212 NexT has made a new investment in Aepnus, an advanced chemistry startup developing a chlorine-free electrochemical platform aimed at modernising the production of essential industrial chemicals.
Turkish deep-tech fund 212 NexT, focused on advanced materials and industrial technologies, has participated in Aepnus’ pre-Series A funding round.
Founded by Lukas Hackl and Bilen Akuzum and headquartered in the US, with additional operations in Canada and Germany, Aepnus is developing a modular alternative to conventional energy-intensive production methods. The company’s technology is designed to enable lower-carbon manufacturing while reducing hazardous by-products such as chlorine gas, with applications across the chemicals industry, heavy manufacturing, and critical mineral processing.
Dr Bilen Aküzüm, co-founder and CTO of Aepnus, said the company is developing a new electrochemical production model aimed at enabling the localised manufacturing of essential industrial chemicals that are challenging to produce using conventional methods. Explaining the company’s focus, Aküzüm said:
Today, Turkey alone spends more than $150 million annually on caustic soda imports. Our approach strengthens supply security by enabling safe, on-site and lower-carbon production of these critical inputs.
The platform we are developing offers a more economical and scalable pathway for producing caustic soda and sulfuric acid – chemicals widely used across battery manufacturing, paper, textiles, heavy industry and in the processing of critical metals.
With 212 NexT’s support, we are focused on accelerating global commercialisation.
Commenting on the investment, Çağlar Urcan, Managing Partner at 212 NexT, said that Aepnus is addressing structural challenges in the production of essential chemicals such as caustic soda, which are increasingly affected by supply constraints and cost volatility.
The company’s modular, chlorine-free electrochemical process offers a commercially viable and more sustainable alternative to conventional production methods. By enabling competitive on-site manufacturing while eliminating hazardous chlorine gas by-products, Aepnus combines clear economic value with industrial scalability.
This positioning is particularly compelling given the industrial depth of our investor base, including Akkök Group, a significant Turkish player in the chlor-alkali and speciality chemicals value chain.
Emphasising Aepnus’ strategic relevance for Turkey, Urcan added that localising advanced production technologies for key chemicals such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid could strengthen supply security, support industrial competitiveness, and contribute to green transformation goals.
He also said that 212 NexT focuses on technologies with strong technical foundations, industrial-scale potential, and long-term strategic value, noting that Aepnus aligns with this investment approach.
The investment will support further development and global scaling of the company’s platform, including team expansion, progress across multiple markets, and the strengthening of industrial partnerships.