Ponda, a regenerative materials company, secured $2.4 million in seed funding to scale BioPuff, a plant-based insulation material, and expand a European wetland farming network. The round was co-led by Faber VC and Counteract, with participation from PDS Ventures, Evenlode Impact, and the Royal College of Art, bringing total funding to $6.5 million including previous grants and awards.
The new capital supports commercial-scale BioPuff production, strengthens a growing paludiculture network across Europe, and enables commercial product launches for Autumn/Winter 2026. BioPuff development links sustainable material innovation with peatland restoration, one of the most effective natural carbon sinks.
“By coupling regenerative coastal wetland farming with an advanced material with strong potential in textiles and beyond, Ponda is well positioned to unlock significant business opportunities across multiple industries while delivering meaningful biodiversity impact at scale,” said Rita Sousa, Partner at Faber.
Ponda’s model works with landowners to rewet degraded peatlands and cultivate Typha, creating landscapes that store carbon, improve flood resilience, boost biodiversity, and offer farmers new income streams. Growers such as Will Barnard report clear benefits, noting: “After this year’s flooding, it is obvious that restored wetlands can protect farmland and farmers’ livelihoods. Working with Ponda shows these landscapes can stay productive under climate pressure while creating new commercial opportunities.”
BioPuff originated from research at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art and now benefits from a community of scientists, designers, growers, and brand partners. A Bristol facility provides fiber processing and prototyping capabilities, while collaborations with Berghaus, Stella McCartney, Parley for the Oceans, and Sheep Inc demonstrate performance in real-world applications. Applications extend beyond fashion into upholstery, soft goods, and homeware.
As Counteract’s Matt Isaacs stated: “The Ponda team embodies deep scientific expertise and visionary regenerative leadership. Their ability to navigate the frontier of wetland regeneration and material science is profoundly impressive.”
Ponda continues building climate-positive materials that restore nature at scale.