From the DLD Stage to WEF Technology Pioneer

Growth capital is about long-term partnerships. Since 2023, Burda has backed Uluu with capital, platform access and strategic connections. Now, the company has been recognised as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.

A funding round is more than a financial injection. “It is the conscious decision of all parties involved to follow the same path for the coming years – in the form of a long-term partnership,” says Christian Teichmann, Member of the Executive Board at Burda and CEO of Burda Principal Investments (BPI), describing the relationship between a growth investor and a portfolio company. When BPI invests in a company, it means far more than capital. The team supports its portfolio companies through its network, strategic connections and Burda’s own platform. Uluu provides a compelling example of what such a partnership can look like in practice and the milestones that can be achieved together. The Australian portfolio company develops a bio-based alternative to plastic and was recognised by the World Economic Forum last week.

A Strong Team Since 2023

Our colleagues at BPI recognised Uluu’s potential early on. In January 2023, Christian invited founders Michael Kingsbury and Julia Reisser to join him on stage at DLD Munich 23 to discuss innovative materials with the potential to revolutionise plastics. Later that same year, the international growth investor invested in the Australian company and welcomed it into its portfolio. Two years later, Christian not only brought founder Michael Kingsbury back to the stage of the international innovation platform DLD. Through a follow-on investment, BPI also led Uluu’s USD 16 million Series A financing round in 2025, underlining its long-term confidence in the company’s mission.

Uluu’s development demonstrates the difference a long-term partnership can make. Since BPI’s investment, the company has achieved significant milestones – from successfully scaling beyond technical validation and into larger customer pilots to expanded production, and early commercial supply of its seaweed-based PHA materials. These achievements have also been supported by connections established at events such as DLD conferences, where international partners, investors and potential customers regularly come together.

BPI is now celebrating another milestone for its portfolio company. Last week, the World Economic Forum announced the 100 companies selected to join the Technology Pioneers Community 2026. Uluu is the only Australian company included in this year’s cohort. “The WEF recognition places Uluu among a select group of innovators shaping industries and reimagining how materials can be made. As a longtime partner, we’re proud to see that vision earn global acknowledgment,” explains Christian. The 100 selected companies share a common goal: developing breakthrough technologies that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Uluu Develops Biodegradable Plastic from Seaweed

Through its technology, Uluu transforms cultivated seaweed into a natural polymer that offers the same functionality as conventional plastics. Unlike traditional plastic, however, Uluu’s material is free from microplastics, home-compostable and biodegradable in marine environments.

At commercial scale, the production process could help bind or avoid up to approximately five kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emissions for every kilogram of material produced. Uluu’s bioplastic can be integrated seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes and used in applications such as packaging and textiles. As a result, the start-up offers a realistic alternative for a more sustainable future for the plastics industry.

A Partnership with a Shared Future

The rapid progress Uluu has made since 2023 validates the partnership. And the journey is far from over. “We look forward to supporting the team by connecting them with potential clients in Europe and the Middle East,” promises Christian. DLD will remain one of the key platforms where these connections can be established. “We will welcome Julia and Michael back at one of our conferences soon again.”