VitroLabs, a San Francisco-based startup pioneering the development of cell-cultivated leather, has raised $46 million in a Series A funding round. The investment, led by UK-based cellular agriculture investment group Agronomics, includes notable backers such as luxury fashion powerhouse Kering and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio.
Kering, the parent company of luxury brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent, has thrown its weight behind VitroLabs to support the commercialization of its innovative cultivated leather technology. This funding round marks a significant step for VitroLabs as it scales its pilot production and accelerates its entry into the market with what it claims is the world’s first cellular cultivated animal leather.
With over €27 billion in assets, Kering’s involvement is strategic, providing not only financial support but also expertise in product quality testing, tanning, and finishing processes. This collaboration underscores the growing interest among luxury brands in sustainable and innovative materials that align with shifting consumer expectations for eco-friendly products.
The partnership between VitroLabs and Kering highlights a broader trend within the fashion industry towards sustainable innovation, particularly in the luxury segment, as brands look to reduce their environmental impact and embrace cutting-edge technologies.
