UNCAGED Innovations Secures $5.6M Seed Funding to Launch “World’s First” Sustainable Leather Made from Grains
New York-based biomaterials startup UNCAGED Innovations has successfully raised an oversubscribed $5.6 million in Seed funding to advance its groundbreaking sustainable leather made from grains. This round was co-led by Green Circle Foodtech Ventures and Fall Line Capital, with additional participation from Ponderosa Ventures, Golden Seeds, and existing investor InMotion Ventures, the investment arm of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The fresh capital will be directed towards market entry, scaling up production, and expanding the team.
This latest investment follows a successful $2 million pre-seed round in 2023, signaling strong investor confidence in UNCAGED’s innovative approach to sustainable materials.
Revolutionizing Leather with Grain-Based Technology
Founded in 2020 by CEO Stephanie Downs and CTO Dr. Xiaokun Wang, UNCAGED Innovations is pioneering a new era in leather alternatives. By fusing structural proteins from grains with other bio-based elements, the company has developed fibral networks that replace animal collagen, traditionally used in leather. This innovation targets the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries, and UNCAGED has already optimized its technology for full-scale production.
Leveraging its proprietary BioFuze technology and roll-to-roll manufacturing process, UNCAGED is the first company to produce sustainable, grain-based leather at scale. The result is a high-performance, animal-free leather that closely mimics the texture and durability of its animal-based counterpart.
Reducing Environmental Impact
The fashion and leather industries are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, with commercial cattle farming responsible for 14.5% of these emissions. UNCAGED’s grain-based leather offers a sustainable solution, drastically reducing the environmental footprint of leather production. A third-party life cycle analysis shows that UNCAGED’s material emits 95% fewer greenhouse gases, uses 93% less water, and requires 72% less energy compared to traditional leather. Unlike synthetic leathers that rely on plastics, UNCAGED’s leather is fully biodegradable, utilizing plant collagen for a sustainable alternative.
A New Chapter for Sustainable Fashion
As the fashion industry increasingly shifts towards sustainability, UNCAGED Innovations is at the forefront, setting new standards for eco-friendly materials. With its latest funding round, UNCAGED is poised to bring its revolutionary grain-based leather to a global market, challenging traditional practices and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
