Local biomaterials firm Bucha Bio raised more money to turn bacterial polymers into sustainable materials and textiles.
The Houston-based startup announced raising $1.1 million through an oversubscribed seed fundraising round. The round included contributions from Houston-based New Climate Ventures, Miami-based Beni VC and Brazil-based Lifely VC, as well as new partners Prithvi VC, Asymmetry VC and investors from the Glasswall Syndicate.
Bucha Bio, founded in 2019, wants its biomaterials made from bacterial polymers to replace textiles made from animal leather, polyurethane, latex, vinyl or other materials made from petrochemicals.
"The time for rapid growth for biomaterials is now," said Eric Rubenstein, founding managing partner at New Climate Ventures. "Bucha Bio's team and technical development are advancing hand in hand with the demands of brand partnerships, and we are excited to support them as they capitalize on this global opportunity."
Using the seed financing, Bucha Bio plans to scale production of its biomaterials by partnering with co-manufacturers. The company aims to reach market availability in 2023.
The seed funding will also support construction on Bucha Bio's new Houston headquarters at the East End Maker Hub, which will include office space, a materials development lab and a manufacturing line for prototyping. The company is actively constructing its lab and office space at the EEMH, located at 6501 Navigation Blvd.
Bucha Bio said it also wants to continue expanding its team with a new supply chain lead and technician roles.
The company sees its bio-based textile, Shorai, as an alternative to animal leather, plastic leather and other synthetic materials. Bucha Bio's animal-free leather is made from the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, commonly called "scoby," which forms at the top of kombucha during the brewing process.
Bucha Bio also plans to introduce a new bio-based material offering with a translucent aesthetic, Hikari, later this year.
The company surveyed more than 20 locations for potential expansions before settling on Houston for access to talent and investors, Bucha Bio CEO Zimri Hinshaw told the HBJ earlier this year.
