Company seeks to offer eco-friendly, healthy compounds
COLUMBIA, Md., (December 10, 2025) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $250,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Natáur. The Pre-Seed Builder Fund is housed under the Social Impact Funds, an umbrella of investment opportunities that seek to provide eligible entrepreneurs with access to support and capital.
“At Natáur, we are using modern biology, to manufacture safer solutions – like the safer creation of taurine,” said Kathleen Turano, co-founder, president and chief operating officer of Natáur. “With this recent funding, we are excited to continue research and development efforts to offer a more sustainable supply of taurine and other key ingredients.”
Natáur, located in Baltimore, Md., is a company working to provide bio-based solutions for ingredient production. Taurine is used extensively in the nutrition, food, feed and personal care sectors. Currently, the market is primarily filled with synthetic taurine made from petrochemicals, posing risks to humans, animals and the environment.
“TEDCO’s technology agnostic approach allows us to invest in innovators across technology and life sciences companies, including Natáur,” said Jean-Luc Park, deputy chief investment officer & senior director, Social Impact Funds. “The Social Impact Funds were designed to support this, creating more inclusive opportunities that will lead to business growth and entrepreneurial development.”
TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund finances companies through investments via convertible notes. Besides financial support, those chosen to receive a Builder Fund investment are given administrative assistance, mentorship and networking resources.
“As Maryland’s life sciences community continues to expand, we take pride in welcoming innovation and research to advance opportunities,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “For the passionate entrepreneurs looking to grow, Maryland is the place to be. Not only are we ranked as the number one emerging life sciences hub, but we are also ranked the third biopharma cluster in the nation.”
In addition to this recent investment, Natáur has received previous investments from TEDCO including an investment in 2023.
TEDCO provides funding, resources and connections that early-stage technology and life sciences companies need to thrive in Maryland. For entrepreneurs interested in applying for TEDCO funding opportunities, visit our page here.