Epic Angels, the largest global all-female investment collective, has announced its first investment in Mexico with BioPlaster Research, an R&D startup revolutionizing the packaging industry with sargassum algae-based biomaterials.
Joining their Pre-seed investment round alongside Epic Angels are GridX, Amplifica Capital, Zero by Fifty, and Zenani Capital. Funds from this round will be utilized for their pilot plant setup, commercial production launch, R&D for the bio-refinery phase, and scaling operations to meet validated demand.
Solving Dual Global Crises with Proprietary Biomaterials
14 million tons of plastic pollute our oceans annually while 38 million metric tons of invasive Sargassum algae devastate Caribbean economies- some regions losing 11% of GDP to toxic blooms. BioPlaster connects these crises with a breakthrough solution: converting harmful algae into biodegradable materials that match petroleum plastic performance at 81% lower carbon emissions. Founded by CEO Andrea Bonilla Brunner, BioPlaster’s proprietary biorefinery process transforms Sargassum into commercial-grade packaging films, bags, and foam that integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing infrastructure. The technology extends beyond packaging to textiles, thermoplastic pellets, and colorants- all fully biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics.
Market validation is strong: over $5 million in annual letters of intent from major players including IKEA suppliers, Great Packaging and Refurbi. Supply is secured through an exclusive partnership with The Seas We Love, providing 100,000 pounds of Sargassum annually. The company also extracts high-value byproducts like alginate and cellulose, creating multiple revenue streams from a single feedstock. With an extensive R&D pipeline developing biodegradable threads and injection-molding pellets, BioPlaster is positioning itself as a leading biomaterials innovator- turning destructive ocean algae into scalable, sustainable solutions.
“Epic Angels is the ideal partner as we scale BioPlaster. Their belief in our vision—and in women building climate solutions—gives us the momentum we need to bring ocean-positive materials to market.” says Andrea Bonilla Brunner, Founder and CEO of BioPlaster Research.
Why Epic Angels Invested
“We’re thrilled to invest in BioPlaster as our first portfolio company in Mexico,” says Maaike Doyer, Founding Partner of Epic Angels. “BioPlaster’s use of existing Sargassum algae- rather than competing for agricultural land like corn-based bioplastics or requiring kelp farming- gives them a strong competitive advantage. With validated demand from industry leaders and secured algae supply, BioPlaster has strong potential to lead the sustainable packaging sector. We look forward to supporting their growth through our global investor network.”
