From research to reality - with entrepreneurial vision.
How Merck and mantro spun out an internal R&D project and turned it into a global biotech venture.
Intro
EdiMembre is a cutting-edge biotech company in the field of cultured meat. Its core technology - a novel membrane platform for scalable cell growth — was developed inside Merck’s R&D division.
But innovation alone isn’t enough. It takes strategy, courage and execution to bring such a solution into the market. That’s where mantro came in — to transform an internal asset into an independent, investor-ready company.
Today, EdiMembre is based in Boston and growing fast - a case study in how strategic carve-outs can unlock deep tech potential.
Situation
Breakthrough tech - but no market path
Within Merck, a new membrane technology had emerged - offering game-changing potential for the growing market of cultured meat.
But despite the promise, the solution had no clear route to commercialization within the corporate structure. It didn’t fit Merck’s strategic roadmap - but was too valuable to stay unused.
The decision: build a new company around it.
Our job
Understand the tech and the opportunity
mantro deeply analyzed the technology and its relevance for cell-based protein production - shaping a clear value proposition and commercial strategy.
Transform R&D into an investable venture
We worked with Merck to turn the internal R&D project into a full business case: structuring the license agreement, building the operating model, and defining a fundable narrative for external investors.
Secure the first funding
We led the pre-spin fundraising, connected with aligned early investors and structured the deal - paving the way for independent operations.
Launch the company in Boston
EdiMembre was incorporated in Massachusetts, with mantro as co-founder and Merck as strategic partner. We built the corporate structure, team architecture and operational setup for a U.S.-based biotech scale-up.
Ongoing support as partner and board member
mantro remains closely involved - providing strategic input, deep tech guidance and access to the venture ecosystem.
Our job
Understand the tech and the opportunity
mantro deeply analyzed the technology and its relevance for cell-based protein production - shaping a clear value proposition and commercial strategy.
Transform R&D into an investable venture
We worked with Merck to turn the internal R&D project into a full business case: structuring the license agreement, building the operating model, and defining a fundable narrative for external investors.
Secure the first funding
We led the pre-spin fundraising, connected with aligned early investors and structured the deal - paving the way for independent operations.
Launch the company in Boston
EdiMembre was incorporated in Massachusetts, with mantro as co-founder and Merck as strategic partner. We built the corporate structure, team architecture and operational setup for a U.S.-based biotech scale-up.
Ongoing support as partner and board member
mantro remains closely involved - providing strategic input, deep tech guidance and access to the venture ecosystem.
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Learnings
Corporate R&D holds massive hidden value
Not just in the IP - but in the people and the untapped market insight.
You need a real transformation process
Turning internal initiatives into investable startups takes structural change - not just storytelling.
The first funding is the hardest
Securing capital before spin-out is the key step toward independence - and the hardest to pull off.
Get in touch
If you want to stress-test an idea, unblock an initiative, or simply see whether we're the right partner, let's talk. You can book a straight-to-the-point session with our CEO Manni, or leave us a message.
30-minute call. No strings attached.
