TômTex nets $4.15m investment for eco-friendly leather alternatives

Photo credit: TomTex

New York-based TômTex raised a US$4.15 million seed round led by Happiness Capital. Earth Venture Capital, SOSV, Parley for the Oceans, and MIH Capital also participated in the round.

Founded by Vietnamese entrepreneur Uyen Tran, TômTex makes textiles from shrimp shells and mushrooms to replace conventional animal and plastic-based leathers.

The company’s flagship product is Series WS, a textile crafted from discarded seafood shells. Its newly introduced Series M offering, meanwhile, is derived from mushroom waste.

Using raw chitosan – a sugar that comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp – the company employs a green chemical process to create a breathable and durable textile. 

This presents another alternative to leather made from lab-grown material, which the company said can be costly and more time-consuming. 

With the new funding, TômTex aims to grow its Brooklyn-based team, fill key leadership roles, and enhance its in-house and contract manufacturing capabilities.

“More than scaling, it’s a strategic step to secure new contracts and revenue, strengthening our market position,” said Uyer Tran, who also serves as TômTex’s CEO.

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