Specialty Chemical Startup Scimplify Secures $9.5 Million in Series A Funding

In a significant boost to the specialty chemical manufacturing sector, Bengaluru-based startup Scimplify has raised an impressive $9.5 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Omnivore, with participation from Bertelsmann India Investments, along with existing investors 3one4 Capital and Beenext. This influx of capital is set to propel Scimplify’s growth and expansion, particularly in research and development (R&D) and new market entries.

Founded by Industry Veterans

Established in 2023 by industry veterans Salil Srivastava and Sachin Santhosh, Scimplify is a cutting-edge B2B fulfillment platform dedicated to the end-to-end sourcing and manufacturing of specialty chemicals. The company’s services span the entire product life cycle, from contract research to commercial chemical manufacturing, catering to industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and personal and home care.

Transforming Indian Specialty Chemical Manufacturing

Scimplify’s mission is clear: to leverage India’s existing manufacturing infrastructure and expertise to double the national output of specialty chemicals over the next five years. “The backbone of Indian specialty chemical manufacturing is mid-sized factories that have built in-depth, chemistry-specific expertise over decades,” said Srivastava. “However, there is significant available capacity to double the national output in the next five years with the given infrastructure.”

Scimplify aims to bring unique products to these factories using state-of-the-art R&D and meet the consistent demand from global customers with a tech-enabled, full-stack offering. This approach ensures modern, agile customers have access to innovative and sustainable chemical solutions.

Experienced Leadership Driving Innovation

Before founding Scimplify, Srivastava led the chemicals vertical at contract manufacturing unicorn Zetwerk, while Santhosh honed his skills at B2B vendor management startup Bizongo and B2B ecommerce platform OfBusiness. Their combined experience positions Scimplify as a formidable player in the specialty chemicals market.

A Booming Market

The global specialty chemicals market was valued at over $800 billion in 2023, with agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals comprising more than 60% of the market. India, as the world’s second-largest exporter of agrochemicals, stands to benefit significantly from Scimplify’s innovative approach. The Indian chemical industry is expected to double its output by 2027, highlighting the immense growth potential in this sector.

Commitment to Sustainability

Scimplify is not just about growth and profits; it’s also about sustainability. “Scimplify's science-driven platform delivers affordable, sustainable agrochemicals and green chemistry intermediaries,” said Mark Kahn, managing partner at Omnivore. “By streamlining R&D and manufacturing of sustainable formulations, they're meeting global demands and positioning India as a leader in sustainable manufacturing of chemical intermediaries.”

Future Prospects

With the new funding, Scimplify is well-positioned to enhance its R&D capabilities and expand into new markets, further cementing its role as a leader in the specialty chemicals sector. The company's innovative approach and commitment to sustainability are set to drive significant advancements in the industry, making Scimplify a name to watch in the coming years.