On March 12, 2025, two startups focused on international growth raised significant funding, showcasing the promise of innovative solutions for global market expansion. Scimplify, based in India, secured $40 million in its Series B funding round, co-led by Accel and Bertelsmann India Investments. This new funding values Scimplify at approximately $150 million and is aimed at widening its footprint within the U.S. and other new markets. Meanwhile, eBrands, a Helsinki-based platform for consumer brands, raised €7.5 million, bringing its total funding to €50 million since its founding.
Scimplify provides access to specialty chemicals, which are often hard to source due to manufacturers being scattered around the globe. Traditionally, companies relied heavily on Chinese suppliers for these chemicals, but geopolitical tensions have prompted many to seek alternatives. Scimplify’s co-founder, Sachin Santhosh, stated, "Scimplify aims to connect manufacturers with specialty chemical makers using our platform, ATOMS. It lists specialty chemicals from over 5,000 factories run by over 200 manufacturers across 10 countries, including India, China, Vietnam, Egypt, and Japan." This unique platform addresses the challenges faced by companies needing specific chemicals or compliant options.
Since its inception, Scimplify has catered to 600 customers globally across 16 countries. The startup’s vetting process involves auditing manufacturers semi-annually, segregated by geography, chemistry, capacity, and compliance needs, ensuring high standards are met. One distinguishing feature of Scimplify is its ability to offer made-to-order chemicals through collaborations with chemical producers, giving clients the flexibility to switch between different chemical recipes easily. Santhosh, who previously worked at B2B startups, believes this service can revolutionize how companies access chemicals.
On the other side of the globe, eBrands has been dedicated to helping consumer brands thrive internationally, offering solutions to the common hurdles associated with global expansion. The funding will allow this platform to expand its proprietary AI-powered tool, Apollo, which simplifies the entry process for brands aiming for 60 markets and sales channels worldwide without necessitating heavy investments or local infrastructures. Robin Bade, Co-founder and CEO of eBrands, emphasized this mission, stating, "At eBrands, we remove barriers to global growth. With new U.S. tariffs and rising trade complexity, brands need partners who can turn challenges around."
Launched in 2020, eBrands has provided support for various brands, including Mysoda and Bodyotics, aiding them to propel their growth through streamlined international market entry. The company has developed its expertise by owning and operating 30 consumer brands, honing its model to currently support nearly 50 partner brands.
eBrands’ business model uses the Expansion-as-a-Service approach, which provides brands with customizable support levels alongside full visibility of sales performance and customer behaviors. This was successfully tested with ten partner brands through the Apollo tool, which limits the expenses and logistical challenges traditionally associated with market entry. According to Antti Moilanen, Head of the Partner Platform Business at eBrands, "With Apollo, we’re making global expansion more accessible and efficient," reflecting the platform's goal of streamlining cross-border expansions.
The two funding rounds epitomize how these startups are instrumental for industries affected by the evolution of global trade and commerce. The increasing complexity of international regulations necessitates innovative approaches like those provided by Scimplify and eBrands, as companies look for reliable pathways to enter new markets. From specialty chemicals to consumer brands, the startup ecosystem continues to thrive on the promise of solutions addressing heightened global demand.
Both companies are gearing up for significant growth; Scimplify plans to use its new investments to expand geographically and possibly acquire chemical factories to access regulated markets, enhancing their operational capabilities. Meanwhile, eBrands aims to build on the success of Apollo, propelling its network of partners and focusing on sustainable growth for consumer brands.
These funding rounds signify more than just cash inflows; they highlight the entrepreneurial spirit fueling innovation and the necessity for adaptable solutions to meet market demands. The international reach of these startups exemplifies the dynamic nature of global trade today, where agility and innovation determine who thrives.