PACT has raised a £9m seed round of funding to advance the development and reach of pioneering biomaterials inspired by nature.
This includes its inaugural material, Oval – the world’s first scalable and climate-responsible biomaterial crafted from natural collagen.
The impact of this material is already rippling across the fashion industry, with a range of the world’s leading luxury maisons partnering with PACT to embrace the material’s creative potential.
PACT’s seed round was joined by Hoxton Ventures, ReGen Ventures, Celsius Industries (formerly UNTITLED) and Polytechnique Ventures. It will see the company scale-up production capabilities for its collagen technology and invest in further biomaterial breakthroughs.
To enable this expansion, the company has invested in a new 13,820 square foot headquarters in Cambridge, including a laboratory and pilot production facility.
PACT was founded in 2020 by scientist and engineer Yudí Ding (CEO) and physicist and engineer Niels Ramay (COO). The foundations of the company were laid during Ding’s PhD research at the University of Cambridge. His work on proteins found within and around cells inspired the idea for a biomaterial derived entirely from nature.
The pair have shaped the science which makes it possible to create beautiful biomaterials from natural proteins, herbal extracts and minerals that also have the flexibility and creative potential of traditional materials including but not limited to leather and fabrics.
“Our commitment at PACT is to craft beautiful, adaptable materials inspired by and derived from the natural world,” said Yudí Ding.
“We have poured energy and creativity into our innovations, ensuring they can meet the standards of the world’s most prestigious brands and respect their heritage, whilst also being truly scalable.
“By partnering with luxury maisons on these new foundational materials, we stand on the cusp of a new era of collaboration between science and elegance; one where sustainability is fused and suffused with beauty.
“Bringing these esteemed investors, who have deep connections to and understanding of the industry, on board will help us accelerate our progress to date, work with more client partners worldwide and unlock further biomaterial breakthroughs.”
Charles Seely, general partner at Hoxton Ventures, added: “We have been incredibly impressed by Yudi, Niels, and the wider PACT team; one that comprises some of the most exciting talent we’ve seen at Seed stage.
“The company’s innovative biomaterial technology combines the aesthetics – such as touch, look and refined ageing – of heritage materials, with high-performance and scalable economic production.
“This meets the rigorous demands of leading companies in luxury and beyond. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”