Berlin-based startup Vyld is pioneering the development of seaweed-based period products, closing a seven-figure seed round to bring radically sustainable, marine biodegradable, and nutritious alternatives to the market.
The creators are depending on their sustainable financing vehicle, the Future Profit Partnership Agreement (FPPA), in addition to funds from the EU and the German government. The current funding round makes it possible to grow the Algaeverse portfolio for B2B and B2C customers and introduce the Kelpon, the first seaweed-based tampon, to the market this year.
In 2021, ecopreneurs Melanie Schichan and Ines Schiller established Vyld to realize their vision of an Algaeverse with circular products derived from seaweed in a self-determined manner. Vyld is a non-exit-oriented business, providing an alternative to the conventional venture capital start-up model. Instead, it operates as a steward ownership firm, prioritizing long-term sustainability, including financial sustainability.
Ines Schiller, CEO of Vyld, stated:
“As an entrepreneur, I believe that addressing issues of ownership, control, and funding is essential. Business models shape reality, and extractive models perpetuate anti-democratic sentiments and exploitative standards in addition to endangering human health and the environment. We want to counter this with a model that promotes creation instead of consumption, quality instead of quantity, and triple top line instead of hypergrowth.”
In pursuit of sustainable financing for their seaweed-based period products, Vyld’s CEO has ingeniously crafted a mezzanine financial instrument known as the Future Profit Partnership Agreement (FPPA). This innovative approach blends equity and debt capital, ensuring investors a fair return. The FPPA emphasizes values like self-determination, purpose orientation, and steward ownership, with profits serving as a means to an end. Vyld’s unique model, eschewing traditional equity rounds, offers financial independence and the flexibility to attract new investors, fostering the growth of their Seaweed-based Period Products portfolio.
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“Investors who wish to question the maximum principle and make regenerative investments will find Vyld especially appealing with its model. Vyld demonstrates that unrestrained expansion and shareholder value-driven venture capital are not necessary for the effective implementation of sustainable concepts that truly improve our planet and society. However widespread transformation won’t be achievable unless investors reconsider and supply the required funds with a fair and reasonable expectation of return,” said Investor Kai Viehof.
The funding will allow Vyld’s seaweed products to continue developing: The Dyper’s pilot phase has just begun, following the triumphant consumer trial of the Kelpon, which involved over 100 menstruators in the fall of 2023. A compostable diaper with an algal core and no plastic or superabsorbents, The Dyper is a product of Goldeimer’s partnership with Windelwald, often known as the “diaper forest.” The suitability of the radically sustainable diaper is currently under examination for both daily usage and as a humus fertilizer. This evaluation is part of a trial project involving 50 households. The soiled diapers are composted in a controlled environment, and the fertilizer is utilized to establish a little forest known as the diaper forest.
