ESTER Biotech
Where to find us at Bits & Pretzels

European Pitch Contest, Top50

Key Facts

Company Description

We develop enzymatic recycling technologies that transform plastic waste into virgin-grade raw materials — a key enabler of a circular economy. With proprietary enzyme screening and an AI-driven optimization framework, we precisely tailor enzymes for specific recycling applications.

Product/Service Description

Our solutions empower packaging producers and recyclers to unlock high yields, process contaminated streams, and create food-grade recyclate at lower cost and CO₂ footprint.

Crunchbase

Country

Germany

Founding Year

2025

Employees

5-10

Company Stage

MVP/Prototype

Business Model

B2B

Focus Industries

Chemicals/Materials

Active Markets

(5 most relevant ones)

Germany, Austria, France, UK

Look for at Bits & Pretzels

Customers
Investors
Mentors/Advisors
Network
Partners

Funding & Investors

3 Lead Investors

PTJ

Capital Raised to Date

1 160 000 €

Last Funding Type

Seed

Last Funding Date

January 2025

Capital Need (€)

5-15M

Currently Fundraising

(at the time of  Bits & Pretzels 2025)

No

Growth Outlook

Traction

Most powerful PET-degrading enzyme, in patenting; first industry pilot projects in 100 L scale

Monetization Model

Sale of recycled material, sale or licensing of enzymes, and licensing of recycling technology

3 Reference Customers

Confidential

Revenues 2024

Planned Revenues 2025

80 000 €

Planned Revenues 2026

200 000 €

Target Markets

(within 24 months)

Benelux
Central & Eastern Europe
Nordics
Western Europe

Team

Martin Hirschfeld

Managing Director & Co-Founder

martin@esterbiotech.com

Ronny Frank

Managing Director & Co-Founder

ronny@esterbiotech.com