Simplifyber, a materials startup, has completed a $12 million Series A funding round to scale their tech. The round was led by Suzano Ventures, a new investor in the company. Other participants included At One Ventures, Techstars, Plug and Play Sustainability Fund, and several others.
This Series A funding follows a $4.2 million Seed round completed in July 2022. Simplifyber is pioneering an innovative 3D-molding process aimed at reducing the environmental impact of soft goods manufacturing.
The company has developed a proprietary natural fiber liquid known as Fybron™. This material can be injected into 3D molds to create a variety of soft goods, such as shoes, bags and upholstery, which are often fully biobased and biodegradable. This process eliminates many production steps necessary in traditional soft goods manufacturing, such as spinning, weaving, cutting, and sewing.
The funding will help Simplifyber grow by strengthening its materials science and mechanical engineering capabilities. It will also support the expansion of manufacturing, partnerships, and business development in new regions and sectors. Additionally, the company plans to build pilot-scale facilities to approach cost parity with traditional textile production.
Maria Intscher-Owrang, CEO and co-founder of Simplifyber, highlighted the over-reliance on fossil-based materials. She stated that manufacturers and brands are searching for alternatives. Intscher-Owrang expressed excitement about securing Suzano Ventures as a strategic investor, noting that the company has been an essential fiber supplier since its inception.
Paula Puzzi, Corporate Venture Capital Senior Manager at Suzano Ventures, remarked on the potential of Simplifyber’s pioneering approach. She believes it could disrupt supply chains in various sectors, from apparel to automotive. Puzzi expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that this investment will create, which align with their goal of providing environmentally friendly solutions.
