AlgiKnit creates yarns from kelp - hoping that the new textile will reduce the industry's carbon and water use footprint © Kelp Blue
Today, AlgiKnit, a materials innovator creating eco-conscious yarns from kelp, announces $13 million in Series-A funding to lower the textile industry’s environmental impact by accelerating its journey to scale. The round, led by Collaborative Fund, marks the start of a new phase of growth and collaboration for AlgiKnit, further aligning the implementation and scale of its technology with venture backing. The round is joined by H&M CO:LAB, the investment arm of H&M Group, Starlight Ventures, Third Nature Ventures, and features ongoing support from previous investors Horizons Ventures and SOSV.
With a mission to offer more environmentally conscious materials for the heavily-polluting fashion and textile industries, AlgiKnit is developing materials from kelp, one of the most renewable and regenerative organisms on the planet. AlgiKnit is leveraging this readily available raw material to create yarns and fibres for use in a diverse set of industries including fashion, interiors, furnishings and automotive
© AlgiKnit
The fundraising announcement by AlgiKnit also commemorates the opening of its new manufacturing facility in the Research Triangle area in North Carolina, which opened in June. AlgiKnit’s new facility highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability beyond its product. The company sought to minimise its construction footprint by up-fitting its 15,000 square foot expansion with upcycled materials and second-hand furniture.
The closing of this round brings AlgiKnit’s total fundraise amount to $17.9 million, solidifying the company’s position in the rapidly expanding biomaterials space and expediting the company’s time to scale. Building on momentum from the company’s expansion, AlgiKnit is poised to disrupt the textile industry by offering a yarn built to combat environmentally harmful cycles of yarn and fibre production.
"The textile industry is responsible for as much as 8 percent of the world's CO2 emissions – in addition to being massively polluting and water-intensive. We're thrilled to be leading AlgiKnit's Series-A round, and to be investing in a technology that is pushing the world towards a more sustainable future,” said Sophie Bakalar, partner at Collaborative Fund.
“With the opening of our new facility in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, we are focused on expanding our production capabilities, partnerships and team to address global demand more quickly,” said AlgiKnit co-founder and CEO, Tessa Callaghan. “This is a huge next step in bringing this technology to scale, and creating positive, tangible change for the planet. We are so excited to partner with new and existing investors who share our vision for transforming the fashion ecosystem.”