Laurus Bio secures Rs 160cr investment to accelerate expansion

Laurus Bio Private Limited, a subsidiary of Laurus Labs, has announced a significant equity investment totalling ₹160 crore. The investment comes from Eight Roads Ventures, F-Prime Capital, and Laurus Labs itself. The funding aims to enhance Laurus Bio’s fermentation-based manufacturing capabilities, aligning with the growing global demand for sustainable biomanufacturing technologies.

The agreement includes ₹120 crore from Eight Roads Ventures and F-Prime Capital, alongside an additional ₹40 crore co-invested by Laurus Labs at the same valuation. The promoters of Laurus Bio have also been issued share warrants, which can be exercised within two years at the same valuation. Moreover, the deal includes an option for additional investment of ₹35 crore by Laurus Labs or Eight Roads Ventures before December 2025, again at the same valuation.

Following this transaction, Laurus Labs will hold a commanding 75% stake in Laurus Bio, with Eight Roads Ventures and Laurus Bio’s promoters owning 14% and 9%, respectively, on a fully diluted basis.

Boosting fermentation capabilities

The company plans to channel this equity infusion into expanding its microbial fermentation capacities. This move is expected to enhance the company’s ability to meet growing customer demands and accelerate the development of its internal product pipeline. Key initiatives include scaling high-quality commercial manufacturing and strengthening its position as a global leader in biomanufacturing.

Dr. Satyanarayana Chava, founder and CEO of Laurus Labs, stated that this partnership with Eight Roads Ventures underscores their commitment to Laurus Bio’s growth trajectory. He highlighted the potential to further enhance manufacturing and research and development infrastructure to drive innovation and growth.

Rajesh Krishnamurthy, CEO of Laurus Bio, noted the pivotal role of the partnership in advancing microbial fermentation capabilities. He described the collaboration as a means to expedite product development and expand commercial-scale production capacities.

Industry insights and potential impact

Dr. Prem Pavoor, managing partner at Eight Roads Ventures India, emphasised the strategic significance of biomanufacturing across industries such as personal care, food and nutrition, materials, and pharmaceuticals. He expressed optimism about positioning Laurus Bio as a global leader in the sustainable manufacturing sector, leveraging its best-in-class biomanufacturing platform.

This development reflects a growing trend in the biopharmaceutical sector, where companies are investing heavily in sustainable and scalable production technologies. With this funding, Laurus Bio is set to become a stronger player in precision fermentation and recombinant technology, catering to a diverse range of industries beyond traditional pharmaceuticals.

About Laurus Labs and Laurus Bio

Laurus Labs is a research-driven pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation that specialises in APIs, oncology, and antiretrovirals. Its robust global footprint includes 14 manufacturing facilities approved by international regulators, employing over 6,700 professionals.

Laurus Bio, formerly known as Richcore Lifesciences, operates as a biomanufacturing organisation with over 15 years of expertise in animal-free recombinant products. Its diverse portfolio spans biopharma, food, health, and personal care markets.