1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in bringing their groundbreaking ideas to market. The program focuses on DeepTech and other high-risk sectors, providing a pathway for companies to scale their innovations and secure funding from both public and private sources. The EIC Accelerator offers a unique financial blend consisting of grants and equity investments, tailored to assist companies at various stages of development.

Grant and Equity Funding

Under the EIC Accelerator, companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million. This grant is intended to cover costs associated with innovation activities, including research and development, prototyping, testing, and market deployment. The grant serves as a non-dilutive funding source, allowing companies to retain ownership of their intellectual property while advancing their projects.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator also provides equity funding. Initially, this funding could reach up to €15 million until 2024, while from 2025 onwards, the maximum equity funding will be capped at €10 million. This equity investment aims to facilitate substantial scaling of innovations, allowing companies to attract further private investment, thereby enhancing their financial viability and market competitiveness.

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by identifying and supporting high-potential innovations that can address significant societal challenges. By providing financial resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program helps companies navigate the complex landscape of product development and market entry. This contributes to the overall growth of the European economy, fostering innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.

Support for Scaling and Private Funding

One of the core missions of the EIC Accelerator is to facilitate the scaling of innovative startups, enabling them to attract additional funding from private investors. The blended finance model, combining grants and equity, reduces the financial risk for private investors, making it easier for startups to secure venture capital or other forms of financing. This strategic approach ensures that companies can not only survive but thrive in competitive markets, thereby enhancing their chances of long-term success.

Case Study: Releaf Paper France SAS

Company Overview:
Releaf Paper France SAS is a standout winner of the EIC Accelerator, recognized for its innovative project focused on sustainable paper production. The project, named Releaf Paper, aims to revolutionize the traditional paper production and eco-packaging industries through a groundbreaking technology that utilizes leaves-based fibers.

Project Description:
The Releaf Paper project is centered around the development of a sustainable process for generating paper from leaves, which serves as an alternative to conventional wood-based paper. This innovative approach targets the ecological challenges posed by deforestation and the environmental impact of traditional paper production. By leveraging abundant leaf biomass, Releaf Paper not only provides a renewable resource for paper manufacturing but also contributes to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Technological Background:
The technology behind Releaf Paper involves a proprietary method of extracting fibers from leaves, which are then processed to create high-quality paper products. The process is designed to be environmentally friendly, utilizing minimal water and energy compared to conventional methods. The leaves used in this process are sourced from agricultural waste, ensuring that the operation not only minimizes the carbon footprint but also adds value to byproducts that would otherwise go to waste.

The innovation extends beyond mere fiber extraction; it encompasses the entire lifecycle of paper production, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and distribution. Releaf Paper's technology emphasizes sustainability, enabling the company to cater to a growing market demand for eco-friendly products in both the paper and packaging sectors.

Conclusion:
Releaf Paper France SAS exemplifies the transformative potential of the EIC Accelerator program, showcasing how innovative technologies can disrupt traditional industries while addressing critical environmental concerns. The combination of grant and equity funding provided by the EIC Accelerator positions Releaf Paper to effectively scale its operations and make a significant impact in the market for sustainable paper products. As the company continues to develop its groundbreaking technology, it embodies the EIC Accelerator's mission of fostering innovation that contributes to a sustainable future. More information about the company and its initiatives can be found on their official website at releaf-paper.com.

2 The Funding Rounds

Releaf Paper France SAS: Financing, Funding Rounds, Investors, and Valuations Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Overview:
Releaf Paper France SAS is a pioneering company specializing in the production of sustainable paper and packaging from fallen leaves. Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, the company has accelerated its technology deployment and growth trajectory across Europe.

---

Financing Raised & Funding Rounds

• EIC Accelerator (European Innovation Council) Grant (2022):
• In December 2022, following their successful application to the October cut-off, Releaf Paper was awarded an EIC Accelerator blended funding package.
• The total project cost submitted was €3.5 million.
• Of this amount, €2.5 million was provided as a grant by the European Commission.
• Total Funding Secured to Date:

As of early 2024, Releaf Paper has raised approximately €2.8 million over three rounds. This includes both private investments and EU grants.

Google Grant (2022):

In addition to EU support, Releaf Paper received a separate grant from Google in 2022.

• Series A Plans (Announced for 2025):
• The company plans to open an €8 million Series A round in 2025 to finance scaling operations across Europe further.

---

Timing and Amount of Key Funding Rounds

Date	Round/Grant	Amount	Main Investor(s)/Source
Dec 2022	EIC Accelerator Blended Grant	€2.5M	European Commission
Late 2021–Early '22	Early Grants/Private Investment	~€0.3M	Various
Planned for 2025	Series A	Target: €8M	TBA; EC as potential co-investor (€4M)

The bulk of external financing since late-2021 has come via non-dilutive grants rather than venture capital.

---

Investor Information

• Key Institutional Investors:
• European Commission: Lead backer through the EIC Accelerator program.
• Google: Provided additional non-dilutive support via grants.
• For its planned Series A (€8M), Releaf anticipates securing co-investment from institutional investors alongside continued engagement with public bodies such as the European Commission (targeting up to €4M from EC).

---

Company Valuation

No explicit public valuation figures are available for Releaf Paper France SAS post-funding rounds or following their grant awards. As is typical with early-stage deep-tech companies relying on significant public/non-dilutive funding pre-Series-A stage, valuations remain largely undisclosed until major equity-based rounds occur.

---

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of May 1st, 2025:

• There have been no reported exit events involving IPOs or acquisitions for Releaf Paper France SAS.
• The company remains independent and focused on scaling operations with new facilities under construction in France as part of its expansion strategy stated during pilot line launches.

---

Summary Table – Post-EIC Accelerator Financial Activity

Event	Date	Details
EIC Accelerator Award	Dec '22	€2.5M grant; total project cost declared at €3.5M
Google Grant	Late '22	Undisclosed amount
Additional Fundraising	Up to Apr '24	Total raised ~€2.8M
Pilot Production Line Launch	Nov '24	Facility investment totals ~€3.5M
Planned Series A	Expected in '25 │ Targeting €8M round; EC anticipated as co-investor

Note: All reports indicate ongoing negotiations for future fundraising but no completed larger VC-led rounds yet.

---

Sources

• ReLeaf Paper — Securing €10.5M Funding to Scale Sustainable...
• Releaf Paper Launches Pilot Production Line and Innovation Center...
• “It isn't easy to open a production facility…” Interview at ain.ua
• Resilient and resourceful: Ukrainian startups fundraising… Tech.eu

3 The Press Releases

Releaf Paper France SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Releaf Paper, operating under its French entity Releaf Paper France SAS, secured €2.5 million in grants from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator’s October 2022 cut-off. The funding supported its patented cellulose extraction technology, which converts fallen leaves into sustainable pulp for paper and packaging. Below are key developments post-funding:

Technology Advancements and Production

The company launched the world’s first pilot production line in Les Mureaux, Île-de-France (2024–2025), co-funded by the EIC with a €3.5 million total investment. The facility processes urban green waste through mechanical and thermo-chemical methods to produce fibers for containerboards, hygiene products, and recyclable packaging. Key metrics include:

• Carbon footprint: 0.066 kg CO₂ per kg produced (70% lower than industry average).
• Water usage: 0.002 liters per kg.
• Biodegradability: Fully decomposes within 55 days.

Strategic Partnerships

Releaf partnered with Uber Eats France to deploy nearly 100,000 leaf-based delivery bags across Parisian restaurants as part of a plastic-reduction initiative. The company also collaborates with global brands like L'Oréal and Schneider Electric for sustainable packaging solutions, although specific project details remain undisclosed.

Expansion Plans

The firm aims to establish additional production lines across Europe by 2029 and is targeting an €8 million Series A funding round in 2025 to scale operations into North America and Asia. Future applications include bioplastics and renewable energy projects using agricultural byproducts.

Team Updates

Co-founders Valentin Frechka (Head of Technology) and Oleksandr Sobolenko (CEO) continue leading operations. Their team collaborated with CIVITTA consultants during the EIC selection process, which involved rigorous technical reviews against ~6,500 competitors globally .

---

Sources Used:

• Ukrainian Startup Releaf Paper Raises €2.5 Million
• EU Supports Releaf Paper – Pulp Made From Leaves
• EIC Accelerator October 2022 Cut-off Results

"Relevant extracts from non-linked sources ([PDF] document citations refer to sections within provided search results)."

4 The Technology Advancements

Releaf Paper France SAS: Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Releaf Paper France SAS, a pioneering company in sustainable paper production, has made significant advancements since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022. This support has enabled the company to transform green waste into valuable raw materials for the paper and packaging industries.

Current Capabilities

Releaf Paper is now capable of producing pulp and paper from fallen leaves, utilizing a patented technology that combines mechanical, thermal, and chemical treatments. This method significantly reduces water and energy consumption compared to traditional paper-making processes. The company has successfully established a pilot production line and Innovation Center in Les Mureaux, France, marking a crucial step in its expansion strategy.

Advancements Since Funding

• Pilot Production Line: Releaf Paper has launched the world's first pilot production line for producing pulp and paper from fallen leaves. This facility, co-funded by the European Innovation Council, demonstrates a €3.5 million investment and highlights the potential of transforming urban green waste into recyclable packaging materials.
• Innovation Center: The company's Innovation Center in France serves as a hub for developing new sustainable products and technologies, further solidifying its position in the eco-packaging sector.
• Collaborations: Releaf Paper has collaborated with major partners, including Uber Eats Paris, to implement sustainable packaging solutions. This partnership has resulted in the deployment of nearly 100,000 Releaf bags for food delivery, showcasing the company's ability to integrate its technology into real-world applications.

Technology Improvements and New Features

The company's patented technology is designed to work with diverse raw materials, allowing for adaptability in different regions. This flexibility enables Releaf Paper to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of traditional papermaking by minimizing water and energy usage. The production process results in paper products that can be recycled up to five times without quality loss or decompose within 30-60 days.

Market Demonstration

Releaf Paper has effectively demonstrated its technology in the market through its pilot production line and collaborations with major brands. The company's products, such as eco-friendly bags and packaging materials, have been successfully integrated into commercial use, showcasing their feasibility and appeal in the packaging industry.

New Patents and Scientific Studies

There is no recent information available on new patents filed or scientific studies published since receiving the EIC funding. However, the company continues to innovate and expand its sustainable offerings, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Sources: - Releaf Paper Showcases Innovative Packaging Solutions at Paris Packaging Week 2025

• Releaf Paper Launches Pilot Production Line and Innovation Center in France
• Startup company Releaf Paper begins producing pulp from fallen leaves
• Releaf Paper
• Releaf Paper - Paris Packaging Week
• EIC Coffee Break with Releaf Paper
• Releaf Paper Successfully Launches World's First Fallen Leaves-Based Pilot Production Line in France
• Releaf Paper - breakthrough technology for sustainable production
• Unveiling Releaf Paper's Sustainable Masterpieces

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Releaf Paper France SAS, a French company that transforms green waste such as fallen leaves into sustainable raw materials for the paper and packaging industry, has developed several significant partnerships and customer relationships since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022.

Key Partnerships and Customers

• Releaf Paper has secured major clients including global brands like L'Oréal, Chanel, and Samsung. These partnerships indicate strong market validation for their sustainable packaging solutions and reflect a growing demand from large corporations for eco-friendly materials.
• In 2024, Releaf Paper launched a pilot production line and Innovation Center in Les Mureaux, Île-de-France. This facility was co-funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council (EIC), showing continued support from public innovation funds.
• A notable recent partnership is with Uber Eats France. Through this collaboration, Releaf provides recyclable leaf-based packaging to select Parisian restaurants on the Uber Eats platform to reduce single-use plastics in food delivery. Approximately 100,000 Releaf bags have been deployed at these restaurants to offer sustainable alternatives for food packaging.

Nature of New Relationships

• The partnership with Uber Eats focuses on applying Releaf’s innovative leaf-based paper technology to real-world applications by replacing plastic delivery bags with recyclable alternatives made from urban green waste. This aligns directly with sustainability goals shared by both companies.
• Collaborations involve technical expertise sharing as well; for instance, technical support was acknowledged from INP Grenoble Pagora school during the pilot production launch.

Market Positioning Impact

• These partnerships position Releaf Paper strongly within the sustainable packaging sector by associating their brand with leading multinational customers known for demanding high environmental standards.
• The collaboration with Uber Eats places them at the forefront of innovative eco-packaging solutions in fast-growing sectors such as food delivery—a market segment actively seeking plastic alternatives.

Technology Advancement and Scaling Support

• The pilot production line launch marks a technological milestone showcasing their patented process that combines mechanical and thermo-chemical methods to convert fallen leaves into high-quality fiber pulp suitable not only for paper but also potentially hygiene products and bioplastics in future expansions.
• Working closely with partners like Uber Eats provides practical feedback loops that help refine product usability while proving scalability of their technology under commercial conditions.
• Plans include expanding recycling facilities across Europe over five years followed by North America and Asia entry. Upcoming Series A funding aims at €8 million to accelerate growth further.

In summary, since winning EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022, Releaf Paper France SAS has established key commercial relationships with major global brands such as L'Oréal, Chanel, Samsung alongside new strategic partnerships like Uber Eats France focused on deploying their unique leaf-based eco-packaging solutions. These collaborations enhance its market positioning as an innovator providing circular economy products while supporting technological advancement through real-world application pilots—critical steps toward scaling operations across Europe and beyond.

Sources

• Releaf Paper About Company
• Natural paper from fallen leaves | crQlr
• Valentyn Frechka | European Patent Office
• Releaf Paper Launches Pilot Production Line | Packaging Strategies
• Releaf Paper Pilot Production Line Launch | releafbag.com

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Releaf Paper France SAS: Growth and Developments

Releaf Paper France SAS, a pioneering company in eco-friendly paper products, has been making significant strides since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. The company specializes in transforming fallen leaves into sustainable paper and packaging solutions, aligning with circular economy principles.

Current Headcount and Team Size

While specific details about the current headcount or team size of Releaf Paper France SAS are not publicly available, the company's growth trajectory suggests an expanding workforce. As a rapidly developing startup, it is likely that the team size has increased to support new product lines and market expansion.

Hiring and Team Growth

Releaf Paper has been actively involved in showcasing its innovative products, such as at Paris Packaging Week 2025, highlighting its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. This suggests a need for skilled professionals to manage product development, marketing, and sales. However, specific job openings or recent hires are not detailed in available information.

Growth and Expansion

Since 2022, Releaf Paper has demonstrated notable growth by setting up operations in France and leveraging contract mills in the EU for production. The company's participation in international events like Paris Packaging Week underscores its ambition to expand its market presence globally.

Key Positions and Future Impact

While specific new positions or recent hires are not mentioned, Releaf Paper's focus on sustainable technologies implies a need for experts in materials science, product development, and environmental sustainability. New team members would play a crucial role in scaling the company's production capabilities and expanding its product offerings, contributing to its mission of reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Management and Founding Team

The company was co-founded by Alexander Sobolenko, who serves as the CEO. There are no publicly disclosed changes in the management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding.

Future Prospects

Releaf Paper's innovative approach to using fallen leaves as a raw material positions it well for future growth in the sustainable packaging sector. As consumer demand for environmentally friendly products increases, Releaf Paper is poised to capitalize on this trend by expanding its offerings and enhancing its production capabilities.

Sources

• Releaf Paper Showcases Innovative Packaging Solutions at Paris Packaging Week 2025
• Releaf Paper's packaging solutions at Paris Packaging Week 2025
• Releaf Paper – manufacturer of paper made from fallen leaves
• Releaf Paper & Bags on Instagram
• Releaf Paper - Paris Packaging Week
• Unveiling Releaf Paper's Sustainable Masterpieces: The Fallen Leaf and Natural Kraft Collections
• Releaf Paper Bag for takeaway, Fallen Leaf, Large

7 The Media Features and Publications

Releaf Paper France SAS has emerged as a leading innovator in sustainable packaging since securing EIC Accelerator funding, with notable media coverage and industry engagement. Below is a detailed account of their public presence and activities:

Media Features & Publications
Multiple outlets have highlighted Releaf’s patented technology for converting fallen leaves into paper and packaging materials. Packaging Tech Today covered the 2024 launch of their pilot production line in Les Mureaux, France, emphasizing its capacity to process urban green waste into recyclable materials. Paper Advance reported on their partnership with Uber to deploy leaf-based bags for food delivery across Paris, while crQlr Awards recognized their circular-economy innovation.

Conferences & Fairs
Releaf actively participates in industry events:

• Viva Technology 2023: Showcased sustainable packaging solutions in Paris.
• Paris Packaging Week: Exhibited as an innovator transforming green waste into raw materials for packaging.
• Uber’s Go Get Zero Event (London): Debuted the Paris Innovation Pilot program alongside Uber Eats to promote eco-friendly food delivery packaging globally.

The company’s 2024 pilot facility launch event in Les Mureaux attracted political figures like Alexandra Dublanche (Île-de-France Vice-President), representatives from L'Oréal, AXA, and Uber Eats, and featured live demonstrations of leaf-to-pulp technology.

Podcasts & Interviews
While specific podcasts are not listed in available sources, key team members have been vocal through other channels:

• Alexander Sobolenko, CEO/General Manager, emphasized the environmental impact of Releaf’s technology during the Les Mureaux facility opening and Uber collaboration announcements.
• Valentin Frechka, Head of Technology (and European Inventor Award finalist), discussed technical details at conferences about adapting leafy fibers for diverse applications like bioplastics and hygiene products.

---

Sources

• Press center – Releaf Paper
• Releaf Paper - Paris Packaging Week
• Releaf Paper and Uber Launch Global Sustainable Packaging Initiative
• Natural paper from fallen leaves | crQlr
• Fallen Leaves-Based Pilot Production Line Launch
• Production Line Inauguration Report
• Choose Paris Region Success Story
• CORDIS EU Project Reporting
• Valentyn Frechka - European Patent Office Profile