Using innovative processes found in nature to brew sustainable alternatives to palm oil
Notable Achievements
- Raised $24 million to date, including funding from Breakthrough Energy Ventures (Bill Gates) and US DOE.
- Gross margin positive in first market (beauty / personal care), approaching cost-competitive
- First product sold out in 2 hours and received >1 billion media impressions
Currently Operating in Two Regions
Press Mentions
July 3, 2024
A Biotech Solution to Palm Oil Deforestation
Shara Ticku, Co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences (and HBS alumna), which uses fermentation to produce a palm oil substitute, describes how she and her partners built their start-up, including how...
Read on Harvard Business School »March 19, 2024
Palm oil is both ubiquitous and problematic. This biotech company has finally devised an alternative
Why C16 Biosciences, with its new brand, Palmless, is one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the consumer goods category.
Read on Fast Company »February 13, 2024
Greasy—and good for the planet
Bill Gates writes about two companies that are creating alternatives to animal fats and palm oil, which contribute massively to climate change.
Read on gatesnotes.com »January 31, 2024
The AlleyWatch Startup Daily Funding Report: 1/30/2024 – AlleyWatch
The AlleyWatch Startup Daily Funding Report for January 30, 2024, highlights the latest funding rounds and investments in various startups. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the...
Read on AlleyWatch »January 24, 2024
Palm oil alternative maker C16 Biosciences nets $4.5M to expand into food
The maker of Palmless oil is moving from beauty into its next market: food.
Read on Axios »September 4, 2023
Lab-grown palm oil could offer environmentally-friendly alternative
Scientists have developed a lab-grown alternative to palm oil, which is a major driver of deforestation. The new oil is made from yeast and can be produced in large quantities.
Read on CBS News »Work at C16 Biosciences
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