Inspired by Nature.
Driven by Purpose.
Partners for Action.

Modern Meadow was founded to address the pressing global challenge: the materials that underpin the way we live, work, and play and that support our well-being are fundamentally unsustainable.

The world uses materials that overtax the environment and urgent action is needed to stop the resulting planetary degradation. At Modern Meadow, we are taking actions with partners through our inspired-by-nature and purpose-driven approach. We are collaborating with best-in-class partners to introduce new materials and processes that can enable a healthier future for our planet. This is who we are.

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Our next-gen material, Bio-VERA™, harnesses the unique properties of proteins to sustainably transition the world away from virgin petrochemicals and animal-derived inputs. It looks and feels like leather, without compromising on quality, creativity, or sustainability. 

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Our Sustainability Guiding Principles

01
Take urgent climate action.

Climate action is a global imperative for humanity. We are committed to making an impact by eliminating animal inputs and significantly reducing dependence on petrochemicals.

02
Maintain a balanced ecosystem.

We strive to source bio-based inputs without adding pressure to global agricultural systems. This includes efforts to minimize land use, freshwater consumption, and eutrophication.

03
Promote circularity and responsible end-of-life.

We support the development of circular systems that promote the use of renewable and recycled inputs as well as processes designed for a responsible end-of-life.

SPOTLIGHT

Ideals in Action: Modern Meadow and Green Chemistry

A pioneering author—and the EPA—recognize Modern Meadow’s efforts.

2023 saw our inaugural Sustainability Summit, in which ESG thought leaders gathered to discuss the current and future impact of biotech. Among the panelists was John Warner, co-author of the book Green Chemistry, who spoke on circularity.

Also in 2023, the EPA named Modern Meadow a winner in their Green Chemistry Challenge for our Bio-FREED™ dyeing technology. The competition highlights the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances.

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Modern Meadow hosted our 2nd annual Sustainability Summit to elevate and energize conversations with our employees, and we invited sustainability speakers to cover topics around Modern Meadow’s impact work.

Modern Meadow wins the 2023 EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Award.

Innovation Centered on Ecodesign and Traceability

At Modern Meadow, we focus our innovations on unmet market needs related to both performance AND sustainability. Our rigorous Innovation to Market (i2M) process embeds life cycle thinking and circularity principles from technology inception to commercialization.

We select and work with suppliers and partners to offer complete LAB-to-BRAND™ traceability of our inputs and ensure that our entire supply chain is committed to social and environmental responsibility.

Impactful Moments
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David Williamson

President & COO

Dave Williamson has an extensive background at technology companies that include a variety of roles at DuPont, Modern Meadow, and Kraton Polymers. Dave has led technology development for the past 8 years across a range of fields including recombinant proteins for Beauty and the development and scale up of sustainable materials. Prior to joining Modern Meadow, David spent over a decade at DuPont building and leading a variety of technology organizations that included manufacturing technology, process development, long and short-term chemical and biotechnology research organizations and bioactives strategy in corporate research and development. David was most recently the Chief of Staff for the Office of the Chief Science and Technology Officer at DuPont, spending time at Kraton Polymers as a research scientist prior to that. Since joining Modern Meadow, Dave has been responsible for developing and executing a commercially focused and scale-able technology strategy based on a combination of biotechnology, chemistry, material science and engineering development. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Pinky Lakhia

Chief Human Resources Officer

Pinky Lakhia is an innovative and progressive thought leader with an extensive track record of success in leading Human Resource operations for large and mid-sized industry-leading companies. In her previous role at Covetrus, she has led the responsibility of aligning the overall human resources strategy with the business strategy, global talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee relations & development, compensation and benefits, and HR operations. Prior to Covetrus, as the Head of Human Resources at L’Oréal USA for the IT, Digital IT as well as Operations organizations, she led all human resources-related services for the organization globally. Pinky holds an MBA and her experience includes integrating high-value, dynamic organizations, multiple business units, and M&A strategies.

Quintin Cassady

General Counsel

Quintin Cassady has been a licensed attorney since 1991, providing legal and compliance-related advice and management services primarily for health care businesses. Most recently, he was the Vice President, General Counsel, and Compliance Officer for the North American operations of Galderma Laboratories and was in that capacity for over 21 years. Quintin is a nationally recognized General Counsel and Compliance Officer leader in healthcare with expertise spanning pharmaceutical and medical devices in dermatology, injectable fillers, and consumer products with a broad array of therapeutic targets and modalities. Over his career, he has served on several leadership teams and directed organizational departments responsible for legal, risk management, communications, compliance, and facilities. Quintin is an active member of various legal and compliance associations and has served on numerous boards of directors of private and nonprofit organizations. He has a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Jeff Smith

GM, BioMaterials

Jeff Smith has more than 25 years of experience developing and leading teams across multiple industries and roles. He has broad knowledge across numerous material systems and product areas. His experiences in the automotive, medical device, and polymer industries allow him to be an exceptional problem solver focused on creating value. Spending almost two decades at Evonik Industries, Jeff has led multiple organizations to launch new technologies, developed valuable partnerships, and consistently developed talent. Leading Evonik's healthcare business in North America, he delivered profitable growth and fostered long-term relationships with key customers and partners. In previous roles with Freudenberg-NOK and Pilot Industries (now Martinrea), he was vital in developing and launching leading products for fuel cells and low-emission fuel systems. His accomplishments include a US patent for a novel fuel cell sealing design. Jeff is active in youth development through his work as a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America, where he also enjoys the outdoors and championing the principles of Leave No Trace.

Anna Bakst

Executive Chair

Anna Bakst has served on Modern Meadow’s board since 2017 and has been Chair of the Board since 2020. Anna brings over 25 years of experience managing and cultivating businesses for American fashion houses. She recently served as Brand President and CEO of Kate Spade. Until January 2017, Anna was Group President at Michael Kors. From 2003, Anna drove the expansive launch and growth of Michael Kors Accessories and Footwear businesses – leading to Wall Street’s biggest public offering in fashion. In her role, Anna led the global design, production, and merchandising teams as well as oversaw domestic wholesale distribution. Prior to Michael Kors, Anna had a 12-year career at Donna Karan International where she held various positions including President of Accessories and Footwear. She received an MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. Anna is also an Associate Professor at Pratt Institute's Design Management Program.

Andras Forgacs

Co-Founder, Board Director

Andras Forgacs, Co-Founder and Board Director of Modern Meadow, is a serial entrepreneur in deep tech and life sciences. He is leading the company into a new age of biofabrication, working to transform the world of materials by unlocking the power of nature to offer new design possibilities. Andras is also co-Founder of 3D bioprinting company, Organovo. Previously he held positions with an international technology-focused venture fund, McKinsey & Co. and Citigroup. Andras is founding chairman of the international non-profit Resolution Project and was a Kauffman Fellow with the Center for Venture Education. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Harvard University. Named as a 2018 Tech Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, Modern Meadow enables new design and performance possibilities and partners with some of the world’s thought-leading brands to transform the material world and design for a healthier planet.

Dennis Fenton

Board Director

Dr. Fenton brings more than forty years of experience in biopharmaceutical drug development and commercialization to this position. During a 25-year tenure at Amgen, he served as executive vice president of operations and held numerous additional executive leadership roles in operations, process development, sales, marketing, research, engineering and manufacturing. Since retiring from Amgen in 2008, Dr. Fenton has served as an independent biotechnology consultant and serves on several public and private company boards including Portola Pharmaceuticals, Pfenex, Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, and Omniox. Dr. Fenton previously served on the boards of directors of Kythera, Amira, Hospira, Dendreon Corp., Xenoport and Genzyme Corporation. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Keck Graduate Institute. Dr. Fenton received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Manhattan College and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Rutgers University.

Klaus Hommels

Board Director

Klaus is one of Europe’s leading business angels and venture capitalists. He is also a prominent voice for the European Tech Ecosystem with the aim of strengthening Europe’s position in times of digital transformation. Klaus has repeatedly been recognized as one of Europe’s top venture capital investors, having invested in many major players in the tech sector. He was an early investor in companies such as Skype, Xing, King, Facebook, Spotify and Airbnb. He founded Lakestar in 2012 after running his own venture capital fund, Hommels Holding. As a passionate advocate of the European Tech Ecosystem, Klaus frequently interacts with politicians, regulators and corporates to bring European technology and capital flows on the global agenda. He is a founding member of think-tank initiatives such as the Internet Economy Foundation and the European Center for Digital Competitiveness in Berlin. Klaus is part of Henkel’s digital board and a member of the board of trustees of the Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft. He sponsors an associate professorship for Venture Capital at Humboldt University Berlin, as well as Ashoka to support those entrepreneurs that seek innovations for the good of society. Klaus started his career at Bertelsmann, before joining AOL Germany in 1995 as a board member. He was also a venture partner of Benchmark Capital Europe. He earned his PhD in finance from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

Douglas Muzyka

Board Director

Douglas Muzyka was Senior Vice President and Chief Science and Technology Officer of DuPont. He joined the company in 1985 as a research scientist and held a variety of research and research management roles in North America through 1994. Dr. Muzyka was named director of Technology and New Business Development for DuPont Nylon, Asia Pacific, in 1994 and relocated to Hong Kong. From 1994 to 1998 he participated in many plant start-ups and new venture developments throughout Asia Pacific. Dr. Muzyka has served on advisory boards for universities in Singapore and Canada, as well as on boards of Chambers of Commerce, industry associations and business councils on sustainable development in Canada, Mexico and China. Mr. Muzyka was born in Canada and graduated as class valedictorian from the University of Western Ontario with bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering. He completed additional research for his doctorate at the Université de Technologie de Compiègne in France and worked as a researcher in the coal industry in France prior to joining DuPont.

Bart Swanson

Board Director

Bart Swanson is currently an advisor to Horizon Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Hong Kong with a focus on disruptive technologies. Mr. Swanson is on the boards of Zoom Video Communications Inc., Impossible Foods, Sentient Technologies, Benevolent AI, Hola Networks, Leo Labs Inc, and several other technology companies in Europe, Israel, and the US. Bart was previously a director at Onavo, DeepMind, Bitstrips, Crosswise.com, Viv and from 2015-17 a non-executive board member at MTG AB. Bart received an MBA from The Wharton School and an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a Fellow at the Lauder Institute and has a BA in History from the University of Southern California.

Eric Archambeau

Board Director

Astanor’s co-founder Eric has been supporting healthy food education and regenerative agriculture training for over a decade. The former Silicon Valley technology entrepreneur turned venture capitalist (App Annie, Betfair, Freenow, Onfido , Spotify, Xing) was Global Chairman of the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and co-founded Quadia – a Geneva-based impact investing firm that offers private investors and family offices tailored strategies and portfolios that deliver social and environmental impact.

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