in Andalusia. “Its technology has the potential to position the region as a European benchmark in sustainable chemistry and the energy transition.”

In parallel to its progress in Andalusia, Catalyxx has received pre-approval from the European Investment Bank for a €37 million financing to build its first full-scale industrial plant in France. The FOAK (First-Of-A-Kind) facility will operate alongside a local partner and will use Catalyxx’s proprietary technology to produce renewable biobutanol.

Due diligence is expected to take place in July in Seville, with formal approval anticipated upon successful completion. According to the EIB, this type of technology is essential for advancing Europe’ s decarbonisation goals and strengthening the shift toward a circular, low-carbon chemical industry.​

“This decision by the EIB is a key milestone for Catalyxx and validates our vision to transform the chemical industry through sustainability and efficiency,” added Alarcón de la Lastra.

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