FibeRio

About FibeRio

FibeRio Technology Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in McAllen, Texas, specialized in the development and manufacturing of nanofiber production systems. The company was established to commercialize a novel manufacturing process called Forcespinning, invented by Dr. Karen Lozano, a professor at The University of Texas-Pan American. Ellery Buchanan served as the CEO, bringing experience from multiple technology ventures where he successfully raised significant financing and commercialized new technologies. Beto P., another founder, contributed his expertise in startups and international business development.

FibeRio's core business was providing capital equipment that enabled other companies to produce nanofibers at a commercial scale in a cost-effective manner. The company's proprietary Forcespinning technology utilized centrifugal force, which allowed for a wider range of polymers to be spun from both melts and solutions compared to the more common electrospinning process. This key difference removed the requirement for materials to have specific dielectric properties. The business model focused on selling its Cyclone and FiberEngine series of production systems to manufacturers and R&D departments in various sectors, including filtration, apparel, healthcare, nonwovens, electronics, and biomedical applications. By enabling high-volume, low-cost production, FibeRio aimed to unlock the commercial potential of nanofibers, which offer enhanced material properties such as increased surface area and improved mechanical strength.

Throughout its operation, FibeRio achieved several milestones, including raising approximately $19.9 million in funding from notable investors like SABIC Ventures, Aster Capital, and Solvay. In 2010, its Forcespinning technology won a Silver Award at the World's Best Technology Showcase. The company also formed a strategic partnership with VF Corporation in 2015 to develop next-generation performance apparel. In March 2016, FibeRio was acquired by Clarcor, a filtration company, in a move that provided liquidity to its investors and aimed to integrate FibeRio's technology into Clarcor's product lines, particularly for a major contract with GE. Following the acquisition, FibeRio ceased to operate as an independent entity and is now considered deadpooled.