Sustainable textile startup TômTex raises $4.15M to expand production of its eco-leather material made from shrimp shells and mushrooms, positioning itself as an animal and plastic-free alternative for the fashion industry.
Paving the Way for Eco-conscious Fashion
New York – TômTex, a startup making sustainable textiles from shrimp shells and mushrooms, has closed a $4.15 million seed round.
Happiness Capital led the funding with participation from Earth Venture Capital, SOSV, Parley for the Oceans, and MIH Capital.
Sustainable Leather Innovations
Founded by Vietnamese entrepreneur Uyen Tran, TômTex aims to replace conventional leathers using waste from crab, lobster, and shrimp shells. The company uses a green chemical to create a durable, breathable textile material.
This presents an alternative to lab-grown leathers, which can be more costly and time-intensive to produce, according to TômTex.
The startup will use the fresh capital to expand its team in Brooklyn, fill essential roles, and boost in-house and contract manufacturing capabilities.
Promoting Circular Economy
“More than scaling, it’s a strategic step to secure new contracts and revenue, strengthening our market position,” said CEO Uyen Tran.
With its innovative use of shellfish waste, TômTex offers a sustainable solution to replace animal and plastic-based leathers. The seed funding will help the startup increase production and drive adoption across fashion, accessories, and other sectors.
