Nibertex, a deep-tech manufacturing company specializing in PFAS-free waterproof and breathable textile membranes, has raised $7 million in its Series A funding round. The investment was led by Southeast Asian venture capital firm TNB Aura, with support from existing investors Asian Development Bank (ADB), Faircrest Holding, and Foxmont Capital Partners.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals widely used to make products water- and stain-resistant, such as rain jackets, activewear, medical gowns, food packaging, and non-stick cookware. These chemicals are increasingly restricted worldwide due to their persistence in the environment and links to health risks.
“PFAS-free performance materials are no longer a ‘nice to have’ — they’re fast becoming a requirement,” said Richard Beck, Ph.D, chief strategy officer of Nibertex and a former senior executive at W. L. Gore & Associates (GORE-TEX). “At Nibertex, we’re combining decades of scientific and commercial expertise to deliver membrane solutions that meet real-world technical demands. With our global outlook and deep materials knowledge, we aim to serve as a trusted partner to manufacturers navigating this critical shift.”
As countries in the United States, the European Union, and Asia-Pacific accelerate bans on PFAS, manufacturers are looking for alternatives that maintain product performance. Nibertex offers a proprietary electrospinning, or “nanospinning,” technology to produce waterproof, breathable, PFAS-free membranes.
“Nibertex is solving a pressing challenge for the global materials industry,” said Vicknesh Pillay, co-founder and managing partner at TNB Aura. “Their early commercial success, coupled with cost-effective manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines and a product that stands strong against global membrane players, we have high conviction.” Pillay said this marks TNB Aura’s first major investment in the Philippines.
Founded in 2019, Nibertex produces ultra-soft, silent, and stretchable membranes designed to blend into textiles for use in performance apparel, healthcare, industrial, and consumer products.
The funding will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, advance research and development into new applications beyond apparel, and strengthen partnerships with global brands.
“This funding milestone represents a pivotal moment for Nibertex as we scale our operations to meet the surging global demand for sustainable textile alternatives,” said Jae Park, co-founder and chief operating officer of Nibertex. “Our proprietary nanospinning technology gives us a competitive edge in delivering high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions that the industry desperately needs.”