Ecosystem

Nibertex bags US$7M to push boundaries in breathable waterproof materials

Nibertex, a Singapore- and Philippines-based deeptech startup specialising in waterproof breathable membranes, has closed its US$7 million Series A funding round led by TNB Aura, with participation from existing investors Asian Development Bank (ADB), Faircrest Holding, and Foxmont Capital Partners.

This round comes nearly seven months after the firm announced closing its pre-A round in February with Foxmont and ADB.

The new funding will be deployed across several key areas to meet the rapidly expanding market demand:

Expanding manufacturing capacity: Capital expenditure will be deployed to significantly increase output.
Advancing R&D: Accelerating the development of membrane applications for industries beyond apparel.
Deepening market reach: Scaling go-to-market efforts and securing strategic partnerships with global brands.

The investment comes at a crucial time as the global materials industry faces intense scrutiny over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic chemicals are commonly found in products such as rain jackets, activewear, medical gowns, food packaging, and non-stick cookware, where they provide water and stain resistance.

However, PFAS are now widely recognised for their persistence in the environment and are linked to serious health concerns.

With bans accelerating across the US, the European Union, and Asia-Pacific, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to find high-performance alternatives. Nibertex addresses this critical challenge with its proprietary electrospinning, also known as nanospinning, technology and formula.

Founded in 2019 by Jae H Park and his brother Jae M, Nibertex has developed a proprietary manufacturing process enabling scalable production of its PFAS-free membranes. These membranes are engineered to be ultra-soft, silent, stretchable, and designed to disappear into the textile. They are ideal for various applications, including performance apparel, healthcare, industrial, and consumer products.