Could the answer to a more sustainable handbag or wallet lie at the bottom of your pint glass?
In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Dr. Edward "TJ" Mitchell, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup redefining the future of leather. Using cutting-edge technology, Arda transforms waste grain from brewers and distillers into sustainable, animal-, and plastic-free leather alternatives that are poised to disrupt the fashion and materials industries.
TJ shares his remarkable journey from a PhD in radioactive waste storage to the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led to founding Arda Biomaterials, meeting his co-founder, and the bold decision to pivot from food-based protein products to sustainable materials. TJ also talks about the challenges of scaling a deep tech startup, from overcoming scientific and engineering hurdles, to building a team, and navigating the complexities of fundraising.
TJ reflects on the importance of networking and immersing yourself in the right communities, the art of storytelling as an entrepreneur, and why asking for advice often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Timestamps
02:39 From PhD research to entrepreneurship
06:22 Discovering the value of waste grain
12:15 Pivoting from food-based protein to leather alternatives
14:19 Using chemistry to mimic collagen for sustainable leather
20:33 The science behind transforming waste into leather-like materials
21:20 Why communication and storytelling are key for entrepreneurs
24:47 Advice for scientists: finding co-founders and startup programs
35:00 The future of plastic-free, animal-free materials in fashion
39:49 Arda Biomaterials’ vision as a waste transformation company
42:13 Scaling globally and creating local production facilities
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Find out more about Arda Biomaterials here
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