Faircraft, a Paris-based pioneer in lab-grown leather, has raised $15.8 million to revolutionize the leather goods industry with sustainable innovations. Backed by notable global investors such as Kindred Ventures, Cap Horn, and Entrepreneur First, this funding will bolster Faircraft’s team expansion, accelerate operations, and meet increasing market demand for eco-friendly materials.
Faircraft’s lab-grown leather is crafted using cutting-edge tissue engineering techniques. By replicating the structure of traditional leather with animal skin cells in a lab, the process significantly reduces environmental impact—90% fewer CO2 emissions, 95% less waste, and 80% less water usage. The material maintains the authenticity of genuine leather while offering sustainable options to luxury brands.
Co-founder and CEO Haïkel Balti emphasizes their product’s ethical and innovative nature, stating, “Lab-grown leather represents a major evolution that goes beyond the fashion industry. It enables the creation of unique pieces with minimal environmental impact, honoring ethical considerations.”
Faircraft collaborates with master tanners to perfect the craftsmanship of its leather, blending innovation with the French heritage of premium materials. With its proprietary, patented manufacturing process, the company aims to achieve price parity with traditional leather while scaling its operations.
As the luxury market increasingly embraces sustainable materials, Faircraft positions itself at the forefront, partnering with major brands to harmonize tradition and innovation. Founded in 2021 by materials science expert Haïkel Balti and cellular biology specialist César Valencia Gallardo, the company boasts a diverse team of experts dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable luxury.
