SOSV wasn’t always a billion-dollar fund—it began as a scrappy experiment. Ten years ago, the team was writing $50K checks. Today, it’s a global operation with $1.5B under management, backing 60+ new startups annually and running two specialized programs:

• HAX for hard tech (robotics, industrial, mobility)
• IndieBio for biotech, food, health, and sustainability

Their formula? Hands-on acceleration + deep labs + strategic follow-on capital.

“We’re not just investors—we’re builders. We have scientists and engineers on staff to help startups go from prototype to product faster.”

Ben’s career spans Asia (Japan, Korea, China), Silicon Valley, and Europe. While SOSV is a US-based fund, its hard tech accelerator HAX was originally launched in Shenzhen and has since relocated to Newark, NJ. Its biotech program IndieBio began in San Francisco and later expanded to New York City. Today, ~50% of SOSV’s portfolio is US-based, with the rest spread across Europe, Asia (notably Singapore), and LATAM.

SOSV focuses on:

• Climate Tech: From Neptune Robotics cleaning ship hulls to AI-powered food formulation
• Health Tech: With over 100 investments, including 20+ in women’s health
• Biomanufacturing: Startups using biology to produce materials, pharma, food, and solvents sustainably

Frustrated with event inefficiencies, Ben built his own internal toolset—combining spreadsheets, Python scripts, and LLMs—to run high-efficiency online matchmaking events. These have drawn thousands of VCs and startups, focusing on niche verticals like:

• Biomanufacturing
• Women’s Health
• Climate Tech (with over 1500 participants and 800 investors)

“If it takes me more than an hour to do a repetitive task, I’ll just build a tool to automate it.”

And yes—SOSV has invested in eight startups discovered through these very matchmaking events.

SOSV is known for spotting winners in categories others overlook. Their portfolio spans everything from plant-based AI-designed food (NotCo) to microbe-based mining. As Ben puts it:

“We’re not afraid to invest in the things that don’t have a category yet.”

Ben spoke at over 300 events—but not for ego. As a self-described "trained shy person," it was a way to build visibility without cold outreach. For founders, the lesson is the same:

“It takes three signals to make a tiger. If people hear about you on stage, in media, and from someone they trust—they believe.”

In other words, visibility builds credibility.

SOSV – Early-stage investor in deep tech and biotech

Hello Tomorrow – Global Summit for science and deep tech innovation

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What started as a niche academic research project has become a deep tech startup operating across Europe and Latin America, with millions raised in private funding and grants. Strong by Form developed Woodflow, a technology that turns natural timber fibers into 3D-formed structural materials, enabling strong, lightweight, and carbon-reducing alternatives to concrete, aluminum, and even steel.

Their design-driven approach doesn’t just replicate wood planks—it reimagines wood as a high-performance composite, shaped by nature's logic and modern computational design.

Though most of the founding team hails from Chile, the company was strategically incorporated in Spain to operate within Europe’s innovation and regulation ecosystem. Today, the team is 27 people strong and split across Chile, Germany, and Spain.

“Europe is tough on regulation—but it’s also where real scale is possible,” Andres explains.

Yes, their iconic waveform-style logo was sketched in five minutes. Yes, it was inspired by Joy Division. But that aesthetic also represents the undulating structural logic behind their composite designs. Andres’ co-founder Jorge, an architect-turned-engineer, originally developed the idea while studying at ETH Zurich. His mission? Create the lightest, most material-efficient structural slab possible—starting with carbon fiber but pivoting to wood for scalability and sustainability.

Strong by Form’s founding trio came together through long-standing friendships and complementary skill sets—engineering, digital fabrication, and startup acceleration. When Jorge and Daniel realized they had a revolutionary process but no path to market, they called Andres, who had just left venture capital. He joined to build the business—and soon they were securing grants, awards, and investor interest from forestry giants and mobility leaders alike.

At JEC 2025, Strong by Form unveiled a bike frame prototype made entirely from Woodflow, designed using composite logic rather than milled timber. It's a visual and functional proof that their stamped biocomposites can handle form, function, and strength—without carbon-intensive inputs.

“This bike isn’t a gimmick—it’s a signal. We’re building with wood the way carbon fiber is used in aerospace,” says Andres.

While construction remains their core focus, Strong by Form is expanding into automotive and micromobility. BMW was one of the first to express interest back in 2019—and is now working with the startup on large-scale, interior and exterior vehicle components. A million-euro grant is fueling development of their advanced pressing process, and they’re now actively engaging new partners in bikes, transportation, and e-mobility.

Strong by Form’s investor cap table is as unconventional as their tech: four corporate investors (including Europe’s top timber producers and construction leaders) and a mix of impact-oriented VCs. Andres admits they had to throw out the startup rulebook.

“The first thing you're told is to avoid corporates. Well, our first investor was a corporate,” he laughs.

The result is a founder journey that doesn’t follow Silicon Valley tropes—but proves that material science innovation can (and must) be funded differently.

Strong by Form – Woodflow technology for carbon-neutral construction & mobility

JEC World – Global leader in composites innovation

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Linn’s path into deep tech began in business and innovation management, including time at Vienna University of Economics and Business. Her initial exposure to CERN came through an EU-funded Marie Curie research project focused on valorizing technologies for future particle accelerators. That unique intersection—cutting-edge science meets real-world applications—eventually led her to join CERN full-time in 2022.

Launched in late 2023, CERN Venture Connect gives startups access to cutting-edge technologies, expert support, and a curated partner network across Europe and beyond. The goal is simple: turn advanced scientific tools into commercial solutions with real impact. The program is designed to support both internal CERN teams and external deep tech entrepreneurs.

Startups engaging with CERN can tap into technologies across three key domains:

• Accelerators: Superconducting magnets, radiofrequency cavities, and ultra-high vacuum systems
• Detectors: Microelectronics, sensors, and precision instrumentation
• Digital: Distributed data systems, AI for real-time processing, and tools that manage 20TB/sec of sensor data
• These tools, originally designed for particle physics, are now finding applications in manufacturing, sustainability, health tech, and consumer goods.

CERN offers non-equity, royalty-based licenses to startups. There’s no cost until your startup generates more than €1 million in revenue, at which point CERN takes 2% of revenues to reinvest in R&D and internal innovation grants. The priority isn’t profit—it’s impact and dissemination, aligned with CERN’s public mandate.

A standout example: Dutch startup Inphocal, incubated via HighTechXL, uses CERN’s structured laser beam to mark curved surfaces—like Coke bottles or fruit—without damaging the product or using ink. Originally developed for precision alignment in particle accelerators, the tech is now powering high-speed, sustainable printing solutions in consumer goods.

Startups apply via the CERN Venture Connect website, selecting relevant technologies and submitting a business case. CERN assesses technical fit and commercial viability, often in collaboration with its partner network of:

• 50+ organizations across VCs, accelerators, legal support, and national innovation hubs
• Support includes expert mentorship, hardware prototyping, and investor matchmaking
• Acceptance is selective: 40 applications led to 5 startups in the first year.

Linn emphasizes that the goal is not vanity partnerships or logo-stacking. Startups must show clear technical alignment and commercial rationale. If existing commercial technologies can solve your challenge, CERN encourages you to use those instead. Their technologies are intended to fill gaps in the market, not compete with industry.

Roughly 40% of the startups in the program come from inside CERN—scientists exploring entrepreneurship as a career path. The other 60% are external founders, many of whom discover CERN technologies through events, venture builders, or deep tech networks.

As one of the world's top physics labs, CERN isn’t always top-of-mind for startup founders. That’s why events like Hello Tomorrow are essential for visibility and discovery. “We have the tech and the founder-friendly terms—we just need startups to come,” says Linn. You’ll also find them at Web Summit, Hello Tomorrow Turkey, and other innovation gatherings throughout the year.

Website: ventureconnect.cern
LinkedIn: Linn Kretzschmar
CERN on LinkedIn: CERN

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What started as a DIY surfboard made from recycled cardboard quickly turned into a deep-tech material startup. François initially entered—and won—an innovation competition in California. But the surf industry was too niche, so he pivoted to a broader mission: replace carbon-intensive materials in furniture, mobility, and industrial design.

Airboard transforms recycled cardboard into composite sandwich panels, competing directly with wood, aluminum, and even honeycomb cores. Their breakthrough lies not just in the material—but in the machinery they’ve developed to treat and mold the waste without water or high energy use. The result: lightweight, strong, and fully moldable bio-based composites.

Unlike traditional manufacturers, Airboard isn’t building one big factory. Instead, they’re creating a scalable machinery platform, inspired by models like Tetra Pak, to enable local production at the source of waste. This distributed approach is designed to keep emissions low and business margins healthy.

Developing novel materials is hard. Developing machines to produce those materials is even harder. François shares how most of Airboard’s progress has been self-funded or bootstrapped—and why fundraising is now critical to accelerate R&D and scale production. The team is currently raising €2 million to build next-generation machines and meet growing demand.

Airboard’s journey was accelerated by attending JEC World 2024 as a visitor. There, François connected with Techstars, joined their sustainability accelerator, and gained exposure to investors and industrial partners. A year later, Airboard returned as an exhibitor—now part of JEC Startup Booster, the Innovation Planet, and the bio-based materials showcase.

• Bio-based & circular: They reuse waste without water or chemicals.
• Low-energy manufacturing: Their machines are analog, efficient, and easy to deploy.
• Custom shaping: Thanks to composites, the material can be molded into complex designs.
• No sanding: Their process eliminates time-consuming post-processing steps.

François isn’t chasing headcount or mass centralization. His vision is a network of local microfactories, embedded in places where cardboard waste is abundant. From automotive OEMs to IKEA-style furniture producers, he believes Airboard machines could sit within customer facilities, enabling on-demand, sustainable material production.

When asked what’s most needed for real sustainability in the composites industry, François doesn’t cite regulation or capital. He says: time. Time to think differently, to explore outside the box, and to develop better systems. “The most valuable thing in the world is time,” he says—something big manufacturers often lack.

Website: [Coming soon — follow updates on Trashboard]
Instagram: @trashboard
LinkedIn: François Jaubert
Currently raising: €2M to scale production and finalize next-gen machines

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Matt’s career began in the energy sector during a pivotal time of deregulation in California. This early exposure to innovation within legacy industries laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit: helping large corporations and startups work together to drive transformative change. After 15 years in VC, a stint as an entrepreneur, and a move into corporate venture capital, Matt now leads Syensqo Ventures, a fund backed by one of the world’s largest materials science companies.

Spun off from Solvay in 2024, Syensqo is a €7B global materials company focused on high-performance, sustainable solutions. Its venture arm—an €80M evergreen fund—invests globally in startups developing advanced materials, often at the intersection of mobility, circularity, bio-based products, and AI-powered materials discovery.

Unlike traditional VCs, Syensqo Ventures looks for strategic alignment. Startups that can benefit from Syensqo’s deep material science expertise, infrastructure, or supply chain are most likely to receive investment. “I want to know what Syensqo can do to help accelerate your business,” says Matt.

The team invests early—typically at seed or Series A stages—when startups are still figuring out product-market fit and need help with technical validation, de-risking, or market entry. With six team members across the US, Europe, and Asia, they invest globally and often co-invest with financial VCs. They can lead rounds if needed, with typical check sizes ranging from €250K to €3M, and reserves for follow-ons.

• Biomaterials: As demand grows for sustainable consumer products, bio-based inputs are becoming more relevant.
• Composites & Circular Design: Syensqo is prioritizing innovations that enable lightweight, recyclable, and high-performance materials for aviation, automotive, and consumer goods.
• AI & Materials Discovery: While AI is lowering the cost of discovery, commercialization still requires partnerships, manufacturing, and distribution—areas where corporates play a key role.

Matt emphasizes that innovation doesn’t belong solely to startups or corporates—it’s a shared journey. Syensqo runs internal R&D, collaborates with universities, and co-develops products with startups. "There’s no frontier—just partnerships that accelerate solutions."

Syensqo publicly reports on circular sales, using a metric developed with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This isn't just marketing—it's part of how the company defines and measures sustainability goals across its value chains. For startups, this signals a strong alignment in building products that are recyclable, bio-based, or reduce environmental impact.

While the team sees startups following similar patterns globally, they tailor their approach by region—with specific networks in Europe, North America, and Asia. They're active co-investors in funds like Sofinnova and IndieBio, particularly in the biotech and advanced materials space.

Website: Syensqo Ventures
LinkedIn: Matt Jones – Syensqo
Company LinkedIn: Syensqo

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Sam’s professional path began in defense and humanitarian operations, where she witnessed firsthand the enormous waste created by high-tech, mission-critical gear—aircraft components, body armor, and more. Frustrated by the environmental impact and economic loss of disposal, she teamed up with Jamie Meighan, a former RAF officer, to co-found Uplift360: a company that chemically recycles advanced materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber composites, turning waste into high-value resources.

Founded in 2021 in the UK and now headquartered in Luxembourg, Uplift360 has grown to 16 team members—mostly scientists focused on R&D in materials, chemistry, and engineering. Their Series A launch was announced live on stage at JEC. Until recently, the company operated with no dedicated marketing team, a common thread in the composites industry. That changed with the arrival of an intern named Trisha, who helped reshape their brand presence, website, and press strategy—proving marketing matters, even in deep tech.

At JEC, Sam unveiled a major milestone: Uplift360 successfully dissolved and respun para-aramid fibers (known commercially as Kevlar and Twaron) using a proprietary chemical process. These materials, once considered unrecyclable, can now be transformed into new high-performance fibers. With a price tag of nearly €100/kg, this isn’t just a sustainability win—it’s an economic one.

“Kevlar is 80 times more expensive than steel—and we’re turning it from a waste burden into a circular asset.”

While Uplift360’s first use case is defense, the applications are expanding into aerospace, mass transit, and even outdoor gear—industries previously wary of para-aramid’s carbon footprint. Uplift’s regenerated fibers offer up to 75% less CO₂ impact compared to virgin materials, making circularity a business case, not just a moral one.

Sam emphasizes that sustainability alone isn’t enough to drive industrial change. What works is circular innovation that aligns with business incentives. Uplift360’s pitch: transform waste into supply chain independence and margin growth. In a world increasingly focused on strategic autonomy, especially in Europe, that message is resonating—especially with defense and aerospace leaders.

Uplift360’s growth is partly enabled by Europe’s progressive stance on waste regulation, green R&D funding, and climate goals. Being based in Luxembourg gives them access to EU-level policy and markets, and Sam sees the region as both a testing ground and a launchpad for global expansion.

“Europe may not be sitting on mountains of fossil fuels—but we’re sitting on mountains of waste. That’s our strategic resource.”

Uplift360 – Pioneering material regeneration

JEC World – The leading international composites show

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Michiel Scheffer’s roots lie in the textile industry, but his career has always been at the crossroads of manufacturing, innovation, and public policy. Starting with a thesis on EU research in 1986, he’s worn many hats—consultant, regional politician, and academic. His experience designing startup support mechanisms at a regional level set the stage for his role at the EIC, where he now shapes pan-European funding strategy for deep tech.

The European Innovation Council was established in 2018 to help Europe compete globally by backing breakthrough technologies. With funding instruments aligned across Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) —from Pathfinder (TRL 1–4), Transition (TRL 4–6), to Accelerator (TRL 6–9)—the EIC covers the full innovation funnel. It doesn't just provide grants and equity investments, but also business acceleration services, policy advocacy, and ecosystem building.

• Grant size: ~€2.5M
• Equity investments: €2.5M to €10M (up to €30M via STEP instrument)
• Target companies: Deep tech startups with long commercialization timelines and high potential impact

Scheffer sees the EIC as more than just a funder—it’s a catalyst for a unified European startup ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Trusted Investors Network (78+ VCs collaborating on EIC-backed startups), corporate matchmaking, and strategic programs in quantum, biotech, and advanced materials, the EIC aims to reduce fragmentation and accelerate scale across borders.

Scheffer emphasizes that EIC funds companies with a 5+ year horizon to profitability, deliberately avoiding short-term, SaaS-style ventures. Startups in areas like quantum computing, biotechnology, sustainable materials, and medical imaging need time—and serious support—to succeed. That’s why the EIC targets startups with real traction, typically 7+ years old, with clear market understanding and a mature go-to-market strategy.

Scheffer’s vision goes beyond funding. He’s vocal about:

• The need for smarter regulation, not deregulation—especially in health, energy, and food
• The challenges of scaling startups beyond €20M rounds in Europe
• Strategic autonomy in data, energy, materials, and agri-food systems
• Support for a potential 28th EU business regime to simplify multinational startup operations

One of Scheffer’s key messages is ensuring deep tech reaches the real world. It’s not enough to have promising startups in labs or accelerator programs—what matters is whether they create jobs, products, and solutions that citizens across Europe can see and benefit from. His benchmark? “What will my daughters say in 20 years about what I’ve done?”

Scheffer urges founders to:

• Be strategic: Don’t apply too early or with incoherent proposals
• Understand EU context: Funding decisions factor in climate, digital, and strategic autonomy goals
• Avoid buzzwords: Clearly define your tech, impact, and commercialization plan
• Connect through ecosystem channels: LinkedIn, EIC ambassadors, and board members

European Innovation Council (EIC)

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Sébastien Léger's path to venture capital began with nearly two decades at McKinsey, advising on cleantech and building decarbonization scenarios. Around 2020, driven by curiosity about the "next 40%" of technologies not yet at economic parity, he shifted focus toward startups. This exploration led to the co-founding of Slate Venture Capital, alongside two seasoned entrepreneurs and another investor, with a mission to fund and support the next generation of climate innovators.

From clothing to electronics, materials are everywhere—and they’re central to climate challenges. Léger sees advanced materials as pivotal in reducing emissions, increasing circularity, and enabling innovation in key sectors like batteries, wind turbines, and construction. Slate’s fund targets startups that help reduce, replace, or repair environmental impact, with materials playing a critical role across all three.

Slate focuses on Series A and B investments, writing checks between €4–15M and typically taking a 10% stake. Beyond capital, they offer strategic support through a unique network called the Collective Brain—a group of 80–100 experts in industrial scaling, manufacturing, and supply chains. Their investment decisions are based on:

• Climate impact: CO₂ and resource reduction potential.
• Commercial traction: Real (not R&D-subsidized) revenues and customer validation.
• Exit potential: Clear pathways to scale and acquisition.
• Team strength: Experienced founders solving real, validated problems.

Europe is home to around 2,000 climate startups, and Slate accesses them through a mix of inbound outreach, referrals, and direct participation in events like JEC World. Léger stresses the importance of long-term visibility, often engaging with startups well before they’re ready for investment.

While terms like “circularity” and “sustainability” are widely used, Léger emphasizes the need for substance over slogans. He encourages founders to frame their value proposition not just around technology, but around tangible customer and environmental impact—highlighting how their solution improves resilience, reduces waste, or supports biodiversity.

One of the key takeaways for startup founders? Focus on the problem, not the product. Léger advises against diving deep into technical details like "the best membrane or algorithm." Instead, founders should clearly articulate the problem they solve, the measurable impact they create, and their path to scale. Climate VCs want to hear about outcomes, not just engineering.

Regulation can accelerate climate innovation—but it’s not always reliable. Léger notes that while government support (especially in Europe) has driven demand in sectors like solar and wind, startups should aim to create business models that are sustainable with or without policy tailwinds.

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Revolutionizing Sustainability in Deep Tech: Ben Saada of FAIRMAT

In this episode of the Selected podcast, host Ben Costantini interviews Ben Saada, the founder and CEO of FAIRMAT, live from JEC World 2025.

Ben Saada, a pioneer in sustainable materials and deep tech, discusses his journey from inventing the world's lightest aircraft seat to leading FAIRMAT, a startup focused on recycling carbon fiber composites. Saada explains the challenges of recycling advanced materials, his company's innovative mechanical processes, and the importance of creating sustainable and economically viable solutions. He also talks about raising funds, the significance of being a certified B Corp, and his vision for the future of FAIRMAT. 

Tune in to learn more about material innovation and sustainability in the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Selected Podcast

00:30 Meet Ben Saada, Founder of FAIRMAT

01:33 Journey Before FAIRMAT

02:46 The Birth of FAIRMAT

04:59 Challenges and Innovations in Recycling Carbon Fiber

05:58 FAIRMAT's Unique Recycling Process

08:34 Growth and Funding of FAIRMAT

12:14 FAIRMAT's Market and Applications

14:05 Sustainability and B Corp Certification

16:28 Global Presence and Future Vision

20:42 FAIRMAT at JEC World 2025

21:28 Conclusion and Farewell

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Julija’s journey into PR wasn’t intentional—she originally planned to become an investigative journalist. A chance conversation with a top journalist led her to explore public relations, a field she knew little about at the time. This unexpected pivot eventually shaped her career, proving that seizing opportunities and networking can lead to new and exciting paths.

Unlike large corporations, startups don’t have an established reputation to manage—they need to build it from the ground up. This requires a different PR strategy, one focused on storytelling and visibility. Julija realized there was a gap in the market for PR agencies that understood startups' unique challenges, which led her to launch Black Unicorn PR. Her agency helps founders navigate media relations, positioning them in top-tier publications.

Not all PR agencies are the right fit for startups. Julija emphasizes that founders should look for agencies that manage expectations realistically and prioritize long-term brand building over quick media hits. A good PR agency will be honest about what’s achievable and won’t promise instant results. Chemistry between the founder and the agency is also key—without trust, effective collaboration is impossible.

With AI tools becoming more common, many feared that PR professionals would be replaced. However, Julija believes AI can enhance productivity but can’t replace human creativity and relationship-building. While AI can help with grammar checks and basic content generation, PR remains a deeply human-driven industry, relying on authentic storytelling and journalist connections.

Julija’s career highlights the importance of networking—not just for sales, but for long-term opportunities. She advises founders to attend industry events with an open mindset, rather than a transactional approach. Building relationships naturally, rather than aggressively pitching, often leads to valuable connections that can pay off years down the line.

PR is a long game, and startups that approach it strategically—by focusing on storytelling, authenticity, and the right partnerships—can build a strong reputation that supports their growth.

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