Checkerspot is a technology company.
Checkerspot has raised $54.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Checkerspot has raised $54.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Checkerspot has raised $54.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Checkerspot's investors include 01 Ventures, 305 Ventures, Activant Capital, Ambridge Capital, Ballistic Ventures, Bombas, Builders VC, CP Ventures, Craft Ventures, CRV, E-Merge, Formic Ventures.
Checkerspot is a biotechnology company that engineers microbes via precision fermentation to produce high-performance, sustainable fats, oils, and materials not easily sourced from nature.[1][2][3] It serves industries like consumer products, food, nutrition, and textiles by creating alternatives such as next-generation polyurethanes, textile finishes, healthier food fats, and bioavailable nutrition lipids, solving problems of supply chain volatility, environmental impact, and performance limitations in traditional materials.[1][2][4] As a B Corp certified since 2019 with a 90.7 impact score, Checkerspot demonstrates strong growth through prototypes like eco-friendly skis under its WNDR Alpine brand and ongoing scaling at facilities like ABPDU.[1][4]
Founded in 2016 by Charles Dimmler and Scott Franklin, Checkerspot emerged from their expertise in microalgae and fermentation, with over 30 years of combined experience developing microalgal strains.[2][3][4] Headquartered in Berkeley, California (with operations in Salt Lake City), the idea stemmed from optimizing microbes to biomanufacture unique triglyceride oils for structural materials, starting with high-performance polyurethanes.[1][3][4] Early traction came via collaborations like the ABPDU, where they scaled from lab fermentations to 300-liter runs, enabling prototypes; this led to the 2019 launch of WNDR Alpine skis, marking a pivotal shift from R&D to consumer products.[4]
Checkerspot rides the sustainable biomaterials and precision fermentation wave, addressing climate-driven demands for bio-based alternatives to petrochemicals and unstable ag-sourced oils amid global supply disruptions.[2][3][4] Timing aligns with rising regulatory pressures for responsible production (SDG 12/13) and consumer preference for high-performance, low-impact goods, amplified by post-2019 scaling successes like branded skis.[1][4] Market forces favoring domestic biotech (e.g., AgFunder-noted reliability) position it strongly in manufacturing and nutrition; it influences the ecosystem by empowering designers/fabricators with novel molecular tools, fostering innovation in outdoor gear, apparel, and food systems.[1][2]
Checkerspot's momentum—from fermentation breakthroughs to commercial skis—positions it to expand its fats/oils palette into more food, nutrition, and biomaterial lines, leveraging WING® for scalable, partner-integrated solutions.[2][4][5] Trends like bioeconomy growth and supply chain resilience will propel it, potentially amplifying influence through new brands or acquisitions in high-value sectors. As a molecular innovator, it could redefine sustainable manufacturing, empowering creators to build the next era of performant, planet-friendly products—echoing its founding vision of expanded building blocks.[1]
Checkerspot has raised $54.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $36.0M Series B in May 2020.