Uluu, a materials technology startup based in Perth, has raised US$13.5 million in series A funding to build a demonstration plant and expand its seaweed-based alternative to plastic.

The round was led by Burda Principal Investments, with participation from Main Sequence, Novel Investments, Startmate, Fairground, and Trinity Ventures.

Uluu will use the funds to scale production from its current 100kg per year pilot to a 10-tonne per year demonstration facility in Western Australia.

The company produces natural polymers from seaweed using fermentation, which it says can be processed with existing plastic manufacturing equipment.

Uluu is working with partners in cosmetics, fashion, and automotive sectors, including Quiksilver, Papinelle, and Audi.

Founded in 2021, Uluu employs 23 staff and plans to build a commercial-scale facility to serve global markets.

The company was awarded the 2025 SXSW Innovation Award in Austin, Texas.

🔗 Source: Uluu