Luca Technologies, Inc. is based in Golden, Colorado, USA. The company has developed a technology through which solid or liquid hydrocarbons such as coal, oil or oil shale, can be converted into methane. This technology enables energy to be obtained from deposits which could previously not be extracted cost-effectivly through conventional technology.

Luca's technology uses anaerobic microorganisms, which occur naturally in underground hydrocarbon deposits. Through the addition of nutrient compounds, these are stimulated to convert hydrocarbons into methane in situ.

Luca Technologies was founded in 2001 by Eric Szaloczi, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Michael P. Batzer, Jeffrey L. Weber, Roland P. DeBruyn, R. Verlin Dannar and Christie L. Haas. BASF Venture Capital has invested in the company since 2006, together with One Equity Partners, Oxford Bioscience Partners and Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers.

 

Investment status: Invested