Atomo raises funds to launch molecular coffee in 2021

Seattle-based Atomo Coffee has closed an additional $9m in a seed funding round to help to bring its molecular coffee to market.

The firm claimed to have reverse-engineered the coffee bean to create a smooth and sustainable brew.

Atomo plans to use the proceeds to construct its production roastery in Seattle’s industrial district with an expected launch next year.

The firm plans to use science and technology to recreate coffee in a more sustainable way by using upcycled plants.

Atomo chief scientist and co-founder Jarret Stopforth said: “Our flagship grounds formula is made of upcycled plant materials such as pits, seeds, and stems from locally grown agriculture, mirroring the process of traditional coffee beans. Atomo’s magic comes from our proprietary bioreactive and thermal processes.”

Upcycling is a growing movement across several categories, defined by the Upcycled Food Association as “foods using ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment.”

Atomo CEO and cofounder Andy Kleitsch said: “Seattle is the perfect confluence of tech and craft coffee, it only makes sense that coffee is reinvented here. Our tech creates a great tasting cup of coffee, that provides consumers with a sustainable choice, as well as greater value for our farmers.”

Atomo board member and Horizons Ventures managing partner Tony Lau said: “Coffee is among the most consumed beverages worldwide, with roughly 42.6 litres per person per year according to Statistica. Atomo Coffee can make a huge impact on the market from a sustainability aspect while not sacrificing the quality and taste that consumers are going after.”

Coffee production has the sixth-highest climate impact in terms of GHG emissions per kilogram of food product on the planet.

Atomo’s production roastery will be located in SODO. The firm plans to launch the first molecular coffee products into the market next year.

Atomo has so far raised a total of $11.6m across two seed rounds.