Pact plans to use the seed funding to scale Oval across additional industries and commercialise a wider range of biomaterial innovations.

The company shared it has invested in a new 13,820sqft headquarters in Cambridge, including a laboratory and pilot production facility to support the expansion into a commercialisation phase and global growth.

Versatile biomaterial made from collagen

Pact described Oval as a revolutionary material made from natural collagen that was developed using a patented process that transforms cosmetic-grade collagen into collagen skins. These skins are enriched with natural ingredients and finished using traditional techniques inspired by leather artisans.

Pact highlighted that Oval's "skin-like" quality gives it a refined texture, suppleness and durability, which closely mirrors traditional materials like leather. Moreover, Oval's flexibility allows it to be crafted into a wide range of aesthetics from canvas to other innovative fabric types.

Designers can emboss, print and finish Oval in any texture, pattern or colour and it is said to offer limitless creative control over the material.

Scaling, impact and sustainability

Pact noted that its biomaterial innovations are designed to be drop-in solutions, which means they don’t require new machinery or production technology.

The company said it is working closely with leaders in the luxury fashion supply chain to ensure brands can embrace the offering on a global scale - a core aspect of its commercial success to date.

Oval is produced with significantly less water and has a reduced carbon footprint, offering a sustainable alternative for brands looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining heritage and quality.

Pact CEO Yudí Ding believes that bringing investors on board who have deep connections to and understanding of the industry will help the company accelerate its progress to date, work with more client partners worldwide and unlock further biomaterial breakthroughs.

Ding said: "Our commitment at Pact is to craft beautiful, adaptable materials inspired by and derived from the natural world. We have poured energy and creativity into our innovations, ensuring they can meet the standards of the world’s most prestigious brands and respect their heritage, whilst also being truly scalable. By partnering with luxury Maisons on these new foundational materials, we stand on the cusp of a new era of collaboration between science and elegance; one where sustainability is fused and suffused with beauty."

Pact added that its biomaterial has been embraced by leading fashion houses and groups across the globe. Its seed round included investors such as Hoxton Ventures, ReGen Ventures, Celsius Industries (formerly Untitled) and Polytechnique Ventures.