New York and Paris-based startup BioFluff has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to further develop and scale its plant-based alternatives to animal-derived fabrics. The round was led by Astanor Ventures, a leading agrifood tech impact investing firm.
The funding coincides with BioFluff’s launch of Savian, a new line of luxury faux fur, shearling, and fleece fabrics made from natural plant fibers and proprietary technologies. Savian aims to provide a sustainable solution as both the fashion industry and governments worldwide move away from using animal fur.
BioFluff’s seed funding follows a $500,000 pre-seed round in 2022 and will fuel the commercialization of Savian as well as new research and development. Astanor Ventures partner Christina Ulardic said BioFluff has a unique offering for the luxury industry, fashion and textiles which is in full alignment with the Astanor mission of a more regenerative economy.
Savian Fabrics Target Sustainability-Focused Luxury Brands
The Savian collection features plush, luxury fabrics crafted entirely from plant-based materials. By mimicking sought-after textiles like mink and shearling with natural ingredients and clean production methods, BioFluff offers luxury brands a cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality or indulgence.
In addition to being vegan, Savian fabrics utilize natural dyes and avoid toxic chemicals during the patented production process. As luxury consumers become more aware of fashion’s heavy environmental impact, BioFluff’s innovative materials provide the opulence they enjoy with a lighter footprint.
BioFluff was founded in 2022 by biochemist Martin Steubler, fashion industry veteran Steven Usdan, and tech entrepreneur Roni Gamzon. The team combines science, sustainability, and an understanding of luxury aesthetics to develop next-gen materials poised to disrupt apparel and textiles.
With the weight of Astanor Ventures’ expertise and capital behind it, BioFluff is primed to scale rapidly. The seed funding empowers the startup to commercialize Savian on a larger level and bring animal-free, eco-conscious indulgence to conscious consumers worldwide.