PitchIT No. 12 - Biovitae
In this issue, we'll take a look at Biovitae: a cutting-edge, human-safe lighting technology that sanitizes environments continuously.
Hello! I’m Alessio from Ulixes Capital Partners and this is PitchIT: a now biweekly snapshot describing one of the most interesting early-stage companies in the Italian startup ecosystem in 3 minutes or less. In this issue, we'll be taking a look at Biovitae: a cutting-edge, human-safe lighting technology that sanitizes environments continuously.
One small disclaimer before we get started: Ulixes Capital was an early investor in Biovitae. With that said, they are among the most revolutionary startups we’ve funded and, in my slightly biased opinion, absolutely merit the attention.
In a sentence:
The only UV-free LED technology that guarantees continuous and passive sanitization, using a patented combination of wavelengths within the visible spectrum to eradicate bacteria, viruses, moulds, fungi, and spores.
Problem:
Our modern world has not been designed with the risks of harmful microorganisms in mind. Diseases and viruses travel like wildfire and the solutions currently available for prevention are either ineffective or too intrusive. Additionally, abuse of antibiotics and chemicals have caused antibiotic resistance, a global health crisis considered the “greatest threat to modern medicine”. Antibiotic resistance has led to the emergence of "superbugs," bacteria that develop infections resistant to all antibiotic therapies.
Why now?
High profile pandemics have made the general public much more aware of the microbial infection risk that is omnipresent in everyday life and how the systems in place for prevention aren’t adequate. Biovitae’s technology, with the protection its continuous sanitization provides, is the most effective solution to prevent and reduce microbial infections in indoor environments.
Market:
Since Biovitae can replace any conventional LED lighting solution, its top-down TAM is that of the massive and rapidly growing LED lighting market, currently worth $81.5B with a CAGR of 11% between 2024 and 2030.
Business model:
Biovitae generates revenue from its solution through two primary channels:
Direct Sales of lighting products to the general public and a number of clients across various industries including hospitals, airports, schools, and any more.
Royalties generated by licensing the technology to large industrial players and distributors.
Team:
Mauro Pantaleo, CEO: Previously, Mauro co-founded P&P Patents and Advisory, was a Director at Barclays, and held distinguished governmental roles. He holds a Masters in Economics and Business from Sapienza Università di Roma.
Rosario Valles, CSO: Rosario holds a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.
Carmelo R. Cartiere, CTO: Previously, Carmelo was Founder and Managing Director at Columbia Systems for nearly 23 years. He holds an MSc in Quantum Software Engineering from Oxford University.
Biovitae’s extended team includes Omar El Fata, Head of Business Development; Giovanni della Monica, CFO; Chiara Cavallo, Head of Marketing and Communication; and 6 other FTEs.
Traction/Achievements:
Validated technology fully, at the TRL 9 level
Tested and proved effectiveness on all major bacteria and viral species
Filed 14 international patents, of which 10 are granted and 4 are pending
Launched many ongoing projects with top market players
Signed >50 agreements (MoU/JDA/Licensing/Distribution)
Raised >€5M between venture capital funds and grants
Installed in >20 buildings and offices: in healthcare, education, livestock and food processing, corporate, retail, sports, and more.
Won a number of awards from companies and global institutions
Basic info:
Company Name: NEXTSENSE S.r.l.
Founding Date: 2015
Headquarters: Salerno and Rome, Italy
P.IVA: 05403770653
Employee Count: 12 FTE
Past Investors: Angelini Investments, Ulixes Capital Partners
Stage: Pre-Series A
Contact info:
For more information about Biovitae, please reach out to Mauro:
Email: m.pantaleo@nextsense.it
Phone: +39 (0)6 69322721
Website: https://biovitae.it/
If you’d like to get in contact with us, please feel free to leave a comment or send us an email at pitchit@substack.com
To founders: if you’d like to be considered for a future issue of PitchIT, please feel free to send an email to pitchit@substack.com with a brief description of your startup. Also, if you’re looking to fundraise and you fit within Ulixes Capital Partners’ investment thesis, feel free to fill out an application here.