Laval-based cleantech startup Dispersa has raised $5.8 million CAD in an oversubscribed seed funding round. The round, led by Nàdarra Ventures, will accelerate the commercialization of its innovative biosurfactants derived from food waste. This funding marks a significant milestone in Dispersa's mission to transform the chemical industry with sustainable alternatives.

A Breakthrough in Biosurfactants

Dispersa has developed a proprietary fermentation process that converts food waste into high-performance biosurfactants. Its flagship product, PuraSurf, serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum and palm oil-derived surfactants. The company aims to provide manufacturers with a cost-effective, eco-friendly ingredient for cleaning products, detergents, and personal care items.

Investor Confidence in a Sustainable Future

The seed round was financed entirely by Canadian investors, highlighting strong domestic support for Dispersa's vision. Alongside lead investor Nàdarra Ventures, participants included BDC Thrive Lab, Cycle Momentum, The51 Food and AgTech Fund, and Fonds d'investissement Eurêka via Hidden Layers Capital. Existing backers such as Good & Well, Dragonfly Ventures, BoxOne Ventures, and Front Row Ventures also contributed, reaffirming their commitment to the company's growth.

Scaling Production for Commercial Demand

With the fresh capital, Dispersa is preparing to scale its production to commercial volumes. The company plans to expand its team, hiring at least 14 new employees across manufacturing, sales, and operations. This growth will help meet increasing demand from North American manufacturers seeking sustainable ingredient alternatives.

Manufacturing and Expansion Plans

Dispersa operates from its headquarters in Laval, Québec, and collaborates with the Verschuren Centre in Nova Scotia for biosurfactant production. The company is now gearing up for large-scale commercial manufacturing to meet growing customer orders. Its expansion aligns with the rising global push for sustainable and locally sourced chemical ingredients.

A Vision Rooted in Innovation

CEO and founder Nivatha Balendra first explored biosurfactants during a school science fair project, sparking a lifelong commitment to sustainable chemistry. Her drive to make eco-friendly ingredients more accessible is further shaped by her personal journey as a cancer survivor. Under her leadership, Dispersa is positioning itself as a pioneer in circular economy-driven biomanufacturing.

Regulatory and Market Tailwinds

The demand for sustainable surfactants is increasing as manufacturers face stricter environmental regulations and evolving consumer preferences. The looming threat of trade tariffs further underscores the need for domestic supply chains and localized biomanufacturing. Dispersa's technology offers a timely solution, addressing both regulatory compliance and sustainability challenges in the industry.

Strategic Industry Support

The funding round also brings new strategic expertise to Dispersa, with Alexandra Baillie of Good & Well and Mary Dimou of Nàdarra Ventures joining its board. Their guidance will help the company navigate its next phase of growth and commercialization. Investors recognize Dispersa’s role in reshaping the industry by providing circular economy-driven alternatives to conventional chemical ingredients.

Dispersa's successful seed funding round marks a significant step toward mainstreaming waste-derived biosurfactants. With strong investor backing, the company is set to scale production, expand its workforce, and fulfill a growing pipeline of purchase orders. As it advances its mission, Dispersa is poised to redefine the surfactant market with sustainable, high-performance solutions.