ProjectEx seeks $1 million for lab-grown exotic leather

In Singapore, a startup looking to grow exotic leathers in a lab has launched a $1-million, pre-seed fundraising round.

ProjectEx was was spun-out of National University of Singapore in 2019 by biomedical engineer and Cellivate Technologies CEO Dr. Viknish Krishnan-Kutty and designer Adrian Fürstenburg. According to vegconomist, the company aims to launch its first exotic leather sheets in 18-24 months.  Its first product will most likely be wristwatch bands for luxury brands, followed by handbags.

The technology can produce exotic skins such as snake, crocodile, alligator and ostrich without raising animals for slaughter. It is already in talks with luxury brands.

“As a designer who works with leather, I know firsthand the impact that the industry has on the environment and animal welfare,” said Adrian Fürstenburg. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword anymore – it’s an urgent need.”

ProjectEx’s advisory board includes Stanislas de Quercize, Cartier’s former global CEO and current board member of luxury brand Christian Louboutin.