Bags… from bacteria? Modern Synthesis raises $5.5m to expand biomaterials platform

[Disclosure: AgFunder—the parent company of AgFunderNews—is an investor in Modern Synthesis.]

Modern Synthesis– a London-based start-up creating biomaterials for premium style brand names– has actually shut a $5.5 million round led by Extantia Capital.

The Seed 2 round, sustained by Artesian and Collaborative Fund, will certainly assist Modern Synthesis broaden manufacturing at its pilot center and solution extra brand names on its waiting list, stated the company, which is dealing with Danish style brand name GANNI in the direction of the industrial launch of GANNI’s signature Bou Bag including Modern Synthesis’ biomaterials.

Established by ex-Adidas developer Jen Keane (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER) and artificial biologist Dr. Ben Reeve (CTO), Modern Synthesis integrates nanocellulose created by sugar-eating germs with all-natural fabrics such as hemp, bed linen or lyocell to develop a variety of biomaterials from flexible leather-like fabrics to clear movies.

According to Keane, the procedure is “comparable to just how rebar is utilized to strengthen concrete” and creates “petrochemical and plastic-free” products that “can be refined on the exact same tools as traditional fabrics.”

” The very first point that struck us was just how this product opponents conventional natural leathers in look however can additionally supply something completely brand-new that delights developers,” stated Extantia Funding companion Yair Reem.

” Our financial investment choice was driven by the firm’s capacity to change conventional production procedures and drive genuine effect at range,” included Alexandra Clunies-Ross, companion at Artesian Investments.

‘ High worth, reduced effect products’

Keane and Reeve at first expanded nanocellulose-producing germs along with fabrics however have actually because divided their procedure right into 3 actions to make it extra scalable.

In the very first step, nanocellulose is expanded in fermentation vessels. In the 2nd, the company improves the nanostructures in nanocellulose to modify pliability and toughness. In the 3rd action, the nanocellulose is integrated with fabrics such as bed linen and hemp.

According to Keane: “Any individual can expand nanocellulose and our company believe there will certainly be a durable sector because. Where our proficiency and our licenses exist remains in the makeover of that nanocellulose right into high worth, reduced effect products. We have the ability to adjust and boost the nano frameworks with our copyrighted modern technology and more enhance homes with various other bio-based components.”

This allows the firm to make a wide range of fabrics from “drapable products to extra clear movies to an extra durable fabric that’s much heavier and extra leather-like,” included Keane.

Inquired about scaling up, she stated: “We had actually pilot tools set up and the very first huge panels came off our line simply a couple of weeks back. We have actually additionally started exterior technological tests with making companions which have actually been going rather well.”

Additional analysis:

Meet the founder: Modern Synthesis’ Jen Keane on biomaterials, bacteria, and designer bags…

The article Bags… from bacteria? Modern Synthesis raises $5.5m to expand biomaterials platform showed up initially on AgFunderNews.