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Immobazyme raises R25 million led by University Technology Fund
Stellenbosch biotech Immobazyme has raised R25 million, about $1.45 million, led by the University Technology Fund, taking total funding to R50 million.
By Propel Africa · 2025-12-01
Immobazyme, a South African biotech company, has raised R25 million (about $1.45 million) in new growth capital, bringing its total funding to R50 million (about $2.9 million). Launch Base Africa reported the round on 1 December 2025. The University Technology Fund led, University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE) backed it as an existing investor, and Fireball Capital joined as a new strategic investor. An early angel investor exited in the round.
What Immobazyme does
Founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Stellenbosch University, the Cape Town company uses precision fermentation to design, optimise and scale biologics. These include recombinant growth factors, peptides and enzymes, which are used in cultivated meat, cosmetics, research and therapeutics. Dominic Nicholas is chief executive, and he founded the company with Ethan Hunter and Nicholas Enslin.
Where it stands
The company already earns revenue by supplying enzymes and growth factors to industrial partners. It plans to shift towards higher-value pharmaceutical applications. Nicholas said: "Our platform is already delivering measurable impact."
How the money will be used
Immobazyme will finish a new 1,800 square metre Cape Town facility with research labs and a production cleanroom, and advance its therapeutics programme. Over the next 12 months it will hire specialist staff and raise production for international partners.
At a glance
- Company: Immobazyme
- Raised: R25 million (about $1.45 million)
- Round or Type: Growth round
- Lead: University Technology Fund
- Other investors: University of Stellenbosch Enterprises, Fireball Capital
- Founded: 2019
- Based in: Cape Town, South Africa
- Key number: R50 million total funding