MycoWorks

MycoWorks
Company typePrivate
IndustryBiotechnology, Materials Science, Fashion
FoundersSophia Wang (Co-founder and Chief of Culture)
Phil Ross (Co-founder)
Eddie Pavlu (Co-founder)
Headquarters
Emeryville, California
,
United States
Key people
Matthew L. Scullin (CEO)
ProductsFine Mycelium, Reishi
Websitewww.mycoworks.com

MycoWorks is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California[1] that produces leather-like products using a process involving mycelium. The company was founded in 2013 by Philip Ross, Sophia Wang, and Eddie Pavlu.[2]

History

Co-founder and chief technical officer Phil Ross's work with mycelium began before the formation of the company,[specify] which has assisted in the company's developments.[3] In 2017, Matthew L. Scullin signed on as chief executive officer. In early 2020, the company raised Series A financing, and later that year, $45 million in Series B financing with Natalie Portman and John Legend participating.[4]

Technology

Fine Mycelium is a patented technology by MycoWorks that attempts to influence cellular structures for increased strength and durability. The company uses the term to refer to both their process and the resulting materials intended for the fashion, footwear, automotive, and decor industry.

Products

Reishi was the first commercially available product from MycoWorks, followed by Reishi Doux, Reishi Natural, and Reishi Pebble in 2023.[5] The product has been used in a number of luxury retail items such as handbags [6] and hats.[7] Commercial-scale manufacturing began in September 2023 at a plant in Union, South Carolina.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ "MycoWorks Raises $45M in Series B Financing". MycoWorks. 2020-11-17. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  2. ^ "Lampoon Magazine | MycoWorks' Fine Mycelium – A scientific story through the lens of art". Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  3. ^ "The Fungi In Your Future". Science Friday.[permanent dead link‍]
  4. ^ "MycoWorks closes $45m Series B; John Legend, Natalie Portman invest". AgFunderNews. 2020-11-17. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  5. ^ MycoWorks. "MycoWorks Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary with New Reishi™ Products and a Performance Breakthrough". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Allen St. Made With Reishi™". Allen St.
  7. ^ "Mycelium Bucket Hat". Nick Fouquet.
  8. ^ MycoWorks. "Biotech Company MycoWorks Begins Production at the World's First Commercial-Scale Fine Mycelium™ Plant in Union, South Carolina". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 3 October 2023.