Faircraft, a lab-grown leather startup, has raised $15.8 million in funding to revolutionize the luxury leather industry with sustainable, high-quality alternatives.
The round is backed by global investors, including Kindred Ventures, Cap Horn, BPI, and more. This infusion of capital will fuel the company’s expansion, enabling it to recruit additional engineers and biologists, scale operations, and meet the rising demand for its environmentally friendly leather solutions.
About Faircraft
Founded in 2021 by Haïkel Balti, a materials science engineer, and César Valencia Gallardo, a biochemist with a PhD in Cellular Biology, Faircraft represents a bold step forward for the leather goods industry.
The company’s patented processes provide a sustainable alternative to traditional leather production, positioning Faircraft as a leader in the burgeoning field of lab-grown materials.
Crafting the Future of Leather
Faircraft leverages tissue engineering and cellular biology to create lab-grown leather that mirrors the structure and composition of traditional leather.
By cultivating animal skin cells in a controlled laboratory environment, the company produces genuine leather with minimal environmental impact.
Inspired by innovations in the medical and cosmetics industries, Faircraft’s lab-grown leather retains the essence of traditional craftsmanship.
Master tanners specializing in luxury goods collaborate with Faircraft to refine the finishing processes, ensuring that the material meets the aesthetic and tactile standards of premium leather.
“Lab-grown leather represents a major evolution that goes far beyond the fashion industry,” says Haïkel Balti, co-founder and CEO of Faircraft. “Our technology honors ethical considerations while empowering artisans and designers to create unique, sustainable pieces.”
Redefining Luxury with Sustainability
Tradition and innovation are converging in the luxury market, where brands increasingly prioritize sustainability without sacrificing quality.
Faircraft is partnering with prominent luxury brands to introduce lab-grown leather that reduces environmental impact by:
- Cutting CO2 emissions by 90%
- Reducing water consumption by 80%
- Lowering waste by 95%
“Leather has been a cornerstone of fashion for centuries, valued for its durability and timeless appeal,” notes Kanyi Maqubela, Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures. “Faircraft’s innovation ensures consumers and brands no longer need to choose between quality and sustainability.”
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A Game-Changing Manufacturing Process
At its Paris-based headquarters, Faircraft has developed a proprietary production process tailored for scalability. With two international patents protecting its groundbreaking method, Faircraft ensures unparalleled quality and environmental benefits.
While lab-grown leather currently has a higher manufacturing cost than traditional leather, Faircraft is advancing toward price parity.
This innovative approach combines technological excellence with French craftsmanship, embodying a commitment to sustainable luxury materials.
Building a World-Class Team
Faircraft's strength lies in its diverse team of 20 experts, including engineers and scientists from eight nationalities, nine of whom hold PhDs.
Their combined expertise drives advancements in applied research and industrialization, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of sustainable leather innovation.
A Vision for the Future
As Faircraft continues to scale its operations, it is set to redefine what is possible in the luxury leather market. By merging tradition with innovation, the company offers a compelling vision of a more sustainable future for artisans, brands, and consumers alike.
