Azolla

Azolla

Early Stage

Turning emissions into carbon negative textiles

Turning emissions into carbon negative textiles

Overview

Raised to Date: Raised: $75,800

Total Commitments ($USD)

Platform

Wefunder

Start Date

11/12/2023

Close Date

07/24/2024

Min. Goal
$50,000
Max. Goal
$124,000
Min. Investment

$250

Security Type

SAFE

Series

Pre-Seed

SEC Filing Type

RegCF    Open SEC Filing

Valuation Cap

$5,000,000

Discount

20%

Rolling Commitments ($USD)

Status

Active

Reporting Date

05/07/2024

Days Remaining

77

% of Min. Goal

152%

% of Max. Goal

61%

Likelihood of Max
unlikely
Avg. Daily Raise

$428

# of Investors

45

Momentum
cool.svg
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Year Founded

2020

Industry

Apparel & Fashion

Tech Sector

Cleantech

Distribution Model

B2B

Margin

High

Capital Intensity

Low

Location

Oakland, California

Business Type

High Growth

Azolla, with a valuation of $5 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company is solving one of the biggest problems of the world by converting harmful carbon dioxide into usable products. Azolla turns emissions into carbon-negative textiles and enables fashion businesses to meet their net-zero goals without compromising on profitability. The company uses the unique industrial photosynthesis process to convert carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into carbon-negative biomaterial and gives people a reason to feel good about buying their clothes. Lubica Hanacek and Milan Hanacek founded Azolla in January 2020. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $35,000 and a maximum target of $70,000. The campaign proceeds will be used for salaries, research and development, IP protection, lab space and supplies, and hiring a scientist.

Summary Profit and Loss Statement

FY 2023 FY 2022

Revenue

$0

$1,855

COGS

$0

$0

Tax

$0

$0

 

 

Net Income

$-2,082

$-18,308

Summary Balance Sheet

FY 2023 FY 2022

Cash

$10,877

$13,494

Accounts Receivable

$0

$0

Total Assets

$10,972

$13,469

Short-Term Debt

$0

$0

Long-Term Debt

$0

$0

Total Liabilities

$0

$0

Financials as of: 11/12/2023
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Founder Profile

Lubica Hanacek: Innovating Textiles with CO2 Technology

Azolla is one of the few startups that can produce a carbon-sucking textile, thus providing a high-quality material while mitigating climate change and its impact on the clothing industry.


We reached out to Lubica Hanacek, co-founder and CEO, to learn more about the company’s product, the market landscape, and her passion for the textile industry.


Read Founder Interview

Analyst Report

Synopsis

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates it is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. Additionally, 85% of textiles go to the dump each year, and washing some types of clothes sends thousands of bits of plastic into the ocean. Therefore, there is an urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the textile market.

Azolla is a company that aims to address this problem by turning harmful CO2 emissions into carbon-negative textiles. The company uses industrial photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into a biodegradable material. Each pound of this material removes three pounds of CO2 from the air. This process not only helps to reduce CO2 emissions but also provides a sustainable alternative for the trillion-dollar textile market.

By integrating this technology into existing infrastructure, Azolla offers potential revenue streams from multiple sources. The company's products allow fashion businesses to meet their net-zero goals without compromising profitability. Moreover, it gives consumers a reason to feel good about their clothing purchases, knowing they contribute to a more sustainable future.

Next Section: Price

Price

Azolla is raising funds on Wefunder through SAFE at a valuation cap of $5 million.

Azolla's valuation of $5 million is lower than most technology companies raising online. It may not be considered overvalued, given its potential impact and market opportunity. Investors should carefully evaluate the company's progress in developing its product and securing partnerships. Additionally, they should consider the risks associated with early-stage companies and the challenges of scaling a business in the apparel and fashion industry.

Next Section: Market

Market

Azolla operates in the global eco fiber market, an industry that is critical in the global transition towards sustainable manufacturing practices. According to Grand View Research, this global market is valued at $430.7 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The increasing focus on sustainability in the textile industry and consumer demand for eco-friendly products is driving this growth.

The market potential for Azolla is vast, given the increasing global push towards carbon neutrality and sustainability. However, achieving mainstream adoption depends on whether the company can produce its carbon-negative textiles at a cost equal to or lower than traditional textiles. The ability to generate additional revenue through carbon credits or savings from supply chain efficiencies may help achieve this. If successful, Azolla can position itself as a viable solution for the textile industry, reducing its environmental impact and contributing positively to the planet.

Next Section: Team

Team

Azolla is led by co-founders Lubica Hanacek and Milan Hanacek. Lubica is the company's CEO, bringing an impressive 30 years of fashion industry experience. With her managerial skills and expertise, she is well-equipped to lead Azolla in its mission to convert harmful carbon dioxide into usable products and create carbon-negative textiles. Milan, as the CTO, leads the development and technological aspects of the company. However, as a professional architect, it is unclear how he developed the skills necessary to build the company's technology.

Next Section: Differentiation

Differentiation

Azolla's unique proposition is its carbon-negative textiles, which are produced using an industrial photosynthesis process. This process converts carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into a carbon-negative biomaterial. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional textile manufacturing and helps fashion businesses meet their net-zero goals.

While Azolla is still in its early stages, it faces competition from several companies, including LanzaTech, Rubi Laboratories, Algaeing, Fairbrics, and Dyecoo. Some of these competitors, such as Rubi Laboratories, have made more progress than Azolla.

Rubi Laboratories is closer to commercialization as it signed several large brands to pilot products, including Walmart, Patagonia and Ganni. It raised over $13 million in funding from Venture Capital and corporations, such as Talis Capital and H&M Group. It has a team of 24 employees. The company's textile is ready, and is now testing its products throughout its supply chain to ensure they are ready for commercialization. 

Fairbrics is based in Paris, France. It raised more than $22 million and can transform CO2 into polyester. The company has many European partners. It will pilot its product in the next two years and plans on being ready for commercialization in 4 years.

Despite the competition, Azolla's licensing business model could attract customers looking for easy-to-implement and independent eco-friendly alternatives in the textile industry. However, the company's success will likely depend on its ability to finalize its technology, secure more partnerships, and deliver high-quality, cost-effective technology.

Next Section: Performance

Performance

Azolla is an innovative apparel and fashion company that addresses one of the world's biggest problems: converting harmful carbon dioxide into usable products. The company's solution involves turning emissions into carbon-negative textiles, allowing fashion businesses to meet their net-zero goals without sacrificing profitability. Azolla utilizes a unique industrial photosynthesis process that converts carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into carbon-negative biomaterial.

While Azolla is still in the pre-product development phase, the company has made significant progress in establishing partnerships with major organizations such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Oakridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and NC State Wilson College of Textile. These partnerships demonstrate the recognition and support Azolla has received within the industry.

Regarding financial performance, Azolla has raised $850,000 in grant funding from the DOE, indicating external validation of its technology and potential. The company had cash on hand of $1,200 at the beginning of its rise but only burns $100 a month. Its lean operations allow it to survive and grow with a small amount of capital, which lowers its funding risk.

Next Section: Risk

Risk

Azolla faces several risks as it aims to establish itself in the apparel and fashion industry with its innovative carbon-negative textiles.

Azolla also faces competition from companies like LanzaTech, Rubi Laboratories, Algaeing, Fairbrics, and Dyecoo. These competitors have similar sustainability-focused solutions or alternative technologies, which could challenge Azolla's market penetration and growth. However, none of them is commercializing its technology yet.

Additionally, Azolla's business model relies on partnerships and B2B distribution. The company needs to establish collaborations with fashion businesses and convince them to integrate its carbon-negative textiles into their supply chains. This requires extensive marketing and sales efforts and convincing potential partners of the economic and environmental benefits of Azolla's products.

Lastly, while Azolla has a unique and innovative solution, it holds no patents yet. This leaves the company vulnerable to potential intellectual property disputes or the risk of competitors developing similar technologies or products without infringing on Azolla's rights.

Next Section: Bullish Outlook

Bullish Outlook

Azolla is revolutionizing the apparel and fashion industry by converting harmful carbon dioxide into carbon-negative textiles thanks to its unique genetically engineered bacteria. Every pound of Azolla's biodegradable material removes three pounds of CO2 from the air and only requires a bit of water and artificial light. The company's solution is mitigating climate change and creating a new material superior to polyester and cotton.

This innovative approach, which will be deployed through a licensing model, can allow fashion businesses to meet their net-zero goals without compromising profitability, making sustainability a viable and attractive option. Azolla's product cost is competitive with cotton and polyester. Moreover, the company's fiber can bring exceptional returns if sold as an alternative to expensive fabrics, such as those used in the medical field.

The company is opening a door into the trillion-dollar global fashion market. With a high market potential and barriers to entry, Azolla is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the sustainable fashion market. Azolla is currently raising at a fair valuation cap of $5 million. 

Next Section: Bearish Outlook

Bearish Outlook

Azolla faces competition from startups pursuing a variety of techniques to produce carbon-absorbing fibers, such as LanzaTech, Rubi Laboratories, Algaeing, Fairbrics, and Dyecoo. Some of these competitors, like Rubi Laboratories, have already made significant strides in developing sustainable alternatives for the textile market and have a head start in terms of funding and pilots with potential customers, such as Walmart.

Investing in Azolla's innovative technology is still very risky at this stage. The startup will need to raise more capital as it needs about two more years before starting to generate revenues. The founders will also have to execute quickly on their future milestones and file a provisional patent to protect their technology from competitors.

Next Section: Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Azolla, Inc. is a startup that addresses environmental concerns by converting harmful carbon dioxide emissions into usable products. The company's primary product is carbon-negative textiles created through a unique industrial photosynthesis process. This process transforms carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into a carbon-negative biomaterial. Azolla's mission aligns with the increasing global emphasis on sustainability, offering fashion businesses a way to meet their net-zero goals without compromising profitability.

While the company is in its early stages and has not yet reached the product phase, it has already secured partnerships with notable entities such as the Department of Energy, Oakridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and NC State Wilson College of Textile. These partnerships may provide Azolla with valuable resources and expertise to advance its technology and bring its products to market.

Azolla faces competition from companies such as LanzaTech, Rubi Laboratories, Algaeing, Fairbrics, and Dyecoo. Some of these companies have raised more funding and have already partnered with potential customers for pilots. However, the market could be large and early enough to allow Azolla to gain significant market shares post-commercialization through licensing deals.

The company seeks to raise funds through a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, with a minimum target of $35,000 and a maximum target of $70,000. The funds will be used for salaries, research and development, IP protection, lab space, and supplies, and hiring a scientist.

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Azolla on Wefunder 2023
Platform: Wefunder
Security Type: SAFE
Valuation: $5,000,000

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