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Dan Widmaier
CEO at Bolt Threads
Dan Widmaier is the CEO and co-founder of Bolt Threads, a pioneering company focused on developing sustainable biomaterials. He earned his PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from the University of California, San Francisco, where his research involved designing genetic circuits for microbial organelles.12
Career Highlights
- Founding Bolt Threads: In 2009, Widmaier co-founded Bolt Threads with the vision of creating innovative materials inspired by nature, such as spider silk and mycelium-based leather alternatives.23
- Leadership Role: As CEO, he has led the company from its inception to a platform with over 100 employees and significant partnerships with brands like Stella McCartney and Adidas.34
- Fundraising Success: Under his leadership, Bolt Threads has raised over $300 million in investor capital to support its mission of sustainability in fashion.15
Innovations
Widmaier has been instrumental in developing products like Microsilk, a synthetic spider silk, and Mylo, a leather-like material made from mushrooms. These innovations aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional materials used in fashion.34
Public Engagement
He is also active in public speaking, sharing insights on sustainability and biotechnology at various platforms, including TED talks and industry conferences.26
Dan Widmaier continues to drive Bolt Threads' mission of creating better materials for a more sustainable world.
Highlights
This is 💯 on point. The problem with biotech enabled products has long been the lack of clear and actionable problem statements WITH VALIDATED COMMERCIAL DEMAND. I just wish this fund were bigger to screen more problems!
Shout out to @MattyKirs for spearheading a worthwhile and much needed endeavor
I’m excited about the opportunity to deliver services with less cost more efficiency. Freeing up people to fill the much needed talent and labor gaps throughout our economy.
The compounding of this over decades could be astounding for our society.
