Greek startup CoffeeCo Upcycle has raised €715,000 in the first close of its €1 million seed round, backed by London-based VDK Capital and international investors. The funding will accelerate the company's mission to transform coffee waste into high-value products through its innovative AI-powered biotechnology process.
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Alexis Pantziaros and Marios Vlachogiannis, CoffeeCo addresses a significant environmental challenge: the 23 million tons of coffee waste generated annually worldwide. Using proprietary chemical-free extraction technology, the company recovers antioxidant-rich compounds and natural fibers from spent coffee grounds, converting them into skincare ingredients and experimental bioplastics.
The company's flagship product line, Auraskin, offers clinically validated benefits including antioxidant protection, enhanced hydration, and microbiome support. Their innovative 'skincare-to-go' model has successfully placed products in over 90 coffee shops and retail locations across Greece, Cyprus, Spain, the UK, Romania, and most recently, the United States.
Currently processing over 10 tons of spent coffee grounds monthly, CoffeeCo plans to scale to 22 tons with this new investment. The funding will primarily support expansion into key international markets, starting with the UK and US, while building distribution partnerships with major coffee chains and specialty retailers.
"Our upcycled extract has shown exceptional microbiome-enhancing capacity," says Marios Vlachogiannis, co-founder and COO of CoffeeCo. "That's where the real differentiation lies. It's not just about being natural or sustainable—it's about offering high-performance skincare that respects the skin's ecosystem while closing the loop on waste."
CoffeeCo's vertically integrated approach—from waste collection to finished product—demonstrates how AI-enhanced biotechnology can create sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges while generating economic value, positioning the company as a leader in circular bioeconomy innovation.