Ponda

Investor: Faber VC, Counteract, PDS Ventures, Evenlode Impact, Royal College of Art

Ponda, a Bristol-based startup specializing in biomaterials from regenerative wetland fibres, has successfully closed a seed funding round, raising £1.8 million (equivalent to $2.4 million). This investment is earmarked to scale the production of its plant-based insulation, BioPuff, and expand its innovative wetland farming network throughout Europe.Summary of transaction details:Value: £1.8 million ($2.4 million)Sector: DeepTech & AI (Biomaterials, Sustainability)Advisor: Not mentionedKey Entities: Target: Ponda; Lead Investors: Faber VC, Counteract; Other Investors: PDS Ventures, Evenlode Impact, Royal College of ArtLocation: Bristol, UK (Target company)Note: This strategic investment will enable Ponda to transition BioPuff from pilot to commercial scale, enhancing production capacity and strengthening its European network of wetland growers. The initiative directly supports peatland regeneration through paludiculture, creating carbon-storing landscapes, improving flood resilience, and providing sustainable crops, thereby offering a direct solution to climate change and biodiversity loss through the fashion supply chain.

Investor: Counteract, Royal College of Art, PDS Ventures, Evenlode Impact, Faber