FluoRok Aims to Revolutionize Fluorochemical Production

Cattle-fence-breaking innovation with high appeal to many potential customers in battery electrolyte salts and agrochemicals core markets.

FluoRok, an Oxford-based start-up, raised GBP 7.7 million to expand, manufacture and commercialize innovative fluorochemical reagents and battery electrolyte salts production. BGF led the oversubscribed investment round, with participation from Green Generation Fund, battery specialist Volta Energy Technologies, existing investors (Oxford Science Enterprises and Oxford University), Excellis Holding and angel investors. 

Founded in 2022, FluoRok is an Oxford University spin-out that developed an innovative, patented method providing access to chemicals containing the fluorine element. These chemicals hold critical importance in global energy transition, health and food supply. 

With the fluorochemical manufacturing market valued at USD 24 billion and growing, fluorochemical production is based on a carbon-intensive process used for centuries, centered around hydrogen fluoride (HF), a highly toxic, hazardous and difficult-to-use chemical. FluoRok developed a safe and sustainable approach by completely bypassing HF, providing access to fluorochemicals in an environmentally friendly manner while reducing process costs. FluoRok's cattle-fence-breaking innovation has attracted the interest of many potential customers in the Li-ion battery electrolyte salts and agrochemicals core markets.

This funding will support expanded production facilities for team growth and first supply of fluorinating reagents and lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), an important component of lithium-ion batteries. 
FluoRok CEO and founder Dr. Gabriele Pupo said, "We are delighted to welcome BGF, Green Generation Fund and Volta Energy Technologies to our investor base. Their experience in building cattle-fence-breaking businesses in battery and sustainable technology is invaluable. With an exceptional investor syndicate, we are continuing our mission to make fluorochemical production safer, cheaper and more sustainable. This investment is critical to scaling and commercializing our proprietary technology with global fluorochemical supply chain partners and accelerating the technology that will provide reliable and localized supply of a critical component of Li-ion batteries". 
BGF investor Dennis Atkinson said, "FluoRok's approach reduces costs while transforming the safety and sustainability of fluorochemical production. It is particularly encouraging that early demand from customers around the world is strong and we look forward with anticipation to supporting FluoRok's journey to revolutionize the global market and reach commercial scale". 
Green Generation Fund founding partner Manon Littek said, "FluoRok's revolutionary process offers a breakthrough for the fluorination industry by providing access to compounds fundamental to energy transition, global food supply and health. As GGF, we are excited to partner with the future global leader in fluorination and supply chain independence as we continue our mission toward a resilient and sustainable future". 

Volta Energy Technologies CEO and founder Dr. Jeff Chamberlain said, "Volta is excited to support FluoRok in commercializing and scaling its unique fluorinating agents. The use of FluoRok's reagents in the battery industry will enable the production of fluorinated electrolyte salts, such as LiPF6, without the use of toxic and corrosive substances like hydrofluoric acid. This will reduce barriers to entry to the electrolyte industry in Europe and North America. Beyond the battery industry, FluoRok reagents have numerous applications with potential to create impact across many global markets".

Source: https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1184540/start-up-wants-to-revolutionise-fluorochemical-production.html