What is Cloud Paper?
Founded in 2019 by Austin Watkins, Ryan Fritsch, and Tori Kiss, Cloud Paper addresses the environmental crisis caused by the paper industry, which accounts for over 20% of global deforestation. The company specializes in tree-free toilet paper manufactured from bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource. By replacing traditional wood-based manufacturing with bamboo-based alternatives, Cloud Paper provides a scalable solution for both residential and commercial clients. The firm has successfully transitioned from a niche startup to a recognized brand, demonstrating that consumer demand for sustainable household essentials is a powerful driver for market disruption in the legacy paper manufacturing landscape.
How much funding has Cloud Paper raised?
Cloud Paper has raised a total of $9.6M across 2 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$4.6M
Other Financing Round
$5M
Angel/Seed (2020): $4.6M with participation from Gwyneth Paltrow, Russell Wilson, Dara Khosrowshahi, Ashton Kutcher Network, Mark Cuban Companies, Greycroft Partners, Hadi Partovi, Robert Downey Jr., Marc Benioff, and Guy Oseary
Other Financing Round (2022): $5M led by Bezos Expeditions
Key Investors in Cloud Paper
Bezos Expeditions
Bezos Expeditions is an investment firm founded by Jeff Bezos that focuses on a diverse range of sectors including technology, healthcare, and space exploration, providing strategic capital to innovative growth-stage companies.
Mark Cuban Companies
Mark Cuban Companies is a diversified investment and holding firm that manages a broad portfolio across multiple industries, supporting startups focused on consumer goods, social impact, and operational efficiency.
Greycroft Partners
Greycroft is a leading venture capital firm focused on investments in the Internet and mobile markets, leveraging an extensive network to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses and bring products to market.
What's next for Cloud Paper?
With the recent capital injection, Cloud Paper is poised to scale its distribution networks and deepen its penetration into the enterprise market. The strategic focus will likely shift toward optimizing supply chain logistics and expanding its product portfolio to include a wider array of bamboo-based paper goods. As the company matures, it faces the challenge of maintaining price competitiveness against established incumbents while scaling production to meet the demands of large-scale corporate procurement. The involvement of high-caliber investors suggests a long-term roadmap centered on aggressive market share acquisition and the establishment of a new standard for sustainable corporate procurement practices.
See full Cloud Paper company page
