Collaborative Fund

Modern Synthesis is a biomaterial company focused on creating sustainable textiles for the fashion industry through innovative microbial weaving techniques. By harnessing the capabilities of bacteria, the company develops a new class of biobased textiles that offer significant advantages over traditional materials. These textiles provide strength and durability without the use of harmful petrochemical binders or toxic byproducts, and they eliminate the need for animal inputs, allowing for a diverse range of aesthetics to meet designers' needs. Modern Synthesis' technology utilizes bacterial nanocellulose, a highly versatile and robust form of cellulose, to produce customizable bio-textiles and composites. This approach not only replaces conventional materials such as animal leathers and plastic-based synthetics but also integrates efficiently with existing manufacturing practices, promoting scalability and sustainability within the industry.

Keel Labs is a biomaterials company focused on producing sustainable materials derived from renewable resources, specifically seaweed. The company addresses the ecological damage associated with the fashion industry by developing a platform for creating durable and rapidly degradable yarns from kelp. This innovative approach integrates scientific research and design with waste reduction in textile production, offering a viable alternative to conventional textiles for the footwear and apparel industries. By utilizing kelp, Keel Labs provides a functional and environmentally friendly resource that aims to mitigate the negative impacts of traditional material sourcing.

Modern Synthesis is a biomaterial company focused on creating sustainable textiles for the fashion industry through innovative microbial weaving techniques. By harnessing the capabilities of bacteria, the company develops a new class of biobased textiles that offer significant advantages over traditional materials. These textiles provide strength and durability without the use of harmful petrochemical binders or toxic byproducts, and they eliminate the need for animal inputs, allowing for a diverse range of aesthetics to meet designers' needs. Modern Synthesis' technology utilizes bacterial nanocellulose, a highly versatile and robust form of cellulose, to produce customizable bio-textiles and composites. This approach not only replaces conventional materials such as animal leathers and plastic-based synthetics but also integrates efficiently with existing manufacturing practices, promoting scalability and sustainability within the industry.

Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacturing and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from plants. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials suitable for various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale eco-friendly products effectively.

For Days, Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in manufacturing and recycling t-shirts for men and women. The company operates on a subscription and membership basis, providing customers with tees made from recycled fabric. Its unique business model encourages sustainability by allowing users to return their products once they become worn out or stained, facilitating a closed-loop recycling system and reducing waste in the fashion industry. For Days' proprietary platform, Trashie, incentivizes customers to embrace clothing recycling on a large scale, offering tangible rewards for their participation.

Fourpost Inc. operates a unique shopping destination that integrates studio shops, eateries, and community events, providing a space for consumers and brands to engage meaningfully. The company focuses on connecting local businesses and startups under one roof, facilitating their growth and interaction with customers. In addition to physical retail spaces, Fourpost offers a SaaS platform that provides members with essential tools and resources, including onboarding, account management, business training, and event scheduling. Established in 2018 and headquartered in New York, Fourpost aims to democratize the retail experience by enabling brands to easily enter the market and share their stories. Its first location was launched at Mall of America in Minnesota, with plans for further expansion, including a new site at American Dream in New Jersey.

Outdoor Voices, Inc. is a company that designs, manufactures, and sells athletic apparel aimed at promoting an active lifestyle. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the brand offers a variety of clothing items for both men and women, including sports bras, tops, sweatshirts, jackets, leggings, pants, and shorts. The company emphasizes the importance of recreation and social engagement, encouraging individuals to be active and enjoy outdoor activities with others. Outdoor Voices distributes its products through retail locations and online platforms, serving customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The brand is committed to redefining recreation as an integral part of daily life, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

Outdoor Voices, Inc. is a company that designs, manufactures, and sells athletic apparel aimed at promoting an active lifestyle. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the brand offers a variety of clothing items for both men and women, including sports bras, tops, sweatshirts, jackets, leggings, pants, and shorts. The company emphasizes the importance of recreation and social engagement, encouraging individuals to be active and enjoy outdoor activities with others. Outdoor Voices distributes its products through retail locations and online platforms, serving customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The brand is committed to redefining recreation as an integral part of daily life, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

Outdoor Voices, Inc. is a company that designs, manufactures, and sells athletic apparel aimed at promoting an active lifestyle. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the brand offers a variety of clothing items for both men and women, including sports bras, tops, sweatshirts, jackets, leggings, pants, and shorts. The company emphasizes the importance of recreation and social engagement, encouraging individuals to be active and enjoy outdoor activities with others. Outdoor Voices distributes its products through retail locations and online platforms, serving customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The brand is committed to redefining recreation as an integral part of daily life, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

Outdoor Voices, Inc. is a company that designs, manufactures, and sells athletic apparel aimed at promoting an active lifestyle. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the brand offers a variety of clothing items for both men and women, including sports bras, tops, sweatshirts, jackets, leggings, pants, and shorts. The company emphasizes the importance of recreation and social engagement, encouraging individuals to be active and enjoy outdoor activities with others. Outdoor Voices distributes its products through retail locations and online platforms, serving customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The brand is committed to redefining recreation as an integral part of daily life, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.