Modern Synthesis

Could you be our missing molecule? We’re looking for a Scientist to bring their biomaterials brilliance to our London lab. The ideal formula: 🧪 A strong foundation in chemistry, materials, or textile science. 🥼 Hands-on wet lab experience and a knack for experimentation. 🌎 A passion for sustainable innovation and the future of materials. Have experience with cellulose chemistry or textile processing? That’s a bonus – but not a must. If you’re excited by the challenge, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now: https://lnkd.in/ebQiJufZ #Biomaterials #MaterialScience #SustainableInnovation #Startup

Modern Synthesis creates 100% bio-based materials designed to displace animal leathers and plastic-based materials – now it's Butterfly Mark certified🦋 Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Ben Reeve, Modern Synthesis works with microbes to produce an entirely new class of nanocellulose-based materials. The result – performance without plastics and aesthetics without animal inputs, plus entirely new textile possibilities for designers. But that’s not all Modern Synthesis has achieved on its path to Real Changemaker status. Here are just a few more highlights... • 100% of Modern Synthesis’s R&D investments are directed towards sustainability-focused initiatives • 75-99% of inputs used in Modern Synthesis products are derived from renewable resources, contributing to the circular economy • A comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis has enabled the company to reduce its carbon footprint and foster a sustainable supply chain 🔗 Learn more about Modern Synthesis’ innovative work: https://lnkd.in/en43pggC . . #RealChangemakers #ButterflyMark

Someone’s got to be the first. 🦋 Modern Synthesis is officially Butterfly Mark certified – making us the first material supplier to meet Positive Luxury’s rigorous ESG+ (Environmental, Social, Governance & Innovation) standards. Since starting the assessment process, we’ve strengthened our approach across the board – improving our score by +21% to achieve an overall 74% rating. It’s a marker that reflects how far we’ve come but more importantly, our commitment to going even further. We chose to do this now, not because we had to, but because we believe accountability should scale alongside innovation. The Butterfly Mark gives our partners assurance that we are actively investing in raising industry standards, not just meeting them. And while we’re proud of how far we’ve come in this journey, we know the real work is just beginning. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/en43pggC #PositiveLuxury #ButterflyMark #SustainableLuxury #MaterialScience #FutureFashion

There have been some new faces following us here since our latest news, so we thought it was high time we showed you ours. At Modern Synthesis, we’re bringing new materials to life. We do this by amplifying nature’s genius with intentional human design. And it’s these humans (👇) who make sure we stay true to that vision. Designers, bioscientists, chemists, engineers, operations specialists, commercial strategists – each of us brings something different to the table. (Quite literally: we just about manage to fit everyone around the Big Table for our Monday morning meetings, but it’s getting tight.) Nature teaches us that the most resilient systems don’t come from working in siloes. They emerge from collaboration, a healthy dose of friction, and shared intelligence. Why should companies be any different? We’re building something game-changing. Together. And we’re glad to have you here with us. For a deeper dive into what we’re building – straight from our founders to your inbox – sign up for our quarterly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/evRv_AfU #Biotechnology #MaterialInnovation #Startup #ClimateTech #DreamTeam

We did the math, and it checks out: diverse teams = better science. #WomenInScience On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re proud to celebrate our female scientists and a milestone we’re incredibly proud of: 50% of our Science team identifies as female. To put that into perspective, women hold only 29% of STEM roles in the UK. Research backs what we’ve long believed: diverse teams drive better innovation. A Nature Magazine study found that gender-diverse teams produce higher-impact research. In biotech, where we rely on creative problem-solving, diversity isn’t just nice-to have – it’s essential. As a female-founded company shaping the future of materials, we know innovation doesn’t end with pushing scientific boundaries – it’s also about designing a more balanced, equitable, and forward-thinking industry. 💡 Want to be part of it? Sign up for our newsletter to hear about open positions and how we’re building a more diverse biotech industry: https://lnkd.in/evRv_AfU #WomenInSTEM #Innovation #Biotech #DiversityInScience #FemaleFounded

Modern Synthesis is now part of our portfolio, and we couldn't be more excited! 🎉 Modern Synthesis transforms nanocellulose – a natural fermentation-derived fibre – into durable, high quality alternatives to animal leather, ‘vegan’ leather, and plastic-based coated textiles. Their scalable, proprietary process builds on the incredible strength of nanocellulose, a naturally derived polymer that is 8 times stronger than steel at a nanofiber level. The result? A new generation of materials free from petrochemicals and toxic ingredients, with a lower environmental impact than incumbent textiles. Yair Reem shares why we invested: “The first thing that struck us was how this material rivals traditional leathers in look and feel, but can also offer something entirely new that excites designers. Jen’s deep expertise in fashion and design, combined with Ben’s tech-savvy brilliance, has created a game-changing solution that redefines what’s possible with sustainable, high-performance materials. Modern Synthesis represents the future of industry—delivering better, more cost-effective, and resilient materials that also happen to be green.” Curious to learn more? Read more about the investment on TechCrunch (article by Tim De Chant): https://lnkd.in/dbpeJ6zq And our investment thesis: (article by Carlota Ochoa Neven Du Mont and Elisabeth Iszauk): https://lnkd.in/dFmVMzkZ Thrilled to have you on board, Jen, Ben, and the entire Modern Synthesis team! #ClimateAction #ClimateTech #VentureCapital

Today’s milestone unlocks tomorrow’s possibilities. Modern Synthesis has raised $5.5m in an oversubscribed funding round led by Extantia, with participation from Artesian (Alternative Investments) and Collaborative Fund. 🌎 With this investment, we are primed to scale our pilot production, grow our brilliant team, and bring our biobased materials to market faster. 💥 It takes an army to revolutionise an industry. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our vision in shaping a future where design is no longer constrained by conventional materials, or polluted by plastics. Want to stay ahead of the curve in material innovation? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about our latest developments: https://lnkd.in/evRv_AfU #ClimateTech #Biotechnology #MaterialInnovation #SustainableFashion #VentureCapital

Time is a curious companion on the innovation journey. Biological compounds grow slowly, while chemical reactions happen in an instant. Prototypes materialise over weeks, while industries take years to pivot. But true innovation doesn’t just take time: it takes time well spent. Learning, questioning, imagining, observing, planning, iterating, and executing. Bringing a new class of materials to life means taking the time to explore their capabilities beyond today’s limits – finding better ways to work with them, and maximising their potential. And for that, we need someone to keep us on track. ⏰ It’s not too late to apply for our Product Development Project Manager position – an essential role in keeping our biomaterial innovations moving forward, on schedule. Applications close January 31st: https://lnkd.in/ezC_XP9K

Well, this certainly brings a new meaning to Eau de Toilette! And you thought that bags made with bacteria were a crazy idea… 🤯 Modern Synthesis is proud to be featured in the new BBC InDepth feature exploring “the fast-moving field of bioengineering”. From fatbergs to fashion, we’re cited as one of several UK companies reimagining manufacturing and driving the field forward. While Britain is a leader in bioengineering, the article highlights that continued investment is needed to unlock its full potential and impact. Companies like ours are creating sustainable solutions that are "much less polluting" and generate "great jobs, good environment and prosperity." Read the full article to learn more about this exciting new era of bioengineering and how Modern Synthesis is playing its part: https://lnkd.in/epvh5yYN Thank you BBC News for your curiosity and commitment to the cause! In case you missed it, watch the engineering biology explainer video from October on our Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eUVpX7_d #bioengineering #biotech #sustainability #innovation #UKmanufacturing

New year, new opportunities to grow. 🌱 We’re looking for a passionate Product Development Project Manager to get our revolutionary biomaterials out of the lab and into the hands of consumers. As a critical bridge between teams, you’ll have a talent for translating product requirements into actionable R+D project plans. You’ll also excel at project managing the delivery of those plans whilst ensuring that our innovations are developed on time and within budget. 📍 London, UK (in-person required) 👜 3+ years’ experience in product development 📆 Applications close 31st January [applications closed] #Biomaterials #ProductDevelopment #SustainableInnovation