Henkel co-invests in Kriya Materials

Following the investment of July 2017 by Chemelot Ventures and SHIFT Invest, Henkel Adhesive Technologies joins and expands the Series A financing for Kriya Materials, the Netherlands.

With its co-investment Henkel further strengthens its expertise in functional coatings. Based on its metal oxide nanotechnology platform Kriya Materials provides customized multi-functional coatings and master batches for the flexible film and glass industries in a range of applications in various markets.

"Functional coatings are one of our main search fields for accelerating growth within our Adhesive Technologies' business", explained Paolo Bavaj, Head of Corporate Venturing at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. "Kriya has already proven the marketability of its innovative solutions across different applications and markets and offers a versatile platform which complements our existing technologies. Together we aim to leverage the technology across Henkel´s broad customer base in our global markets such as electronics and automotive."

Kriya was founded in 2006 and developed anti-static coatings for plasma TVs based on proprietary technology acquired through a spin-off from Philips Electronics. After the decline of the Plasma TV market in 2014 the company successfully leveraged its metal oxide nanotechnology platform and coating formulation expertise to develop tailored coating formulations and master batches for various applications. These developments were focused on products with a positive impact on energy efficiency, energy conservation and the durability of products. Today, Kriya develops and manufactures custom-made coatings to achieve combinations of properties such as anti-reflection, anti-soiling, anti-static, near infrared light management and/or anti-scratch. Kriya's products help to improve the energy generation of solar modules or enhance the light generation in OLED and LED lighting. In addition, Kriya offers a broad portfolio of products to enhance the durability and user experience of surfaces such as displays. Kriya's master batches can also provide optical functionalities for polymeric films. For example, In PVB film they provide comfort in cars and buildings by keeping the solar heat outside, thus conserving energy by lowering air-conditioning usage.

"We are excited about the investment done by Henkel together with the existing shareholders Chemelot Ventures and SHIFT Invest. This will further enable us to accelerate our growth and invest in our sales & R&D organization globally. As an industrial shareholder Henkel will enhance the exposure of our products in all markets we are operating in", says Roel Huis in 't Veld, the company's Director. "We especially look forward to co-develop and execute a go-to-market strategy in selected applications with Henkel."

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is one of the globally leading supplier of functional coatings solutions across different industrial markets. Under well-known brands such as Bonderite and Loctite the business units provides high-impact solutions that offer additional functionalities and improved sustainability to its customers.

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2017, Henkel reported sales of 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.5 billion euros. Combined sales of the respective top brands of the three business units – Loctite, Schwarzkopf and Persil – amounted to 6.4 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Contact Sebastian Hinz
Phone +49 211 797-85 94
Email sebastian.hinz@henkel.com
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

SHIFT Invest is a Dutch venture capital fund that invests in innovations related to the food & agriculture value chain, healthy nutrition and clean (bio-based) technologies. Through our investments, we strive to create environmental sustainability or health impact alongside financial return. Together with the fund partners Wageningen UR, Menzis, TU Delft, Rabobank and WNF, we offer entrepreneurs a broad network and knowledge of the sector. SHIFT is the successor fund of Dutch Greentech Fund and is managed by New Balance Impact Investors (NBI), experienced investment professionals and entrepreneurs. NBI manages four venture capital funds, backed by strong and involved partners that share our mission to create impact through innovation.

For more information about SHIFT Invest and NBI please contact:
Guus Verhees - Managing Partner
guus.verhees(at)nbi-investors.nl
www.shiftinvest.com

Chemelot Ventures is an independent regional venture capital fund in the south of the Netherlands with a focus on smart materials and life sciences. The fund supports innovative companies which fit in with the ecosystem of the Brightlands campuses. It invests in product companies as well as in technology platforms and circular economy initiatives. The philosophy of the fund is that proximity matters, that its portfolio companies have a higher chance of success and a shorter time to market by interacting with the Brightlands ecosystem and the network of the fund. Chemelot Ventures is the successor fund of Limburg Ventures; together the funds have made more than 30 investments.

For more information about Chemelot Ventures please contact:
Kim de Boer - Senior Investment Manager
kdb(at)chemelotventures.com
www.chemelotventures.com

Kriya Materials was founded in 2006, based on technology originally derived from Philips and is one of the few backward integrated nanotechnology enabled coating companies worldwide. Kriya Materials is able to synthesize its own nano particles at mass-scale, functionalize these and incorporate them into custom made coatings and composites fulfilling end market and processing related prerequisites. The company's team assembles decades of synthesis and customer-oriented formulation expertise.

For more information about Kriya Materials BV, please contact:
Roel Huis in 't Veld - Director
+31 6 30799552
Roel.huis(at)kriya-materials.com
www.kriya-materials.com