Rubi Laboratories, a California-based startup developing carbon-negative textile materials, has raised USD 4.5 million in a seed funding round led by Talis Capital and Necessary Ventures. Climate-focused funds including Climate Capital Collective, Plug and Play, and Incite Ventures also joined the round.

The funds will support Rubi in R&D efforts and commercialization of its product for major fashion brands. The company plans to initially focus on developing its technology for the fashion industry and then expand applications for packaging and building materials use.

The company reported that it has validated its technology by successfully creating a prototype material. Rubi also reported that it has secured testing deals with global retail and fashion brands and is in discussions with energy manufacturers to provide CO2 for the production of its material. The company expects to release its sample textile material over the next few weeks.