The future of leather is here, and it’s grown in a lab, not on a farm. Paris-based startup Faircraft is making headlines with its recent $15.8 million Series A funding round. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of lab-grown leather alternatives that could reshape the way the industry sources materials and addresses environmental concerns.
A New Era in Leather Manufacturing
Faircraft stands out by pioneering what it calls “genuine leather, made in a lab.” Using advanced cellular biology, the company creates materials from animal skin cells that mirror the structure and feel of traditional leather. This approach, inspired by medical and cosmetic breakthroughs, blends scientific progress with the art of traditional craftsmanship.
According to Haïkel Balti, co-founder and CEO of Faircraft, lab-grown leather represents a major evolution that goes far beyond the fashion industry, and uses cutting-edge technologies to honour ethical considerations.
“Lab-grown leather represents a major evolution that goes far beyond the fashion industry, and uses cutting-edge technologies to honour ethical considerations. “It enables the creation of unique pieces with minimal environmental impact, while offering new possibilities to leather artisans and designers. This technological breakthrough is a tribute to the magic of life,” said Haïkel Balti, co-founder and CEO of Faircraft.
Investor Confidence Points to Market Potential
Faircraft’s funding round drew support from leading international investors, including Kindred Ventures (USA), Cap Horn (France), and BPI (France). The diverse backing highlights the global belief in Faircraft’s technology and its market potential.
Kanyi Maqubela, Managing Partner of Kindred Ventures, said:
“The luxury market is built on tradition—timeless craftsmanship, unmatched quality, and a commitment to excellence. Leather has long been the cornerstone of the fashion industry, valued for its timeless appeal and durability,—but its production comes with steep environmental costs.”
Maqubela, Managing Partner of Kindred Ventures, said:
“Faircraft’s lab-grown leather is a breakthrough for brands and consumers who refuse to compromise between quality and sustainability. We are proud to support them as they scale operations and bring this revolutionary product to market.”
Reducing Environmental Impact
Faircraft’s lab-grown leather offers measurable environmental benefits. The company reports that its process delivers 90% fewer CO2 emissions, 95% less waste, and an 80% reduction in water consumption compared to conventional leather manufacturing. These results address growing consumer concerns about the environmental footprint of fashion and align with regulatory trends favoring sustainable production.
Traditional leather manufacturing is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water, land for livestock, and chemicals for tanning. Faircraft’s innovation reduces these impacts while maintaining the luxurious look and feel that consumers expect from premium leather goods.
Expanding Expertise and Scaling Operations
The new funding will allow Faircraft to expand its team, bringing in more engineers and biologists to accelerate development and scaling. The company currently employs a 20-member team, including nine PhD holders from eight countries, reflecting its commitment to applied research and industrialization.
Founded in 2021 by materials scientist Haïkel Balti and biochemist César Valencia Gallardo, Faircraft has already secured two international patents for its innovative production methods. This intellectual property protection reinforces the company’s leadership in the emerging field of lab-grown materials.
Market Positioning and Future Outlook
Faircraft collaborates with master tanners specializing in luxury leather goods to ensure its sustainable material meets the high standards of the luxury market. This partnership highlights the company’s dedication to artisanal quality and environmental responsibility.
Already working with major luxury brands, Faircraft’s innovative materials are gaining acceptance in the market. While current production costs for lab-grown leather exceed those of traditional leather, the company is making steady progress toward achieving price parity.
As the Lab-grown Leather Market grew from USD 28.76 million in 2024 to USD 32.69 million in 2025, it is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 14.21%, reaching USD 63.87 million by 2030. Faircraft is well-positioned to capture a significant share. Its blend of advanced technology, environmental benefits, and focus on luxury markets makes it a key player in the sustainable materials revolution.
