At Insempra, we’re building a platform to grow better ingredients with nature, not just for food and personal care, but also for the materials that make up the fabric of our daily lives. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting Solena Materials, a biomaterials company developing biodegradable, high-performance protein fibres using a unique AI-driven design approach.

Solena’s mission to replace fossil-based synthetic fibres with sustainable, scalable alternatives aligns closely with our own. This latest investment round marks an important step toward commercialising their first product and scaling production, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.

“Solena’s fibres are a clear example of how high performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.” – Jens Klein, Insempra CEO & Chairman of the Board at Solena Materials

Investment Overview:

• Solena Materials has raised $6.7 million in seed funding.
• The round includes support from Sir David Harding, SynBioVen, and Insempra.
• Their fibres are biodegradable, soft, durable, and made without fossil feedstocks.
• The funding will help scale production, grow their IP portfolio, and prepare for a first product launch within three years.
• Solena combines artificial intelligence and bio-based manufacturing to design materials from the molecular level up.

About Solena Materials

Solena is a protein materials company using computational design, machine learning, and automation to accelerate the development of bespoke materials across multiple sectors. Our protein-based fibres will replace petrochemical-derived materials, unlocking a new generation of biodegradable, functional, and sustainable smart materials for consumers, industry, and the planet.

Find out more: solena-materials.com

About the investors:

Sir David Harding

Sir David Harding has been a leader in the development of scientific investment methods for over 40 years. He is the founder of two successful investment management firms: AHL, which was sold to Man Group in 1994, and Winton, which he established in 1997.  He is also an investor in many start-up companies, particularly in the fields of finance, cybersecurity and synthetic biology. Sir David was knighted in 2022, in recognition of his contribution to philanthropy.

Find out more: Sir David Harding

SynBioVen

SynBioVen is an investment vehicle launched in early 2022 focused on supporting the next generation of synthetic biology scientists, founders and start-ups. We believe that synthetic biology will drive the next industrial revolution and the transition to a net-zero economy, with UK companies playing a leading role.

Find out more: SynBioVen

Insempra

Insempra is a biotechnology-powered company enabling businesses to transform their ingredient lists with superior products made in collaboration with nature. For too long, businesses have relied on petrochemical production and environmental exploitation, depleting our limited natural resources and polluting our planet. The beauty, food & nutrition, and fashion industries are under immense pressure to shift to sustainable alternatives. Insempra’s advanced technology platform enables the production of superior natural ingredients on an industrial scale to help the world’s leading brands transform their products.

Find out more: Insempra

Posted by Nicole Laurence