What is Checkerspot?
Checkerspot is a pioneering biotechnology and advanced materials enterprise that leverages the power of microalgae through precision fermentation. By engineering biological systems to produce high-performance materials, the company addresses critical sustainability challenges in sectors ranging from textiles and personal care to outdoor equipment and industrial manufacturing. Its core value proposition lies in the ability to replace traditional, carbon-intensive petroleum-based inputs with renewable, bio-derived alternatives without compromising on material performance or durability. This unique intersection of synthetic biology and material science positions Checkerspot as a key player in the global transition toward a circular bio-economy.
How much funding has Checkerspot raised?
Checkerspot has raised a total of $109M across 4 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$5M
Series A
$13M
Series B
$36M
Series C
$55M
Angel/Seed (2018): $5M with participation from Sahsen Ventures, Viking Global Investors, KdT Ventures, Refactor Capital, Godfrey Capital, and DIC Corporation
Series A (2019): $13M led by Plug and Play Ventures, Breakout Ventures, Sahsen Ventures, KdT Ventures, Builders VC, Viking Global Investors, and Godfrey Capital
Series B (2020): $36M supported by Viking Global Investors, Builders VC, Cavallo Ventures, and Breakout Ventures
Series C (2023): $55M featuring Cox Enterprises and ArrowMark Partners
Key Investors in Checkerspot
Viking Global Investors
A global investment firm specializing in research-intensive, long-term focused investments using fundamental analysis to select public and private equity interests across industries and geographies.
Breakout Ventures
A venture capital firm focused on investing in transformative companies that leverage scientific innovation and technology to create new markets, with a specific emphasis on sustainable biofabrication.
KdT Ventures
A venture capital firm specializing in early-stage frontier science investing, focusing on transformative technologies in medicine, chemicals, and materials.
What's next for Checkerspot?
With the recent infusion of capital, Checkerspot is well-positioned to accelerate its commercialization roadmap. The strategic focus will likely shift toward expanding manufacturing capacity and deepening market penetration in high-value sectors that demand sustainable, high-performance material solutions. As the company scales, it will continue to refine its fermentation platforms to optimize yield and cost-efficiency, further distancing its bio-based products from legacy petroleum-based competitors. Future growth will be driven by strategic partnerships and the continued integration of its sustainable materials into global supply chains, reinforcing its status as a leader in the industrial biotechnology landscape.
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