Alumni Ventures Invests in Ruby Bio’s Groundbreaking Sustainable Biochemistry Platform

Ruby Bio was co-founded by CEO Charlie Silver, a serial entrepreneur across industries. Most recently, he co-founded Mission Bio (an AV portfolio company), which accelerates discoveries and cures for a wide range of diseases. Silver helped Mission Bio scale globally and achieve widespread adoption after raising $120+ million for commercialization and growth. Co-Founder and CTO Pavan Kambam, led biosynthesis development and scale-up at six previous companies, including Greenlight Biosciences, The Every Company, and Eat Just.

“Ruby Bio is here to carry the chemical industry into the future with products that perform better, cost the same, and are far more sustainable than traditional petrochemicals,” said Silver, who recently discussed his company on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “Our innovative platform utilizes renewable feedstocks and advanced fermentation processes to produce chemicals that are essential in everyday products like detergents, shampoos, and food emulsifiers.”

By using engineered yeast in a process similar to beer brewing, Ruby Bio converts sugars and upcycled waste into high-performance surfactants and other specialty chemicals. This approach not only reduces reliance on harmful petrochemicals but also ensures the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Ruby Bio’s first product focuses on surfactants, essential molecules used in detergents, shampoos, and various industrial applications.

Since its inception, Ruby Bio has rapidly advanced its technology and market reach. The company is currently closing its first large-scale deals with major consumer goods companies eager to transition to more sustainable supply chains. Looking ahead, Ruby Bio plans to expand its product line to include a wide range of specialty chemicals, aiming to replace petrochemicals across multiple industries.

“Alumni Ventures is thrilled to support Ruby Bio as they lead the way in sustainable chemistry,” said AV Managing Partner Greg Baker, who hosted the conversation with Silver on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “Their innovative approach not only addresses the environmental issues associated with petrochemicals but also ensures that these high-performance alternatives are cost-competitive, making it easier for industries to adopt sustainable practices.”