cylib
Component · DE
RWTH Aachen spin-out recovering lithium/graphite/nickel/cobalt/manganese from battery black mass via water-based OLiC (90%+ efficiency).
End-to-end lithium-ion battery recycling producing battery-grade materials.
Research mapping
Physical AI / Materials & Critical Components (L3) / Component
Evidence boundary
Original analysis and independent corroboration remain under development. Commercial scale and durable technical advantage remain under review.
What makes it defensible
Water- and CO2-based OLiC process recovers lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt and manganese at >90% efficiency with roughly 80% lower carbon than primary extraction — and without the harsh chemicals that block recycled material from being requalified into new cells.
Position in the stack: End-to-end recycler sitting between gigafactory/OEM scrap and battery-material buyers; moat is process IP plus qualification (Porsche and Webasto projects, EU Critical Raw Materials Act strategic-project status) and plant capex/permits, not feedstock access.
Who buys it
Named customers: OEMs and battery manufacturers (undisclosed)
Founding team
Dr. Lilian Schwich — Co-founder & Co-CEO — Process metallurgy and battery-recycling scientist at RWTH Aachen; founded cylib on that research in 2022.
Dr. Gideon Schwich — Co-founder & COO — PhD at RWTH Aachen; previously at Thyssenkrupp, Access EV and umlaut.
Paul Sabarny — Co-founder & CTO — Raw-materials/process engineering (RWTH Aachen); research assistant at IME before co-founding cylib.
SourceFinancing detail
- Last round
- Series A (€55M, May 2024)
Investors: World Fund, Porsche Ventures, Bosch Ventures, DeepTech & Climate Fonds
Mapped funds and investors
Direct relationships supported by published evidence.
Reported holdings as-of
No sourced relationships mapped yet.
Disclosed investment history
No sourced relationships mapped yet.
Showing up to four relationships in each group. ETF weights describe the fund’s portfolio, not ownership of this company. Private investment history does not establish current ownership.
Evidence & media
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Cylib acquires Bavarian EV battery recycling facility
What this source supports: cylib acquires a Wernberg-Koeblitz plant with up to 10,000 t/yr of end-of-life EV battery processing capacity, extending it from hydrometallurgy to the full chain; operations expected Q4 2026 subject to BImSchG approval, full capacity targeted end-2027. Black mass feeds the Dormagen refinery.
What it does not establish: Purchase price not disclosed; seller is an insolvent third party; ramp is subject to permitting and not yet demonstrated.
Source