DURHAM – NALA Membranes has raised an additional $700,000 and plans to use the capital to accelerate the development and commercialization of the company’s technology that could change how the world accesses clean water.
The startup, which had prior financial backing from local venture capital firm Oval Park Capital as well as angel investors from RTP Capital and the WALE Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington, N.C., also won a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation in 2021.
“NALA Membranes has aspirations to be a part of global hydro hubs,” the company statement reads. “Water and wastewater treatment systems are often responsible for a large fraction of the energy used by local utilities and with growing needs for more water treatment due to drought and contamination, utilities are fighting to remain energy efficient.”
That’s where the company’s technology comes in play.
Currently, most reverse osmosis membranes are damaged by chlorine-based disinfectants, according to the company. But the technology that it has developed will be resistant to chlorine.
“Chlorine prevents biological growth from clogging the membranes, but also destroys them,” said Sue Mecham, cofounder, CEO and president of NALA Membranes in the statement. “Eliminating the chlorine to protect the membranes results in membrane fouling, and in turn means more energy is needed to push water through the clogged membranes.”
The company seeks to open windows for further technological breakthrough that expands access to fresh, clean water across the globe, whether for consumption, agricultural use, or industrial use.
“The water crisis is a global problem that varies by local conditions meaning that there is no single answer for every situation,” the website reads. “By expanding the membrane materials and products available for desalination and water purification we can open windows for technological breakthroughs.”
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Backed by existing funders
“Production efficiency and energy efficiency have to go hand-in-hand, and we are excited to invest in an environment-friendly company doing great things in the water space,” said David Mendez of Good Growth Capital, who was an existing investor and also chose to invest additional capital in the latest fundraise.
Each of the other existing funders participated in the new round, according to the company’s statement. And more funding could be coming, Mecham noted.
“Will be instrumental in completing development in preparation for pilot testing followed by a commercial launch in 2023,” said Mecham of the fundraising efforts. The company is among those presenting at the upcoming CED Venture Connect conference.
Mecham cofounded the company in 2018 with her mother, Dr. Judy Riffle, a polymer chemist who serves as the company’s chief technical officer. WRAL TechWire profiled the startup in early 2021. The company changed its name from NALA Systems to NALA Membranes last month, a move made to stay consistent to the startup’s stated mission to drive innovation in desalination operations using its technology.
“Our new membranes will challenge the performance, efficiency, and durability of the current commercial RO membranes and expand the window of treatable water while reducing required pretreatment,” the company’s website reads.
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