The Venture Codex

Participated · Seed · Feb 2022

Rubi Laboratories develops an enzyme-driven platform that converts captured carbon dioxide into cellulose suitable for lyocell and viscose. The process uses a cascade of engineered enzymes in aqueous reactors sized to fit inside shipping-container modules, producing white cellulose within minutes as CO2 is added. Rubi has used AI and machine learning to improve enzyme efficacy and stability and plans to move toward continuous production. The company is building a demonstration-scale system intended to produce tens of tons of material and intends to supply apparel and other industries that use cellulose. Rubi has tested its material with 15 pilot partners, including H&M, Patagonia, and Walmart, and has booked more than $60 million in non-binding off-take agreements with a couple of partners. Leadership includes co-founder and CEO Neeka Mashouf, who founded the company with her twin sister Leila.