PARIS — San Francisco-based materials start-up Rubi has closed a $7.5 million funding round and secured more than $60 million in multiyear off-take term sheets with leading fashion and consumer goods brands, signaling a step toward industrial-scale commercialization. H&M Group participated in the round, which was also led by AP Ventures and FH One Investments. Other participants included Talis Capital and CMPC Ventures. More from WWD The fresh capital will help scale Rubi’s production system and accelera ...

Funding and Investment - AP Ventures and FH One Investments co-led a financing round for Rubi, with participation from Talis Capital, CMPC Ventures, H&M Group, Understorey Ventures, and several angel investors [1] - The investment comes as Rubi signs multi-year offtake term sheets valued at over $60 million with leading fashion brands and manufacturers [2] Commercial Partnerships and Growth - Rubi expanded its commercial partnerships from 7 to 15 companies in 2025, including notable names like Walmart and Reformation [2] - The company has completed fiber performance testing with several partners and initiated new pilot projects in the consumer packaged goods and aerospace industries [3] Technology and Innovation - Rubi's platform utilizes proprietary cell-free enzyme systems to convert carbon dioxide into complex materials, differing from traditional fermentation or chemical processing [6] - The technology is designed for modular manufacturing with reduced capital requirements, supported by AI and machine-learning tools for ongoing improvements in enzyme performance [6] Leadership and Recognition - Rubi co-founder and CEO Neeka Mashouf emphasized the vision of using cell-free, multi-enzyme pathways for efficient manufacturing from CO2 [3] - The company was included on the Norrsken Impact/100 list in 2025, highlighting its impact and innovation [4] - Mashouf has been recognized on the MIT 35 Under 35 list and has spoken at the World Economic Forum [5] Market Demand and Future Outlook - The fresh funding is expected to accelerate Rubi's scaling and growth to meet strong global demand for modular and affordable manufacturing of essential materials from waste carbon across various sectors [4] - AP Ventures partner Kevin Eggers noted that Rubi has reached a significant transition point, demonstrating its technology at pilot scale with emerging demand across multiple end markets [7]