The Founders Playbook

Join us for a special live edition of Founder Playbook, taking place as part of Innovation Festival 26, as we hear the story behind University of Manchester spinout Holiferm.

Founded in 2018, Holiferm has grown from research at The University of Manchester into a leading UK industrial biotechnology company developing and manufacturing sustainable biosurfactants. Using advanced fermentation technology, the company produces high-performance alternatives to conventional petrochemical-based surfactants for applications including personal care, home care and agriculture.

Today, Holiferm operates commercial-scale manufacturing in the UK and is building an international market for its bio-based ingredients. The company has raised significant external investment to support its growth, including an £18.5 million Series B round, and continues to expand its manufacturing capability and commercial reach.

For this live conversation, we will be joined by James Winterburn, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, and Charlie Dimmler, CEO of Holiferm. James co-founded the company following research into scalable methods for producing biosurfactants at The University of Manchester, while Charlie joined as CEO in 2026 to lead the company through its next phase of international growth.

In conversation with founders who have successfully built companies. Real stories. Real lessons. From ideas to impact.

If you need a BSL intepreter, please register by the 22nd September