Distil Raises $7.7M Series A to Expand Specialty Chemicals R&D Globally

Distil, an Indian specialty chemicals startup founded in 2021, has raised $7.7 million in its Series A funding round led by Singapore's Jungle Ventures and UAE-based CE-Ventures, bringing its total funding to $10.8 million. The funds will support Distil's R&D expansion, global operations in the US, Middle East, and Africa, and scaling production by acquiring underutilized plants. The company currently generates $7 million in annual sales, serving over 100 enterprise customers with a team of 19 scientists and engineers, and aims to reach $25-30 million in revenue and achieve breakeven within 12 months. Distil operates an R&D-led, asset-light model, leveraging India's underutilized chemical manufacturing capacity to develop advanced chemicals for paints, coatings, plastics, and construction materials. Strategic investors with deep expertise in chemicals and manufacturing, including Rubamin and PI Industries' Vice Chairperson Mayank Singhal, have joined the round, strengthening Distil's market presence and technical capabilities. The startup is positioning itself to compete globally by harnessing India's manufacturing talent amid a global specialty chemicals market valued at trillions of dollars.