Nortian Raises $41M for Innovative U.S. Collagen Manufacturing Venture

Nortian's Groundbreaking $41M Fundraising for U.S. Collagen Production

Nortian, an innovative biotech company focused on developing ultra-pure collagen through an advanced, vertically integrated process, has secured a remarkable $41 million in funding. This recent funding milestone signifies one of the largest investments in the collagen sector and marks a significant leap toward the establishment of their U.S. manufacturing operations.

The funding round was spearheaded by AJ Hollander, a leading operator in the hide processing industry, known for managing over 10,000 hides each day across multiple facilities in the United States. Alongside Hollander, contributions were made by Hubbard Ingredients, the owner of Integrated Proteins, which supplies to the global animal protein market, as well as private investments from notable family offices in Texas and the Midwest. With these strategic investments, Nortian is set to leverage robust expertise and industry connections to drive long-term growth, ensuring a resilient supply chain.

Following this funding, Nortian anticipates activating its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in St. Joseph, Missouri—the largest of its kind in the nation. This expansive facility will span 90,000 square feet on a 24-acre site, with an initial production capacity of 600 tons per month, eventually scaling up to a thousand tons. The venture is projected to generate approximately 138 new jobs, underscoring Nortian's commitment to contributing to local economic development while achieving national production objectives.

Nortian’s innovative processing technique transforms what would be discarded hides into highly purified collagen, featuring 99% purity and a protein concentration of 98%. This groundbreaking process not only addresses the quality issues in collagen production—where approximately 80% of collagen used in the U.S. is imported—but also tackles environmental concerns regarding animal waste. By converting these byproducts into high-value ingredients, Nortian creates a sustainable model that aligns with contemporary biotech developments and health advancements.

"Eighty percent of collagen sold in the U.S. is still imported, often with limited quality control," said Andre Albuquerque, the Founder and CEO of Nortian. "We're constructing one of the most advanced and reliable high-protein ecosystems globally, fully manufactured in the U.S. and tailored to meet next-generation health and nutrition needs."

The timing of Nortian’s strategy aligns perfectly with current economic dynamics. Given the tariffs imposed on imported collagen and the rising consumer preference for domestically produced goods, coupled with federal incentives, Nortian is uniquely positioned to fulfill the market's growing demand for performance-oriented collagen in sectors such as nutrition, beauty, and pharmaceuticals.

Before launching Nortian, Albuquerque had a successful tenure in building and selling Suplax, a major supplement contract manufacturer in Latin America, followed by the establishment of another ingredient manufacturing firm that was later acquired. With more than a decade of experience in food, supplements, and ingredients, he leads a seasoned management team, which includes alumni from prestigious institutions such as Morgan Stanley and UBS, complemented by an experienced advisory board.

As the global collagen market is projected to nearly double from $9.8 billion in 2023 to around $20 billion by 2030, driven by escalating demand across wellness, food, and pharmaceutical sectors, Nortian’s advanced collagen—engineered with enhanced amino acid profiles for performance and recovery—stands to meet this surging market need. Early testing results indicate functional benefits comparable to those of whey protein, with a clearer, more traceable sourcing strategy.

Nortian’s foray into U.S. manufacturing not only marks a significant industrial development but also sets the stage for the future of collagen production, embodying a fusion of traditional manufacturing prowess and cutting-edge biotech innovations. Through this, Nortian aims to redefine standards and practices in the collagen market.