Meet an Unreasonable Venture
C16 Biosciences
Using innovative processes found in nature to brew sustainable alternatives to palm oil
Notable Achievements
- Raised $24 million to date, including funding from Breakthrough Energy Ventures (Bill Gates) and US DOE.
- Gross margin positive in first market (beauty / personal care), approaching cost-competitive
- First product sold out in 2 hours and received >1 billion media impressions
Currently Operating in Two Regions
Press Mentions
October 18, 2024
The Future Is Female: Women In Venture Capital - Plato Data Intelligence
C16 Biosciences is making waves in sustainable biotechnology, led by innovative women in venture capital. Their groundbreaking work in producing palm oil alternatives celebrates female leadership,...
Read on Zephyrnet »
July 3, 2024
A Biotech Solution to Palm Oil Deforestation
Shara Ticku, Co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences (and HBS alumna), which uses fermentation to produce a palm oil substitute, describes how she and her partners built their start-up, including how...
Read on Harvard Business School »
March 19, 2024
Palm oil is both ubiquitous and problematic. This biotech company has finally devised an alternative
Why C16 Biosciences, with its new brand, Palmless, is one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the consumer goods category.
Read on Fast Company »
February 13, 2024
Greasy—and good for the planet
Bill Gates writes about two companies that are creating alternatives to animal fats and palm oil, which contribute massively to climate change.
Read on gatesnotes.com »
January 31, 2024
The AlleyWatch Startup Daily Funding Report: 1/30/2024 – AlleyWatch
The AlleyWatch Startup Daily Funding Report for January 30, 2024, highlights the latest funding rounds and investments in various startups. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the...
Read on AlleyWatch »
January 24, 2024
Palm oil alternative maker C16 Biosciences nets $4.5M to expand into food
The maker of Palmless oil is moving from beauty into its next market: food.
Read on Axios »Work at C16 Biosciences
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