Himadri Specialty Chemicals acquires stake in lithium-ion battery material startup Invati 

Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited (Himadri), a Kolkata-based specialty chemicals company, announced Wednesday that it has acquired a 40% stake in Invati Creations Private Limited (Invati) for Rs. 45.16 crore. 

The deal involves a two-pronged approach. Himadri will infuse Rs 19.99 crore in Invati as growth capital, while the remaining Rs 25.17 crore will be settled through a share swap. Himadri will issue 7,96,446 equity shares to Invati promoters on a preferential basis.

This strategic investment grants Himadri two nominee directors on Invati's board, fostering close collaboration and synergy between the companies.

Founded by IIT Kharagpur and IIM Kolkata alumni, Invati specialises in engineering lithium-ion electrode materials for efficient energy storage. Their focus lies on developing materials with higher energy density and longer battery life, utilising nanotechnology and biosciences for real-world applications.

Invati's portfolio extends beyond batteries. They conduct research and development in various molecules and nanotech solutions, addressing challenges in life sciences, animal health, and agrochemicals. The company boasts multiple patented and patentable technologies for novel molecules across diverse applications, including a pioneering broad-spectrum antiviral drug molecule.

Himadri views this acquisition as a strategic move aligned with its vision of producing high-quality lithium-ion battery materials. The investment reinforces their commitment to exploring innovative technologies within the battery material segment.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO of Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd said, “We are excited about the potential of this collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. Our partnership with Invati emphasises the vision to positively impact the storage efficiency, charging speed, and battery lifespan of Lithium-ion batteries. Their technology complements our portfolio in the battery material segment and we foresee an elevation in the performance, safety, and recyclability of batteries, with a focus on contributing to clean energy technologies and addressing a substantial portion of the global demand.”

Mukeshh Agarwal director of Invati Creations Private Ltd, further said, “Having a leading global specialty chemical company join us as a strategic investor is a big step forward in our journey of innovation and invention. Our research team is focusing on making Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries last longer and safer. We're also testing new cathode materials for faster charging and have developed a unique cathode that maintains its integrity over many charging cycles.

We're exploring synthesis and application of novel materials for the anode, including graphene and nano-porous graphite, which will add to the comprehensive approach towards battery technology. Himadri's rich R&D expertise and vast experience in manufacturing will be invaluable as we move forward in our journey. This collaboration comes at a crucial time aligned with the rapid growth of the global battery market. Together, we're excited to make a positive impact in the world of energy technology."