Participated · Seed · Nov 2024

MannyAI builds AI-powered software that helps brands and factories sync for short, responsive order cycles using a test-and-reorder model to reduce overproduction. Its initial offerings include AI tools for cost negotiation, real-time order allocation, and dynamic capacity management tailored to each factory's capabilities. The platform automates paperwork, tracks fabric, and applies AI for production and capacity planning to make small-batch production profitable without capital-intensive equipment. MannyAI positions its model as an alternative to markdowns and bulk purchasing, aiming to minimise finished goods volumes and align with EU policy momentum on overproduction. The company is operationalising the approach in the apparel and footwear industry, with three factories across Europe currently testing its technology. The recent €1.5M fundraise (including a €240k grant and €1.26M pre-seed) will be used to scale deployments and further develop its AI-driven production capabilities.

Participated · Series A · Sep 2024

Retraced provides a platform for fashion and textile companies to digitize and trace supply chains, manage compliance data, and increase transparency from raw materials to finished products. The platform focuses on supplier data collection so all stakeholders can connect and collaborate. More than 150 brands — including Desigual, Victoria Secret, Pangaia, Calzedonia, Tom Tailor, Marc O Polo and Finisterre — use Retraced, which connects 15,000+ suppliers on its platform. Retraced is building capabilities that use AI and process automations to make supply chain sustainability more efficient and to reduce the financial burden of compliance management. The company is developing a European Digital Product Passport (DPP) to improve consumer engagement. Retraced positions its solutions to help brands comply with evolving EU and global regulations and to support brands in meeting sustainability objectives. Retraced offers a platform that collects, evaluates, and manages supply‑chain compliance data, connecting brands, textile manufacturers, and suppliers to make supply chains transparent and traceable. The platform automates certificate checks, risk assessments, and audits and allows customers to integrate complete product supply‑chain journeys into online stores for consumer‑facing transparency. Retraced positions its solution to help brands comply with regulatory requirements such as the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and with corporate sustainability obligations. The company operates in America, Asia, and Europe and counts customers including Desigual, Marc O’Polo, Decor Global, JOOP and more than 80 international manufacturers. Retraced will use new capital to further develop and automate the platform and to expand the company, targeting around 30,000 suppliers on its platform by the end of 2023. The founding team previously ran a shoe brand and includes co‑founders Lukas Puender (CEO) and Philipp Mayer (CPO).

Participated · Seed · Jul 2024

Matereal is a Denver, CO-based materials company advancing a chemical platform called Polaris™ that provides a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional polyurethane. The platform aims to retain polyurethane’s versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness while eliminating petrochemicals and toxic isocyanates linked to workplace asthma. Matereal’s scalable platform leverages artificial intelligence to optimize the use of renewable feedstocks alongside captured CO2. The company is led by CEO Jacqueline Ros Amable and CTO Dr. Philip Pienkos. Matereal closed a $4.5M seed funding round to support continued development of its technology and platform.

Participated · Series A · May 2024

Insempra uses oil yeasts and industrial fermentation to produce lipids that can replace petrochemical-derived fats and oils. Its products target cosmetics, food applications and materials markets, and the company is developing bio-based alternatives to polymers and textiles. Insempra also aims to generate ingredients used in antioxidants, preservatives, flavors and fragrances. The company operates a spinoff called Salina in London to produce protein fibers for the fashion industry. Founder Jens Klein previously led AMSilk GmbH, an industrial supplier of vegan silk polymers. Insempra positions itself against specialty-ingredients and largely petrochemical incumbents while scaling its fermentation process to industrial volumes. Insempra is a Martinsried-based biology-powered company developing biomanufacturing solutions and bio-based ingredients. Its current prototype, ‘BioTreasure’, is designed as an end-to-end continuous bioproduction process that converts carbonaceous waste streams into new products. The prototype aims to demonstrate continuous production for at least 180 days and to use advanced manufacturing techniques to produce multiple products. Insempra plans to feed microbes with feedstock derived from PET/plastic waste, edible oil waste and second‑generation plant waste to create sustainable, vegan alternatives for certain materials. CEO and founder Jens Klein emphasizes circular production, resource efficiency, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels as core priorities. The company is pursuing industrial applications for high‑tech uses of its bio-based ingredients and processes. Origin.Bio is a Munich, Germany-based synthetic biology company founded by Jens Klein that engineers synthetic microorganisms. Its organisms are designed to produce many of the same ingredients typically made via traditional chemical industrialisation processes. The company says its approach requires less energy and generates less waste. Origin.Bio raised $15M in funding in May 2021. It intends to use the funds to expand its technology and grow the team. Investors in the round include EQT Ventures, existing backer BlueYard Capital and new investors Taavet Hinrikus, Sten Tamkivi, Acequia Capital, Inventures and Charlie Songhurst.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2024

Sway is a San Leandro, CA–based cleantech startup led by CEO Julia Marsh that develops seaweed-based, home-compostable replacements for plastic packaging. Its core technology is a patent-pending Thermoplastic Seaweed resin (TPSea™), a 100% biobased, home-compostable, microplastic-free ingredient made from a regenerative ocean crop. Sway’s product portfolio built with TPSea™ focuses on flexible packaging applications such as polybags, retail bags, and food wrappers. Flexible packaging applications represent approximately 30% of all single-use plastic packaging, which the company targets. Sway plans to scale its product portfolio and catalyze adoption by fashion, food, and home goods brands, including J.Crew, Burton, and others associated with the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize. The company emphasizes environmental benefits that can replenish ecosystems and support coastal communities. Sway is a materials company developing seaweed-derived, bio-based, nontoxic packaging designed to be rapidly compostable in home and industrial environments. Its initial product focus is on high-performance polybags and retail bags intended to replace thin-film petroleum-derived plastics. The company emphasizes regenerative seaweed supply chains that are carbon-negative and support ocean health and livelihoods. Sway plans to use its recent financing to accelerate product development and run initial pilots with mission-aligned partner brands in 2022. The team includes co-founder and CEO Julia Marsh and was founded in 2020; the company is based in Berkeley, California. Sway frames its work as both material innovation and cultural change toward a plastic-free future.