The transition to sustainable and safe alternatives to harmful chemicals is vital for a healthy living environment. Innovations such as those from Affix Labs Group (see below) help reduce the burden on people and the environment, enhance biodiversity and align with the Lifeport region’s ambition to link health, sustainability and economic innovation.
Affix Labs Group B.V., a Dutch Green Chemtech start-up, has completed a €1 million funding round led by VP Capital and Oost NL. The company is developing a water-based insect repellent that replaces the neurotoxic active ingredients responsible for increasing insect resistance. The new capital will fund the European roll-out.
The breakthrough: patented solubility and controlled release
At the heart of the innovation is a formulation method that dissolves oily, water-insoluble active ingredients in a water-based system. A controlled-release coating ensures the product remains effective for up to twelve weeks. The flagship product, Repeltec, has been dermatologically tested and contains no neurotoxic substances.
“Affix Labs fits perfectly within our investment strategy: scientifically proven technology that replaces harmful chemicals with a sustainable and effective alternative. We are proud to support the team as they scale up to the commercial phase.” — Erica van Eeghen, Senior Manager Ventures, VP Capital
Affix Labs
Stricter European regulations
EU regulations on chemical pesticides are becoming stricter. Germany’s ban on self-service sales removed a broad category of neurotoxic insecticides from open shop shelves in 2025, and similar measures are now being introduced in other Member States. Repeltec already holds authorisations for active substances in Germany, France, Austria and Norway.
“We invest where innovation delivers measurable economic and environmental impact. Affix Labs has a market-ready solution for a global regulatory shift, and we are delighted to support its next phase of growth.” — Matthijs Berkelaar, Senior Investment Manager Tech, Oost NL
Commercial expansion and B2B partnerships
With the new capital, Affix Labs is expanding its distribution in Germany, Austria, France and Norway. The United Kingdom and Poland will follow. In addition to its own consumer products, the company is launching a white-label B2B model under the name “Powered by Affix Labs”. This will enable FMCG companies, hospitality businesses and manufacturers of pest control products to integrate the technology into their own product ranges.
“We have approvals in four markets, a retail-ready product and regulations moving in our favour. With this funding round, we can move beyond proving the concept and start building our distribution network.” — Stijn de Roover, CEO, Affix Labs
More information
About Affix Labs Affix Labs is a Dutch Green Chemtech start-up aiming to reduce global dependence on pesticides. Using patented solubility technology and proprietary controlled-release systems, the company produces long-lasting, neurotoxin-free barriers that protect people from insects for months on end.
About Oost NL Oost NL, the Eastern Netherlands Development Agency, strengthens the regional economy on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. It invests public funds in innovative companies that contribute to sustainability and economic resilience.
About VP Capital VP Capital is a single-family office with offices in Belgium and the Netherlands and a history spanning over 150 years. The company follows an ‘impact-first’ strategy, focusing on regenerative, net-zero and toxicity-free solutions in energy transition, agri-food, cleantech and the built environment. VP Capital is B Corp-certified. VP Capital: Driven by Impact.
