212 NexT, Turkey’s first vertically focused deep tech fund, has announced its investment in Haelixa, a pioneer in DNA-based traceability solutions. Alongside Haelixa, the Pre-Series A round saw participation from Verve Ventures, Zurich Cantonal Bank, and Temasek Trust, totaling €2 million in new funding.
The capital is earmarked for scaling Haelixa’s technology globally, expanding sales and business development teams, and deepening strategic partnerships across various industries.
A New Era in Supply Chain Transparency with Haelixa
An ETH Zurich spin-off, Haelixa offers a groundbreaking solution to supply chain fraud. By applying invisible, tamper-proof DNA markers at any stage of the manufacturing process, Haelixa can scientifically verify whether a product originates from its claimed source.
Unlike traditional paper-based tracking, Haelixa allows brands to prove their sustainability and origin claims through forensic testing directly on the product itself.
Currently, Haelixa is actively utilized by global fashion and textile brands, as well as in sectors where transparency is paramount, such as precious metals and gemstones. The technology also serves as a formidable tool in the fight against counterfeiting in luxury goods.
212 NexT: “We Will Continue Investing in Scientific Depth”
Gizem Yağız, Managing Partner at 212 NexT, highlighted the financial and reputational risks that opaque supply chains pose to modern brands:
“Haelixa’s DNA-based approach mitigates these risks by providing scientific proof of origin directly on the product. We believe Haelixa creates significant value in high-risk supply chains thanks to its robust technology and strong traction with global brands.”
Yağız further noted that 212 NexT remains committed to investing in technologies with solid scientific foundations and the potential for global impact.
Haelixa’s Vision: Becoming a Permanent Pillar of Supply Chains
Gediminas Mikutis, Co-founder and CTO of Haelixa, explained that the company’s roots lie in doctoral research conducted at ETH Zurich:
“With our proprietary DNA-based markers, information cannot be separated from the product. This investment will accelerate Haelixa’s commercialization and help us expand our forensic traceability into new sectors.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Haelixa Investment
- How much did Haelixa raise? Haelixa secured a total of €2 million in its Pre-Series A funding round.
- Who participated in the investment round? Led by 212 NexT, the round included Verve Ventures, Zurich Cantonal Bank, and Temasek Trust.
- What does Haelixa do? Haelixa develops physical DNA markers to verify the origin and traceability of products scientifically.
- Why is Haelixa’s technology important? It is critical for combating counterfeiting, proving sustainability claims, and ensuring 100% supply chain transparency.
- Which industries use Haelixa? While primarily focused on fashion and textiles, Haelixa also operates in precious metals, gemstones, and other high-value industries.
- What is the role of Temasek Trust in this round? Through its Amplifier program, Temasek Trust provided catalytic funding to support Haelixa’s growth.
