Solena Materials, a biomaterials company engineering novel protein fibres for high-performance and intrinsically sustainable clothing, has secured $6.7 million in seed funding. The round was backed by Sir David Harding, SynBioVen, and Insempra.
Utilizing artificial intelligence to create bespoke proteins, Solena Materials develops next-generation fibres that offer a combination of toughness, softness, and biodegradability. With this new capital, the company is set to scale operations and move toward commercial viability.
Offering an eco-conscious alternative to petrochemical-derived performance textiles, Solena Materials addresses critical issues such as plastic pollution caused by synthetic fibres entering the water cycle during production and washing. The bio-based fibres provide a sustainable path forward for the apparel industry.
The funding will support expansion to larger facilities, enhancement of the intellectual property portfolio, and initial commercial engagements with partners in the fashion and textiles sectors. A market launch of the first fibre-based product with a partner brand is planned within three years.
Founded in 2022 as a spin-out from Imperial College London by Dr James MacDonald, Prof. Paul Freemont, and Prof. Milo Shaffer, Solena Materials integrates artificial intelligence with bio-manufacturing techniques. Proprietary deep neural networks and software tools enable molecular-level design of protein fibres, allowing precise control over tensile strength, elasticity, biodegradability, and other performance attributes. This approach opens new avenues for technical textiles and advanced apparel applications.
Dr James MacDonald, Co-Founder and CEO of Solena Materials, states:
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our mission to deliver the next generation of textile fibres. This funding will help us expand production capacity, reduce costs, and begin collaborating with partners to launch products made with Solena fibres. It marks an exciting step towards a future where sustainability and performance go hand in hand.”
Sir David Harding comments:
“Solena's technology offers an answer to the question of how fashion can ever be compatible with sustainability. Manufacturing wearable materials biologically could be the next revolution in clothing. Most clothing today is made of materials derived from fossil fuel feedstock. Hopefully, the materials of the future will be grown in vats.”
Jens Klein, CEO of Insempra and Chairman of the Board at Solena Materials, adds:
“Investing in Solena Materials aligns perfectly with Insempra's mission to drive a regenerative revolution by developing sustainable, high-performance ingredients with nature. We are excited to accelerate Solena's innovative approach to creating biodegradable, non-oil-derived fibres that have the potential to transform the textile industry.”