Hardware Podcasts

Saving the f#$%ing rainforests with Shara Ticku of C16 Biosciences

How I Built This · 15 Jun 2023 · 42m

What this episode covers

Shara Ticku, co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences, explains how the company developed Palmless, a biomanufactured palm oil alternative produced via yeast fermentation to prevent rainforest destruction. After being inspired by the air pollution in Singapore and the destruction of Costa Rican rainforests, Ticku and her co-founders used scrappy, low-budget methods—including home-brewed beer equipment—to create a proof-of-concept that secured $4 million in funding from Y Combinator. The company launched a consumer product named 'Save the Effing Rainforest' to demonstrate viability, selling out in three hours, and is now pivoting to supply major CPG brands with this sustainable ingredient for personal care and, eventually, food products.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
C16 Biosciences, Impossible Foods, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Walmart, Whole Foods
Products
Palmless, Impossible Burger
Also
Y Combinator

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