Renowned actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher have reaffirmed their dedication to environmental sustainability through investments in a range of eco-friendly startups. These include Mosa Meat, a Netherlands-based company specialising in meat alternatives, and Aether, the pioneering creator of vegan diamonds crafted from carbon derived from air pollution. Their latest endeavour involves supporting another innovative green startup, further solidifying the actors’ commitment to driving positive change.
Matter, a UK-based microplastic technology and innovation company pioneering solutions for capturing, harvesting, and recycling microplastics, has raised $10 million in Series A funding.
Leonardo DiCaprio & Ashton Kutcher invest
The investment round was led by S2G Ventures (that backed Flashfood and Atomo) and SOUNDwaves, the sustainability-focused investment vehicle backed by Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary.
Further, the round also saw participation from Leonardo DiCaprio-backed Consumer ClimateTech fund Regeneration.VC, and Katapult Ocean, which has made a significant follow-on investment, along with a small number of strategic investors.
The fresh funds will enable the Bristol-based company to scale its microplastic filtration technology and accelerate its roadmap of solutions for commercial and industrial applications capturing microplastics that would otherwise end in sewage sludge to be used as fertilizer or incinerated, and enabling a fully circular solution.
Adam Root, Founder and CEO of Matter, said: “The combined support and expertise of our investors enables us to accelerate our work, moving beyond laundry into industrial-scale applications of our technology, and drive globally meaningful reductions in micropollutant emissions with confidence and speed.”
Kate Danaher, Managing Director at S2G Ventures, said: “As established partners of Matter, we’ve been impressed by the relentless determination and speed at which they’ve been able to develop innovative solutions and demonstrate an instant impact on the industry. Continued investment in solutions like the ones Matter provides are critical, if not essential, to ensuring the long-term health of our oceans, and subsequently, the overall health of our planet.”
“Matter’s micro-filtration technology is class-leading and represents a crucial defence against the continuous flow of microplastic pollution from our homes, workplace and built environments” added Katherine Keating, Managing Partner at SOUNDwaves.
How microplastic filtration technology works?
The integration of microplastic filtration tech in washing machines is pivotal for reducing pollution from household activities. Firms like Matter adopt this innovative approach, aligning with upcoming laundry appliance regulations, notably in France. Matter’s adaptable solutions cater to diverse market demands, combating microplastic pollution and targeting harmful elements like cotton microfibers, featuring patented self-cleaning mechanisms.
“Notably, the filter not only captures microplastics but also intercepts environmentally harmful microfibers like cotton, fortified with patented self-cleaning mechanisms to avert blockages. This versatile filter can be strategically positioned within washing machines, boasting a durable design that outlasts the appliance’s lifetime. With no disposable components or replacement filters, Matter’s integrated filter technology ensures a seamless and cost-effective experience for end users,” Adam Root, Founder and CEO of Matter, tells TFN.
Matter’s birth: how did it happen?
In the summer of 2017, Gulp’s (Matter’s parent company) inception unfolded through founder Adam, a former Dyson engineer and avid scuba diver. Stirred by conservation talks in Bristol, he witnessed the dire extent of microplastic pollution and decided to be the change. Leaving his job, he initiated a journey. Winning a grant, he assembled a makeshift rig from humble materials, setting the course for innovation. Now, after five years, Gulp has evolved from a shed to a warehouse under Matter, a collective of dedicated engineers and ocean enthusiasts. United in purpose, the British startup’s inventive simplicity drives individuals to combat microplastics.
Eyes to scaleup beyond laundry
Matter has adopted a circular approach with a clear focus on the capture, harvest and recycling of micropollutants. “Our mission is to capture microplastics before they reach the world’s waterways, and in doing so, create a circular economy from the captured material, adds Root.
He goes on saying, “One of the great things about our technology is it is scalable, and Matter is already making its first steps to develop applications that can address microplastic emissions at commercial and industrial scale, particularly within textiles and wastewater. For example, the company is currently partnering with textiles partners who make over 40 tons of fabric per day.”
Currently, Matter has a team of 24, and as a result of the funding will be scaling up and will be hiring for over 30 new roles in Bristol and plans to over double the team.
