Haelixa, the Swiss-based deeptech provider of DNA-based product traceability, has raised EUR 2 million in a pre-series A investment round to support international scale and long-term strategic growth.
The round was led by existing backers Verve Ventures and Zurich Kantonalbank, with participation from an impact-focused investor 212 NexT Fund. This complements the catalytic funding awarded through the Temasek Trust Amplifier programme. The investment will support Haelixa’s international expansion, targeted team growth, and deeper collaboration with textile brands and supply-chain partners.
Physical Proof in An Era of Rising Risk
Haelixa’s patented DNA-based technology physically marks raw materials at any stage of production, enabling later verification of origin and authenticity. The plant-based, invisible DNA markers are embedded directly into raw materials and remain detectable throughout complex, multi-tier supply chains.
As regulatory scrutiny increases, fashion brands face growing risks of fraud, undeclared blending, and substitution of premium materials, as well as mounting exposure to counterfeiting. These failures threaten compliance, brand equity, and consumer trust. By enabling verification directly on the product itself, Haelixa provides brands with a practical safeguard to protect material integrity and brand value.
Haelixa’s technology is already used across fashion and textiles, as well as precious metals and gemstones, and is compliant with GOTS, Standard 100® by OEKO-TEX, and OEKO-TEX® Eco Passport.
From Innovator to Investor-Backed Scale
Haelixa originated as a spin-off from ETH Zurich and has since achieved scaled commercial adoption, generating seven-figure revenues and securing multi-year agreements with leading textile and fashion brands.
Gizem Yağız, Managing Partner at 212 NexT Fund, said: “Lack of transparency in supply chains today poses serious financial and reputational risks for brands. Haelixa’s DNA-based approach materially reduces this risk by scientifically verifying product origin and authenticity directly on the product itself. We are proud to join this founding round and support the team as they scale a new standard for traceability.” Patrick Strumpf, CEO of Haelixa, added: “This investment enables us to scale globally as regulatory and market expectations for traceability continue to rise. At the same time, it allows us to expand our offer into anti-counterfeiting, adding a powerful layer of value for luxury brands.”
