Keel Labs

Keel Labs, founded in 2017 as AlgiKnit, is a biomaterials company focused on addressing the environmental impact of the textile industry. The company was established by Tessa Callaghan and Aleksandra Gosiewski, who met as design students at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Their shared concern over textile waste in the fashion industry motivated them to find a solution at the material level, leading to the creation of Keel Labs. Callaghan, the CEO, brings a background in design, innovation, and textile development, with previous roles at Helmut Lang and Perry Ellis. Gosiewski, the COO, has a background in fashion design and economics, with experience at PVH and Ralph Lauren. Their combined expertise bridges design, science, and business development.

The company's core business revolves around producing and selling Kelsun, its flagship seaweed-based fiber, to fashion brands and manufacturers. Keel Labs operates on a B2B model, supplying this sustainable material for use in garments, accessories, and footwear. The business is also exploring applications in other sectors like automotive interiors and home goods. The primary revenue stream is the sale of Kelsun fiber to brands and third-party manufacturers. Keel Labs has attracted significant investment, raising a total of $17.4 million over four funding rounds, including a $13 million Series A in June 2022 led by investors such as Starlight Ventures, H&M Group, and Aqua Spark.

Kelsun fiber is derived from kelp, a type of seaweed, which is a rapidly renewable resource that does not require arable land, freshwater, or pesticides to grow. The production process involves extracting a biopolymer called alginate from the seaweed and using a wet-spinning technique to create filaments. These filaments are then processed into a stable fiber ready to be spun into yarn. Kelsun is designed to be a drop-in solution, compatible with existing textile manufacturing infrastructure. Its key benefits include being 100% bio-based, biodegradable, and free from microplastics. The material is also naturally flame-resistant and has been shown to reduce bacteria. The company has showcased its material through collaborations with high-profile designers like Stella McCartney and brands such as Outerknown.

Keywords: biomaterials, sustainable textiles, seaweed fiber, Kelsun, material science, fashion technology, circular economy, cleantech, biodegradable materials, textile innovation, sustainable fashion, alternative fibers, kelp-based yarn, B2B materials, green chemistry, eco-friendly textiles, ocean-based resources, non-toxic materials, venture capital-backed, climate tech, sustainable supply chain, textile manufacturing