November 16, 2017

Adhesive Technologies business unit with follow-on investment into novel functional coatings technology

Henkel to further engage into start-up cooperation with DropWise 

Düsseldorf – Based on the strong continued progress in commercializing vapor-deposited polymer coatings, Henkel Adhesive Technologies has made an additional investment into US-based DropWise Technologies Corp. (DropWise). The business unit made a first seed equity investment and signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with the promising start-up company in July 2015.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is leading with high-impact solutions worldwide. The close collaboration with promising material-science focused start-ups is an integral part of its innovation strategy. The business unit aims to further drive growth in attractive markets by offering new technologies with additional functionalities and improved sustainability. 

“As a leading materials and solutions provider in the global coatings market, functional coatings is one of our key search fields for innovations,” explained Paolo Bavaj, Head of Corporate Venturing at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “DropWise has achieved all milestones in technology development and gathered a lot of production and applications know-how over the past two years. With our follow-on investment, we strongly confirm our belief that the coating technologies of DropWise will enter the first commercial markets soon.” 

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2016, Henkel reported sales of 18.7 billion euros, adjusted operating profit of 3.2 billion euros. Its three top brands, Persil (detergent), Schwarzkopf (hair care) and Loctite (adhesive) generated more than 6 billion euros in combined sales. Henkel employs more than 50,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com and www.henkel-ventures.com

Photo material is available at http://www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Sebastian Hinz 	
Phone	+49 211 797-85 94		
Email          sebastian.hinz@henkel.com                        		

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

DropWise has developed a novel method for hydrophobic functional coatings