‍London, UK – 5^th May 2025 – Solena Materials, a biomaterials company developing novel protein fibres for high-performance, intrinsically sustainable clothing, has secured $6.7 million in investment in a seed funding round backed by Sir David Harding, SynBioVen and Insempra.

Using artificial intelligence-based methods to develop bespoke proteins, Solena Materials produces high-performance clothing fibres that are tough, soft to the touch, and biodegradable; now, with funding secured, they are on a clear pathway to scale.

The company offers bio-based solutions for the apparel industry, providing a more environmentally responsible alternative to currently prevalent petrochemical-derived, non-biodegradable performance materials whose environmental impact includes plastic pollution entering the water cycle through production and garment washing.

This funding will facilitate Solena’s expansion to larger facilities, allowing it to enhance its IP portfolio and start commercially supporting customers across the fashion and textiles industries. The company aims to launch its first product to market with a partner brand within the next three years.

Spun out of Imperial College London in 2022 by Dr James MacDonald, Prof. Paul Freemont, and Prof. Milo Shaffer, the company combines artificial intelligence with bio-based manufacturing. Solena's protein fibres are designed from the ground up using proprietary deep neural networks and software tools. This molecular-level design enables precise tuning of fibre properties—from tensile strength and elasticity to biodegradability and functional performance—unlocking new possibilities for technical textiles and next-generation apparel.

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Dr James MacDonald, Co-Founder and CEO of Solena Materials, comments: ‘This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our mission to deliver the next generation of textile fibres. This funding will help us expand production capacity, reduce costs, and begin collaborating with partners to launch products made with Solena fibres. It marks an exciting step towards a future where sustainability and performance go hand in hand.’

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Sir David Harding comments: ‘Solena's technology offers an answer to the question of how fashion can ever be compatible with sustainability. Manufacturing wearable materials biologically could be the next revolution in clothing. Most clothing today is made of materials derived from fossil fuel feedstock. Hopefully, the materials of the future will be grown in vats.’

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Insempra CEO Jens Klein, Solena Materials Chairman of the Board, comments: ‘Investing in Solena Materials aligns perfectly with Insempra's mission to drive a regenerative revolution by developing sustainable, high-performance ingredients with nature. We are excited to accelerate Solena's innovative approach to creating biodegradable, non-oil-derived fibres that have the potential to transform the textile industry.’

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About 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.

About 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.

About 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.

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.

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