Amsterdam (NL) / Cleveland (OH), September 18, 2025 – Momentum Global Ventures (Momentum), the Dutch entrepreneurial impact investor, proudly announces its backing of the spin-off of Current Lighting’s chemical business. The transaction brings Current Lighting’s chemical business under new ownership together with its management team, led by Bill Cohen, and will see the business rebranded as Current Chemicals Inc. (CCI).
For Amsterdam-based Momentum, the investment represents a major step in strengthening its global materials science portfolio and unlocking strategic synergies with its existing nanoscience company, Seaborough. Bringing CCI and Seaborough under one group creates a unique platform that spans both the United States and the Netherlands, bridging world-class expertise in luminescent materials, rare earth compounds and nanotechnology.
CCI brings over 70 years of expertise in rare earth and luminescent materials, serving critical high-tech industries worldwide. Together with Seaborough’s pioneering EuroLED nano-phosphor technology, CCI is ideally positioned to drive the industrial scaling of next-generation materials from lab to global production.
Pieter Six, Momentum Global Ventures (left), Bill Cohen, Current Chemicals (right)
Pieter Six, Investment Director at Momentum:
“With CCI and Seaborough, we see unprecedented opportunities to accelerate innovation and scale-up in luminescent nanomaterials. This marks not only a powerful extension of collaboration between the U.S. and the Netherlands, but also a launchpad for CCI’s tremendous growth potential.”
Bill Cohen, incoming CEO of CCI:
“Becoming independent gives us the freedom to accelerate innovation and growth. With Momentum’s strategic support and Seaborough as a partner, we are positioned to lead the next wave of material breakthroughs in luminescence and rare earths.”
Marie Anne van de Haar, CEO of Seaborough:
“With Current Chemicals already partnering with us to scale luminescent phosphors, Momentum Global Ventures’ support for this spin-off underscores strong trust in Seaborough’s capabilities. It accelerates our journey from lab to market for nano-engineered luminescent materials, helping customers create truly differentiating products that improve lives and contribute to a healthier planet.”
Tom Boyle, Vice President and General Manager Outdoor and Specialty Lighting at Current:
“We are very pleased with the successful spin-off of the chemicals business. This transaction ensures that the business will grow under strong new ownership and allows Current Lighting to continue to focus on Controls and Lighting.”
Martijn van Rheenen, co-founder of Momentum Global Ventures, emphasizes its long-term vision:
“Building transformative companies at the intersection of science, technology, and advanced manufacturing. With CCI, Momentum sees a strong growth trajectory, underpinned by rising demand in advanced materials across lighting, display, and other high-tech applications.”
The transaction is expected to close by 30 October 2025 pending CFIUS approval. Financial details were not disclosed.
From right to left: Bill Cohen (Current Chemicals), Martijn van Rheenen (Momentum) Marie Anne van de Haar (Seaborough), Pieter Six (Momentum), accompanied by colleagues Mike Krames, Matthijs Mollema and Martijn Dekker.
Momentum Global Ventures is a Dutch-based entrepreneurial impact investor focused on breakthrough technologies in materials science, energy, and advanced manufacturing. By building long-term partnerships, Momentum accelerates commercialization and scales global innovation.
Seaborough, based in Amsterdam, is a nanoscience and nanotechnology company specializing in luminescent nanomaterials. A portfolio company of Momentum, Seaborough develops next-generation phosphor technologies including EuroLED, bridging lab-scale innovation to industrial production.
Current Chemicals Inc. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, CCI specializes in rare earth compounds, luminescent materials, and a variety of specialty organic and inorganic compounds. With more than 70 years’ experience, CCI supports critical high-tech supply chains and enables rapid, cost-effective commercialization through contract manufacturing and custom material development.
