Redefining Global Metal Extraction: DTCF invests in Genomines’ $45M Series A

Today, the DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) announced the investment in Genomines, a Paris-based company redefining global metal extraction through plant-based biotechnology. Genomines has raised an oversubscribed $45 million Series A, led by Engine Ventures and Forbion BioEconomy. Other investors who also participated in the round include Wind, existing investors like Lower Carbon Capital, and several others. 

Genomines’ proprietary phytoextraction platform uses genetically enhanced “hyperaccumulator” plants to absorb and concentrate metals such as nickel from soil. After harvesting and processing, the biomass is refined into high-purity metal intermediates for battery applications. Field trials are underway in South Africa and at other selected sites, in collaboration with partners across the automotive and battery value chain.  

Tobias Faupel, Managing Director at DTCF, commented: “Genomines represents the kind of visionary entrepreneurship we look for at DTCF: a team that dares to rethink entire industries. By turning underutilized land into a source of critical metals at competitive prices, they offer a credible path to both resilience and decarbonization in global supply chains. We are impressed by their strategic partnerships with global automotive OEMs and look forward to supporting this exceptional team on their growth path.” 

Fabien Koutchekian, co-founder and CEO of Genomines, said: “Our mission is to harness plant biotechnology to extract resources essential for clean energy technology via scalable processes that preserve biodiversity, soil health, and human well-being. Our vision is to create an entirely new industry of plant-based metals. Genomines unlocks a scalable new resource base—we can fundamentally rebalance global mineral supply chains for decades to come.” 

Cristina Doumitrachko, Investment Associate at DTCF, who will represent the company on Genomines’ board, added: “Dali and Fabien have shown with Genomines that phytomining is no longer just a scientific concept but an industrial reality, scalable and sustainable. Applied at scale, it has the potential to supply critical metals more responsibly and diversify the strategic raw materials base.” 

For the German economy, the relevance is particularly strong: Germany is one of Europe’s largest nickel consumers, with heavy reliance on imports from a small number of supplier countries. Genomines’ technology offers a resilient and sustainable alternative, helping to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency in sectors such as battery manufacturing and stainless steel. 

Genomines was founded in 2021 by Fabien Koutchekian (CEO), a second-time deep tech entrepreneur, and Dr. Dali Rashid (CTO), a plant biotechnologist whose pioneering academic research laid the foundation for the company’s technology. Together, they lead a multidisciplinary team of 23 employees, including six PhDs, combining expertise in biotechnology, mining, and large-scale operations across South Africa. 

More information for Media

📄 Read the press release here (PDF EN, PDF DE) 

Media Contacts 
Aidan Dunning for Genomines – aidan.dunning@genomines.com
Stephanie Stein for DTCF – s.stein@dtcf.de 

About Genomines
Founded in 2021, Genomines is pioneering the future of global metal extraction with efficient, plant-based metal farming. While nickel is the first focus, Genomines’ platform is designed for sustainable, cost-effective multi-metal extraction, with the potential to extend to cobalt, rare earth elements, and other critical materials central to the clean energy transition. Recognized under the France 2030 program as a member of the i-Demo initiative and as a member of Station F’s Future 40, Genomines has been publicly endorsed for its critical role in building resilient, low-carbon supply chains. More information

About DeepTech & Climate Fonds
The DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) invests up to €50 million in high-growth deep-tech and climate-tech companies in Germany and Europe. As an anchor investor and partner of long-term-oriented European investors, DTCF supports companies with extended development cycles and substantial financial needs in implementing sustainable growth strategies and actively contributes to expanding the technology ecosystem. The fund acts as a bridge between investors, SMEs, and innovative high-tech startups in the fields of climate, computing, industry, and life sciences. Funded by resources from the German Future Fund and the ERP Special Fund, DTCF plans to invest €1 billion over the coming years to strengthen the European technology ecosystem. More information