A London-based DeepTech startup developing biomanufacturing technology for the global chemicals industry has raised £1.7 million in pre-seed funding to scale its cell-free enzyme reactor platform.

The round for Anzen Industries was led by LocalGlobe and Creator Fund and will help the company shift operations to the US, where it plans to establish its first manufacturing site and pursue new industrial partnerships.

The move will see Anzen build a biomanufacturing facility in California, producing high-value molecules used in cosmetics, fragrance and food, alongside applications in critical minerals processing.

Co-founded by scientists Amy Locks and Pedro Lovatt Garcia, the business combines proprietary enzyme reactors, immobilisation methods and AI-driven design to look to improve efficiency and reduce the cost and complexity of producing hard-to-make chemicals.