Plural invests in a developer of nanoparticle technology to create new materials VSParticle

Plural, founded by Estonian entrepreneurs Sten Tamkivi and Taavet Hinrikus, has led a €6,5M round in Dutch startup VSParticle, which develops nanoparticle technology to create new materials. Another previous lead investor Helsinki-based NordicNinja participated in the round.

Founded in Delft (Netherlands) in 2014 by Aaike van Vugt, VSParticle is a spin-off from Delft University of Technology. It has developed a device VSP-G1 Nanoparticle Generator that can split materials at the atomic level in a few minutes. The device uses spark ablation technology, a physics-based process, which generates pure particles in a highly controlled environment, without using chemicals. Materials can be broken down to the size of nanoparticles, from which new materials can be created. The VSP’s device allows the printing of new materials consisting of any combination of 64 different elements from the periodic table. According to the company, its technology can reduce the total time of material discovery from fifteen years to one year.

VSParticle will use the investment to reach more research teams in other countries, including Japan. VSParticle has shipped its nano printer to teams across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America (the Sorbonne University Abu Dural, and others) over the past year, who will use it to accelerate material development for innovative industrial solutions.

Founded in 2022 by Sten Tamkivi (founder of the software company Teleport and former Skype executive), Taavet Hinrikus (founder of the money transfer service Wise), Ian Hogarth, and Khaled Helioui, Plural focuses on leading early-stage rounds between €1M and €10M. In 2023, a new partner, AI-driven biotech HelixNano founder, and VC investor Carina Namih joined Plural. The fund has its own rule that requires all of Plural's partners to make personal co-investments in the deals they lead.