Natural Fiber Welding
Debt Financing in 2023
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacture and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from natural fibers. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials from plants, which are applicable across various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale environmentally friendly products, thereby promoting sustainability in material usage.
Kintra Fibers
Venture Round in 2023
Kintra Fibers, established in 2018 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in producing bio-synthetic fabrics and yarns for the fashion industry. The company has pioneered a proprietary, compostable polymer that mimics the performance of traditional fossil-fuel based textiles while being derived from renewable resources. Kintra's materials aim to reduce microplastic pollution by biodegrading into CO2 and water within wastewater treatment facilities. They also facilitate circularity through compatibility with chemical and mechanical recycling methods.
Smartex.ai
Series A in 2022
Smartex focuses on addressing significant challenges in the textile industry by leveraging advanced AI technology, specifically machine learning and computer vision. The company has developed a hardware-enabled software solution that detects textile defects and irregularities in real time. By implementing this innovative system, Smartex can halt production when defects are identified, thereby minimizing defective output and reducing textile waste. This proactive approach not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to sustainability by lowering carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, and water usage. Moreover, Smartex provides factories with a user interface to monitor production statistics, further improving operational insights and decision-making capabilities.
Dimpora
Seed Round in 2021
Dimpora AG, based in Zürich, Switzerland, specializes in the design and manufacture of eco-friendly functional membranes for the outdoor textile industry. The company produces waterproof, fluorine-free membranes primarily made from polyurethane, utilizing a template removal approach to create porosity that enhances breathability. Dimpora's innovative technology allows for the direct application of membranes onto various surfaces, facilitating fast moisture transport while ensuring complete rain protection. Committed to sustainability, Dimpora aims to develop high-performance membranes that enable outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature responsibly, with a focus on creating next-generation solutions that may incorporate recyclable materials.
Keel.Labs
Venture Round in 2021
Keel Labs is a biomaterials company that focuses on developing ocean-based materials derived from renewable resources, particularly seaweed. The company aims to address the ecological damage caused by the fashion industry by creating durable and rapidly degradable yarns from kelp. Through its innovative platform, Keel Labs integrates scientific design and waste management into textile production, offering an alternative to conventional textiles for the footwear and apparel industries. This approach not only provides a functional resource but also emphasizes environmental sustainability, allowing for a more responsible and accessible option in material sourcing.
Resortecs
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Resortecs is a pioneering company in the fashion industry focused on promoting circularity through its innovative Design for Disassembly approach. The company develops heat-dissolvable stitching threads and thermal disassembly systems that simplify the recycling process for brands, sorters, and recyclers. Its flagship product, Smart Stitch™, features stitching threads with varying melting points that allow for the transformation of garments into recyclable pieces right from the manufacturing stage. Complementing this is Smart Disassembly™, a thermal disassembly system capable of processing up to 4 million garments annually, while maintaining low emissions and preserving material quality. This approach enables the recycling of up to 90% of original fabric material, addressing environmental challenges without compromising the creativity and quality of fashion products. Resortecs aims to facilitate a sustainable future for the textile industry by making garment recycling efficient and accessible.
The Renewal Workshop
Series A in 2021
The Renewal Workshop Inc. is a company based in Cascade Locks, Oregon, that specializes in manufacturing renewed apparel and upcycled materials from discarded textiles. Founded in 2014, it partners with well-known brands and retailers to transform unsellable returns and excess inventory into a range of products, including jackets, sweatshirts, pants, and swimwear, as well as accessories like luggage packs and gift cards. By integrating resale and renewal services, the company aims to reduce waste in the fashion industry and promote sustainable practices. Through its initiatives, The Renewal Workshop enables clothing brands to enhance their revenue while minimizing their environmental footprint. Its products are available for purchase both online and in physical stores.
Natural Fiber Welding
Venture Round in 2020
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacture and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from natural fibers. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials from plants, which are applicable across various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale environmentally friendly products, thereby promoting sustainability in material usage.
Spintex
Seed Round in 2020
Spintex develops biomimetic technology to produce silk fibers sustainably. It uses alternative proteins and a low-energy process, aiming to reduce environmental impact while creating cost-effective, scalable fibers for sustainable fashion and advanced applications.
Reverse Resources
Venture Round in 2020
Reverse Resources operates an online tracking and trading platform for textile waste. It connects garment factories, cloth mills, retailers, and recycling firms to facilitate transparent waste management and reduce sourcing costs.
Smartex.ai
Seed Round in 2019
Smartex focuses on addressing significant challenges in the textile industry by leveraging advanced AI technology, specifically machine learning and computer vision. The company has developed a hardware-enabled software solution that detects textile defects and irregularities in real time. By implementing this innovative system, Smartex can halt production when defects are identified, thereby minimizing defective output and reducing textile waste. This proactive approach not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to sustainability by lowering carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, and water usage. Moreover, Smartex provides factories with a user interface to monitor production statistics, further improving operational insights and decision-making capabilities.
Sonovia
Seed Round in 2019
Sonovia Ltd. is a textile technology company based in Ramat Gan, Israel, that specializes in manufacturing ultrasonic coatings for fabrics, providing them with anti-bacterial and odorless properties. Founded in 2013 and formerly known as Nano-Textile Ltd., the company has developed a unique sono-coating process that leverages cavitation, allowing for a chemical-free application that results in a highly homogeneous and effective coating. This technology is applied to various textiles used in hotels, restaurants, hospital bedding, patient gowns, and clothing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonovia also produces reusable masks, further extending its commitment to hygiene and safety in textiles.