GOB is a San Francisco-based startup that has launched compostable earplugs made entirely from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. The earplugs are produced in partnership with mycelium technology company Ecovative using agricultural byproducts formed into shape by robotic systems. GOB's plugs are hypoallergenic, USDA-certified 100% biobased, home-compostable, contain no microplastics, and are designed to provide balanced sound absorption without the muffling common to PVC foam earplugs. The company says the earplugs break down into nutrients that feed the soil, positioning the product as a regenerative alternative to petroleum-based earplugs. GOB has been supported by $1.2 million in pre-seed funding and has secured music and sports industry partnerships, including work with Billie Eilish's tour operations and Formula 1. The startup is exploring further partnerships in hospitality, aviation, and motorsports, and has opened preorders for its mycelium earplugs. Ecovative recently opened access to a European patent for its MycoComposite materials after a $30M Series E, broadening access to the underlying mycelium technology.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Oct 2024