UM6P Ventures has officially joined the Seed Round of Nascent Materials, a deeptech startup redefining how the world makes batteries. Backed alongside SOSV and the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund, this investment marks a significant move toward reshaping the global battery ecosystem, and Morocco is set to play a central role in it.
Powering the Next Generation of Batteries
Nascent Materials is pioneering a flexible, pCAM-free process to manufacture cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. This next-gen method slashes costs, reduces energy use, and improves the quality and consistency of battery components.
- ✅ 30% lower manufacturing costs
- ✅ Up to 12% increase in energy density
- ✅ More efficient material shaping and sizing
- ✅ Lower reliance on high-purity raw materials
Founded by Chaitanya Sharma, a former executive at Tesla’s Gigafactory and iM3NY, the company is addressing a major problem in battery production: inconsistent cathode material quality. Sharma’s experience with supply chain issues at iM3NY, where fluctuating raw material quality contributed to bankruptcy, became the catalyst for launching Nascent Materials.
“I want to develop new ways of making material, not new exotic chemistry,” Sharma shared in a recent interview.
Local Impact with Global Vision
In addition to funding, UM6P Ventures is creating new global bridges. Nascent Materials will open its first international office at STARTGATE in Benguerir, Morocco, strategically positioned near the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
This location gives Nascent access to:
- World-class research facilities
- A growing deeptech startup ecosystem
- Synergies within Africa and Europe
- A platform for strategic collaboration beyond capital
By tapping into Morocco’s innovation environment, Nascent aims to deepen cross-continental ties and create a more diversified, resilient supply chain for battery materials.
Rethinking Battery Chemistry and Supply Chains
Nascent is starting with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) and lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate (LMFP), two cathode materials increasingly favored by EV and data center industries. These alternatives offer competitive energy density without the high costs or ethical concerns tied to nickel and cobalt mining.
The startup’s process also unlocks local sourcing advantages:
- Utilizes lower-purity, more abundant raw materials
- Opens opportunities for non-Chinese supply chains
- Offers consistent particle quality for better battery performance
With future plans to expand into nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) chemistries, Nascent is laying the groundwork for long-term innovation.
“How can I not rely on China for cathode materials? That’s really what we are focused on, simplifying the supply chain so we can use local raw materials,” Sharma emphasized.
Final Thoughts
UM6P Ventures’ partnership with Nascent Materials is more than just a financial boost, it’s a strategic alignment of innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. As demand for affordable and efficient batteries rises, startups like Nascent are poised to drive the next wave of energy transformation, starting from Morocco and extending across the world.