CarboCode raises €15 million to advance production of human-identical gangliosides

CarboCode, a biotechnology company headquartered at Biocant Park in Cantanhede, Portugal, has secured €15 million in a Series C funding round led by Iberis Capital. This investment will support the company’s efforts to scale up production of human-identical glycosphingolipids and gangliosides—key components found in breast milk and organ membranes that contribute to brain function, gut health, and inflammation control.

Founded in 2017, CarboCode operates a development and scale-up facility in Portugal and a research center in Konstanz, Germany. The company’s proprietary platform enables the large-scale production of these bio-identical compounds for applications in infant nutrition, dermatology, and cognitive health.

Central to its mission is addressing the absence of gangliosides in infant formulas by bringing these essential molecules into products for infants and other populations. The company's first industrial-scale factory, located in Biocant Park, is set to produce up to 100 tons of gangliosides annually.

“This funding is a crucial milestone in our journey to deliver innovative health solutions,” said Jorge Santos, CEO of CarboCode. “Access to human-identical gangliosides presents a rare opportunity to make a real positive impact on people’s lives. CarboCode’s technologies enable the production of these compounds, driving our commitment to making this dream a short-term reality.”

In addition to supporting production expansion, the funds will enable CarboCode to meet regulatory requirements in key markets. The company aims to secure approvals in the EU and the USA by 2027, followed by China in 2028.

Operating as a B2B supplier, CarboCode will provide its ingredients to major players in the infant nutrition industry, including Danone, Nestlé, Abbott, and Mead Johnson. The company projects an annual turnover of more than €100 million by 2029, with all production dedicated to exports.

CarboCode is also expanding its workforce, growing from 35 employees—including 16 PhDs—by adding 15 more researchers to accelerate product development and advance ganglioside research.

In addition to its applications in infant nutrition, CarboCode is exploring opportunities in skincare, cognitive health, and other areas where glycosphingolipids play a critical role. These molecules regulate cell signaling, protect against immune attacks, and support healthy skin and brain function, making them valuable across diverse industries.

By integrating cutting-edge biotechnology and chemistry, CarboCode has overcome challenges in producing human sphingolipids at industrial scale and cost. This breakthrough positions the company as a leader in the field, driving innovation in health-focused biotechnology.