Philippines’ Nibertex Raises US$7M to Expand Sustainable Textile Technology

Nibertex, a deep-tech manufacturer headquartered in the Philippines, has raised US$7 million in a Series A round to expand production of its breathable, waterproof, and PFAS-free textile membranes. The investment was spearheaded by Southeast Asia-focused VC firm TNB Aura—marking its debut deal in the Philippines—with additional backing from Foxmont Capital Partners, Faircrest Holding, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

According to Vicknesh Pillay, co-founder and managing partner of TNB Aura, the firm contributed US$4 million to the round, alongside other investors, including The Soriano Group & Family Office. Nibertex plans to use the fresh capital to scale its manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position in the sustainable materials market.

The newly raised capital will enable Nibertex to scale its proprietary membrane technology, designed as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials that contain PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These synthetic compounds—used widely in outdoor gear, sportswear, medical gowns, food packaging, and non-stick cookware—are facing global regulatory crackdowns due to their persistence in the environment and links to health risks.

With PFAS restrictions tightening across the United States, European Union, and key Asia-Pacific markets, manufacturers are under growing pressure to adopt safer yet high-performance substitutes. Nibertex addresses this need through its proprietary electrospinning process, branded as “nanospinning,” which produces membranes that are breathable, waterproof, and entirely PFAS-free. This technology aims to help brands meet both compliance requirements and consumer demand for sustainable products.

Richard Beck, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer at Nibertex, emphasized the pressing need for change, noting that PFAS-free performance materials are rapidly becoming a necessity rather than a choice. He pointed to Nibertex’s unique blend of scientific knowledge and industry know-how, adding that the company aims to provide practical, high-performance solutions while supporting manufacturers in transitioning away from harmful chemicals.

TNB Aura’s co-founder and managing partner, Vicknesh Pillay, said the firm’s investment reflects confidence in both Nibertex’s product and market position. He described the startup as one of the fastest-growing in the Philippines, with Korean founders, Singapore headquarters, and production based locally. Pillay added that the company is now seeing strong commercial traction, securing contracts with major brands seeking PFAS-free solutions, and is poised for a “hockey stick” growth curve.

Founded in 2019, Nibertex has developed a scalable and cost-efficient manufacturing process for its membranes, which are soft, stretchable, and designed to integrate seamlessly into various textiles. Current applications include performance apparel, healthcare gear, industrial products, and consumer goods. The company plans to expand into new product categories beyond clothing, supported by increased production capacity and strategic partnerships.

The funding will also help Nibertex accelerate its research and development, strengthen its go-to-market activities, and deepen its collaborations with global brands. COO and co-founder Jae H. Park called the raise a pivotal milestone, noting that the company’s nano spinning technology gives it a competitive advantage in delivering high-performance materials that meet sustainability goals without sacrificing quality.

As demand for sustainable manufacturing grows, Nibertex’s positioning reflects a broader industry transformation. Its technology enables precise control over membrane structure and composition, allowing the company to match the durability and functionality of traditional PFAS-based membranes while removing toxic chemicals from the supply chain. 

Image credits: Nibertex