Gozen

Gozen is a biomaterials startup that has developed a biomaterial called Lunaform through a seven-day fermentation process using microorganisms; it is free from plastic and animal components. The company focuses on creating sustainable alternatives to traditional leather materials in the fashion and automotive industries. Gozen claims that its material, which is produced in 13 sq ft sheets, offers superior tensile strength, natural flexibility, and design adaptability similar to that of conventional materials. The company also reports that it allows customers to customize the texture and thickness of the materials. As of October 2023, the company plans to open a new facility in Turkey, with a target annual production capacity of over one million square feet.

Key customers and partnerships

As of October 2023, the company was yet to successfully commercialize its products and was working on supporting research, development, and scaling efforts for its flagship biomaterial, Lunaform. In October 2023, the company launched its biomaterial at the Paris Fashion Week, partnering with Spain’s fashion brand Balenciaga to showcase “Lunaform Maxi Bathrobe Coat,” marking its first use in the fashion industry.

Funding and financials

In October 2023, Gozen raised USD 3.3 million in a seed funding round led by Happiness Capital, with participation from Accelr8, Astor Management, and SOSV.