Morrisville-based advanced-materials startup developing chlorine-tolerant membranes for seawater desalination; technology aims to triple operating life vs conventional membranes.
At a glance
- Founded: 2018
- HQ: Morrisville
- Sector: Climate
- Stage: Series A
- Total raised: $12.3M
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Sourced company notes 4 topics
Notes on NALA Membranes · last checked Oct 1, 2026
Overview
Morrisville-based advanced-materials company founded 2018, headquartered at 951 Aviation Parkway. Chlorine-tolerant reverse-osmosis membrane technology designed to last approximately three times longer than conventional membranes under chlorine pre-treatment. Co-founders: Sue Mecham (CEO) and Judy Riffle.
Manufacturing
Produced more than 80,000 square meters of membrane sheet last year; a new facility in Zebulon opening in 2026 will scale to over one million square meters annually.
Funding
Confirmed early round: $1.5M in July 2022. PitchBook reports $16.3M raised in total, which no original source breaks down round by round. Listed investors include Good Growth Capital, Oval Park Capital, RTP Capital Associates, Wilmington Angels for Local Entrepreneurs, the National Science Foundation, and UT Austin Seed Fund.
Recognition
Selected on 2026-05-12 as one of 17 global semifinalists (Track B: Novel Materials and Methods) and the only North Carolina team in the $119M XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition.
Listed roles
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