Pembient
Develops bioengineered rhino horn alternatives using synthetic biology and 3D printing to disrupt illegal wildlife trade.
- CEO / Founder
- Matthew Markus
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $0.45M
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- Y Combinator; Real Ventures; Starlight Ventures
Technology & Products
Key Products
Synthetic Rhino Horn
Technological Advantage
Proprietary bio-fabrication process that matches the genetic and chemical signature of natural horn, creating a high-fidelity alternative.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces rhino poaching by providing bio-identical synthetic horns at a fraction of the black-market price, aiming to collapse the illegal trade economy.
How They Differentiate
Bio-identical molecular composition vs. simple plastic or resin counterfeits.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Traditional medicine markets and luxury carvers in SE Asia
Industry Verticals
Biotechnology; Conservation
Competitors
Ceratotech; Modern Meadow; VitroLabs
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Raised $500k in seed funding; 2 employees; currently in R&D/pre-revenue phase with focus on prototype development for bio-fabricated keratin.
Major Milestones
Founded in 2015; Y Combinator S15 cohort; First prototype of synthetic rhino horn produced
Notable Customers
Unnamed Beijing craft brewery (partner for rhino horn-infused beer); Traditional medicine pharmacies in China and Vietnam; Artisans and carvers in East Asia (targeting jewelry and ornamental goods); Individual buyers and investors (via PembiCoin ICO)