About VBASE Oil Company
VBASE makes oils that manufacturers blend into lubricants for industrial equipment. These base oils, called Secondary Polyol Ester oils, use renewable carbon and biodegrade readily. Applications include hydraulic, gear and turbine oils. The range also supports greases and fire-resistant fluids. VBASE works with blenders and equipment makers on custom formulations, compatibility testing and product characterization.
VBASE operates in Pendleton, South Carolina. Jeffrey DiMaio is chief executive officer and founder, while Michelle DiMaio is chief marketing officer. All grades carry HX-1 status for food-grade lubricants, the USDA BioPreferred label and a LuSC listing. The company was also an InnoVision sustainability finalist.
Funding Rounds (SEC Form D)
| First sale | Filed with SEC | Amount sold | Investors | Avg. check | Terms | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 22, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | $467,500of $1.5M target | 6 | $77,917 | Equity, Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)Rule 506(b) | Form D ↗ |
| Sep 10, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024amended Sep 8, 2025 | $2,457,245of $2.5M target | 23 | $106K | EquityRule 506(b) | Form D/A ↗4 earlier filings |
| Total, two offerings | $2,924,745 | |||||
First sale is the date the first investor in the offering committed to invest. Companies must file Form D within 15 days of that date, so filing dates run later.
Rounds announced by VBASE Oil Company
What the company said publicly about its funding. Announced amounts can differ from Form D figures: an announcement can combine several closings, and some money is raised without a Form D.
| Announced | Round | Amount | Investors | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2025 | Investment | $250,000 | SC Launch Inc. (lead) | SC Launch investment announcement ↗ |
Why Investors Backed VBASE Oil Company
VBASE sells synthetic base oils to lubricant manufacturers. It targets equipment applications with demanding performance and environmental requirements. Its model pairs specialized oils with technical support for formulators. The products are intended to improve reliability, lengthen service intervals and reduce energy use.
The problem it targets
VBASE argues that automakers must cut carbon from conventional vehicles while electric vehicles create different lubrication needs. It also sees wind turbines pushing conventional lubricants toward their limits. New geared turbofan engines create another demanding use. The company aims to address these requirements with oils that reduce environmental harm.
What the product does
Secondary Polyol Ester base oils are engineered to resist water-driven and oxidative breakdown. They also provide broad compatibility and built-in cleaning properties. SynBoost is a co-base stock for formulations with Group II base oil. The overall range covers viscosity grades 32 through 460 and includes hydraulic, gear and compressor uses.
Progress so far
VBASE received a $2 million U.S. Army contract for a high-efficiency, sustainable gear-lubricant program. The program calls for an Army-ready formula that exceeds SAE J2360+ performance targets. Separate dynamometer testing found higher power at low motor speeds, with lower friction and system-flow losses. During early 2026, the team met industry participants at events across Europe and North America.
Who backs it
SC Launch, the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, backed VBASE after it entered the authority's member-company program. Investment manager Rob Moser said scientists and engineers developed and patented the biodegradable technology before forming VBASE to sell it. He said federal energy and agriculture funding partly supported that earlier work. VBASE planned to use the capital for regulatory certifications, operating improvements and broader product applications.
How the market is moving
VBASE expects Group III base-oil supply constraints to persist for months or years. Improved conditions in the Middle East would not resolve those concerns immediately.
We wrote this summary from public statements by VBASE Oil Company and its investors. It is not investment advice.
VBASE Oil Company in the News
Leadership Team
Executive officers and directors listed on VBASE Oil Company's Form D filed Nov 9, 2026.
