Caillaud, previously CEO of Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions, brings more than 20 years of water sector experience to the company.
The appointment is designed to boost market access for Puraffinity’s technology, and allow founder Henrik Hagemann to focus on furthering the company’s technological advantage as chief product and innovation officer.
BGF’s investment completes Puraffinity’s £16.93 million Series A funding round, following existing funding from Octopus Ventures, HG Ventures, Kindred Capital, and Verve Ventures, as well as materials science sector specialist fund Universal Materials Incubator Co (UMI).
The funding will enable Puraffinity to scale up production of its patented, PFAS-capturing Puratech material. It will also support the company’s work developing fresh commercial applications that use Puraffinity’s patented materials.
“Attracting such a respected water industry figure as Vincent, alongside investment from BGF underlines not only the progress Puraffinity has already made, but the incredible potential of the business,” said Hagemann. “The new management structure will allow me to focus on accelerating our existing technologies and developing new product roadmaps, confident that Puraffinity’s business development is assured with Vincent as CEO.”
Caillaud said: “At Puraffinity, we are delighted to join BGF’s growing network of climate tech start-ups as the company continues on its mission of providing PFAS-safe water to the world. With BGF’s expertise in helping start-ups in breakthrough technologies achieve transformational growth, we look forward to meaningfully expanding our commercial capability and extending the global reach of our patented PFAS-removal solutions.”
