Vermont Business Magazine ZymoChem, developers of the world's most carbon-efficient bio-manufacturing platform with a division in Vermont, today announced the closing of a financing round led by lululemon, with participation from existing investors Toyota Ventures and GS Futures and new investor FreshTracks Capital, based in Shelburne. This new capital will accelerate the commercialization of ZymoChem's sustainable bio-based materials and expand manufacturing capabilities for its first commercial product.
The funding builds on the strategic partnership between lululemon and ZymoChem, which began in 2024 focused on developing bio-based alternatives for nylon 6,6: a foundational material used in many of lululemon's iconic products. The collaboration aims to transform Adipic Acid, a key building block of nylon traditionally produced from petroleum to a renewable bio-based alternative that maintains the same performance characteristics.
The investment from Toyota Ventures, through its Climate Fund, and GS Futures reinforces the continued confidence in ZymoChem's ability to transform manufacturing across multiple industries.
"With support from our investors, we are accelerating our timeline to bring bio-based materials to market that do not compromise on performance, cost, scale, or sustainability. We are especially grateful for the continued confidence as we work together to transform the materials supply chain" said Harshal Chokhawala, Co-Founder and CEO of ZymoChem.
ZymoChem's proprietary platform converts renewable feedstocks into bio-based materials with near-zero CO2 emissions through a patented fermentation process. The company's process delivers up to 50% greater yields compared to alternative methods, creating a dramatic cost advantage while radically minimizing carbon emissions during production.
“What truly sets ZymoChem apart is their groundbreaking technology, which is capable of producing a bio-based material to create sustainable nylon 6,6 that provides the same look, feel, and quality expected from our high-performance products,” said Yogendra Dandapure, Vice President, Raw Materials Innovation at lululemon. “By continuing to expand our partnerships with forward-thinking leaders like ZymoChem, we are creating multiple pathways to transition to sustainable materials across our product portfolio.”
ZymoChem also saw renewed support from the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) and The Dudley Fund, along with new investment from Fresh Tracks Capital. These Vermont-focused investments will support the growth of ZymoChem's Burlington satellite division, contributing to job creation and economic development in the region.
“ZymoChem represents the kind of breakthrough innovation that Vermont’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem can support and scale,” said T.J. Whalen, Managing Director at FreshTracks Capital. “Their technology addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, while creating high quality jobs in our state. We are proud to join VCET and The Dudley Fund in backing ZymoChem’s vision for a fossil-free future.”
The funding will be used to scale manufacturing capabilities, expand partnerships with global brands, and advance development of ZymoChem's suite of sustainable materials targeting applications from personal hygiene to textiles and beyond. ZymoChem has been listed as one of America’s Top Greentech Companies of 2025 by TIME Magazine and Statista.
About ZymoChem
ZymoChem is breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. Headquartered in San Leandro, CA with a satellite division in Burlington, VT, ZymoChem envisions a world in which the goods we depend on everyday are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy. Through their multi-generational and multi-product patents, ZymoChem’s proprietary Carbon Conserving (C2) microbes convert renewable feedstocks into bio-based materials without compromising price, performance, scale, or sustainability, while radically minimizing CO2 loss during the production phase. Learn more at www.zymochem.com.
4.29.2025. SAN LEANDRO, CA – ZymoChem
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