In London, biotech startup Modern Synthesis has raised $5.5 million to commercialize microbially-derived biomaterials.
Modern Synthesis transforms nanocellulose into durable, high-quality alternatives to animal leather, vegan leather, and plastic-based coated textiles. The company’s scalable, proprietary process leverages advanced material science to build upon the innate strength and versatility of nanocellulose, a naturally derived polymer which is eight times stronger than steel at a nanofiber level.
The oversubscribed round was led by Extantia Capital, with participation from Artesian and Collaborative Fund. This investment will enable Modern Synthesis to expand production at its pilot facility and service more leading fashion brands on its growing waitlist.
“Having demonstrated unprecedented material performance without plastic, we’re primed to offer the fashion market a material solution that can both captivate consumers and unlock a path to circularity,” CEO and Co-Founder of Modern Synthesis, Jen Keane, said in a press statement. “This investment gives us the capacity to work with more brands as we continue to uncover new use cases for the technology.”