AMSilk
AMSilk develops silk proteins through fermentation and turns them into yarns, formulations and coatings. Its headquarters are in Neuried, near Munich.
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About AMSilk
AMSilk GmbH is based in Neuried, in the Munich area. Established in 2008, it grew out of silk-protein research at the Technical University of Munich. Historical sources identify Thomas Scheibel, Lin Römer and Axel Leimer as its founding team; TUM contributed a patent portfolio to the new company. AMSilk develops protein materials using fermentation, with applications in yarns and industrial formulations. Commercial arrangements can involve materials supply, licensing and joint development. Its CEO announcement cites the use of its yarns in Balenciaga's Spring 2026 collection. In July 2026, AMSilk expanded its agreement with Ajinomoto Foods Europe for a dedicated production line in Nesle, France. The agreement describes planned capacity and industrial investment rather than revenue already earned. Verified financing includes €5 million in 2011, a €29 million Series C in 2021, an additional €25 million in 2023 and a €52 million package of equity and convertibles in 2025. Seed funding and the 2016 round remain unquantified. The cosmetics-business sale to Givaudan announced in 2019 concerned a business division rather than the whole company. Christian Wichert has been CEO since June 2026.
The Story
Founded in 2008 to commercialise TUM silk-protein research, with Scheibel, Römer and Leimer identified as the founding team in historical sources.
How AMSilk works
Business Model
B2B materials supply, licensing and industrial partnerships for research and customisation.
Revenue Model
Materials sales and licensing are included in its collaboration models; prices and revenue were not disclosed in the sources reviewed.
Products & Services
Key Products
- Silk Protein Yarns
- Silk Protein Formulations
Core Use Cases
- Yarns for textiles
- Formulations for consumer products
- Protein-based materials and coatings
Market & Clients
Key Customers
Industrial customers. The company documents yarn use in Balenciaga's Spring 2026 collection; contract value and sold volumes are not disclosed.
Geographic Presence
How AMSilk competes
Competitive Advantages
- Patented silk-protein technology
- Partnerships for production and material customisation
How AMSilk grows
Growth Strategy
Commercial scale-up through manufacturing partners; a dedicated Ajinomoto Foods Europe line was announced in 2026.
Distribution Model
Direct industrial partnerships, ranging from materials supply to co-development of dedicated proteins.
Strategic Insights
- The 2026 Ajinomoto agreement provides for a dedicated line and allows for future expansion.
- The 2026 CEO transition accompanies commercialisation, while Scherbel continues managing the filaments business.
Funding & Investors
Total Funding
Funding Rounds
- 2011 - Series B: €5M
- 2021 - Series C: €29M
Lead: Novo Growth (Novo Holdings) - 2023 - Estensione Series C: €25M
Lead: ATHOS (AT Newtec) - 2025 - Finanziamento strategico – equity: €30M
Lead: ATHOS (AT Newtec) - 2025 - Finanziamento strategico – convertibili: €22M
Lead: ATHOS (AT Newtec)
Key Investors
Founding Team
Founders
Key Executives
- Christian Wichert - Chief Executive Officer
- Jeno Schadrack - Chief Financial Officer
- Ulrich Scherbel - COO Premium Filaments
Key Metrics
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Read AnalysisSources
- Imprint — AMSilk
- About us – Silk Protein Biotechnology Since 2008 — AMSilk
- Ausgründung AMSilk GmbH soll Spinnenseide biotechnologisch produzieren — Technische Universität München
- Seidenproduktion im Bioreaktor – Firmenportrait AMSilk, weiter.vorn 1/2012 — Fraunhofer
- Scheibel named finalist for European Inventor Award — AMSilk
- AMSilk Announces Plans to Scale-up Production — AMSilk
- AMSilk Completes 5 Million Euro Financing Round — AMSilk / Fierce Biotech
- AMSilk grows with additional capital — AMSilk
- AMSilk raises EUR 29 M to accelerate commercialization of its high-performance bio-based silk polymers — AMSilk
- MIG Capital participates in €54 million Series C extension round for AMSilk — MIG Capital
- AMSilk Secures EUR 52M Strategic Financing to Accelerate Commercial Growth — AMSilk / PR Newswire
- Givaudan to acquire cosmetics business of AMSilk — Givaudan
- Contact & Collaboration — AMSilk
- AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe Expand Partnership to Enable Industrial-Scale Production of Silk Proteins — AMSilk
- Christian Wichert appointed Chief Executive Officer to lead next phase of growth — AMSilk