MIT Spinoff Via Separations Raises $38M Series B for Decarbonization

Via Separations Secures $38 Million Series B Funding

Via Separations, a company originating from MIT, has developed a novel approach to significantly decrease energy consumption within manufacturing processes. This innovation leads to a reduction in both carbon emissions and operational costs.

The company recently announced the successful completion of a $38 million Series B funding round.

Investment Details

NGP ETP, an investment firm specializing in carbon emission reduction technologies, spearheaded the round. Additional participation came from 2040 Foundation, alongside existing investors including The Engine, Safar Partners, Prime Impact Fund, Embark Ventures, and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

Decarbonizing Manufacturing for Consumer Benefit

Shreya Dave, CEO and co-founder, explained the company’s core mission: to empower consumers to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.

“Our aim is to decarbonize the supply chain, removing the need for consumers to choose between their desired products and environmental responsibility,” she stated.

How the Via Solution Works

The Via system is deployed as a filtration unit integrated directly into existing manufacturing workflows.

Dave illustrates the process using a simple analogy: “Instead of boiling off liquids with heat, our system utilizes pressure to force materials through a filter, much like a pasta strainer.”

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Integration

This method offers substantial advantages.

• It drastically reduces energy requirements, utilizing electricity instead of heat – a 90% energy saving.
• The use of electricity allows for seamless integration with renewable energy sources, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Target Industry and Future Applications

Currently, Via Separations is focusing its efforts on the $5 billion pulp and paper industry.

However, the underlying technology possesses broader applicability across sectors such as petrochemicals, food and beverage production, and pharmaceuticals.

Service-Based Model and Software Monitoring

Via Separations is transitioning towards a service-based model.

This approach minimizes upfront capital expenditure for clients and shifts the responsibility for maintenance to Via.

Furthermore, the company is developing a software platform for remote monitoring of deployed systems, enabling proactive maintenance and maximizing environmental impact.

Company Growth and Diversity

Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from MIT, Via Separations currently employs 23 individuals.

The company intends to expand its team to 30 employees by year-end.

Shreya Dave and co-founder/CTO Brent Keller are committed to fostering a diverse workforce.

“We believe a diverse candidate exists for every role, and we prioritize allocating resources to broaden our perspective,” Dave explained, adding that they often consider potential alongside experience and implement anti-bias training during recruitment.

Origins in MIT Research

The company’s foundational research was conducted by Dave and Keller while graduate students at MIT, under the guidance of their professor, Jeffrey Grossman, who now serves as Via’s chief scientist.

Initially, their research centered on water filtration membranes designed to reduce the cost of desalination.

“We discovered that our invention held limited application in water treatment but demonstrated significant potential in chemical manufacturing processes involving non-aqueous materials,” Dave clarified.

Shifting Focus to Industrial Manufacturing

This realization prompted a strategic shift towards industrial manufacturing, recognizing its greater potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – a key priority for the founders.