Swellcycle
A sustainable manufacturing startup that utilizes 3D printing and recycled medical-grade plastics to produce high-performance, 100% recyclable surfboards.
- CEO / Founder
- Patricio Guerrero
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $1.0M
- Latest Round
- Pre-Seed
- Key Investors
- Third Sphere, Santa Cruz Ventures
Technology & Products
Key Products
3D-printed surfboards using plant-based materials and recycled medical-grade plastics, designed for performance and sustainability.
Technological Advantage
Proprietary 3D printing hardware and software allow for internal lattice structures that mimic the flex and buoyancy of traditional foam while offering superior durability. Their business model shifts from centralized shipping to localized 'micro-factories,' significantly reducing the carbon footprint of logistics.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Eliminates the environmental toxicity of the surfing industry by replacing non-recyclable polyurethane foam with a circular manufacturing process that uses 100% recycled waste and offers end-of-life recyclability.
How They Differentiate
Swellcycle differentiates through its 'monomaterial' approach, utilizing 100% recycled medical waste (PETG hospital trays) to create a fully recyclable surfboard core. Unlike competitors using bio-resins or honeycomb structures, Swellcycle employs a proprietary internal lattice design and is transitioning to a 'micro-factory' licensing model to decentralize production.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Eco-conscious surfers, professional surfboard shapers, and manufacturing partners seeking localized, sustainable production solutions.
Industry Verticals
["Sporting Goods & Outdoor Recreation","Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)","Circular Economy & Waste Management","Advanced Materials"]
Competitors
Wyve; Yuyo; Blueprint Surf
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Transitioning from direct-to-consumer sales to a technology licensing model; currently partnering with four California-based surfboard shapers to integrate 3D-printed cores into traditional workflows.
Major Milestones
["Raised $1M Pre-Seed funding led by Third Sphere in February 2025","Awarded 'Earth and Sea Invention of the Year' by the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz","Selected for the 5th cohort of the Santa Cruz Accelerates program","Successfully developed a proprietary process to convert hospital plastic waste into high-performance surfboard cores"]
Notable Customers
Independent shapers and surfers embracing sustainable, advanced board manufacturing.