31: Synonym's mission to create a new green asset class - using bioeconomy to replace 50% of petrochemical products

SustainNOW Podcast - Learn from entrepreneurs & scientists about climate solutions

In today's episode we will explore the world of scaling bioeconomy to replace 50% of petrochemical products in the future. That is the bold vision of Synonym, a company dedicated to accelerating the transition to better, more sustainable materials through bioproducts.
Joining us today is Joshua Lachter, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Synonym. With a background in finance, Joshua brings a different perspective to the world of biomanufacturing, and he's here to shed light on the potential of fermentation and its role in revolutionizing our daily products from food, over chemical products such as Lubricants or fibers to special chemicals like enzymes or plant-based proteins.
Synonym's mission is to create a new green asset class - a bioeconomy asset class to enable the commercialization and manufacture of bioproducts. Joshua will walk us through the company's vision, the challenges they're addressing, and the partnerships they're developing to scale bioproducts on industry scale.
But before we dive into the details, let's take a moment to understand the magnitude of the problem Synonym is trying to tackle. From the high cost of production to the limitations of available current fermentation infrastructures, Joshua will guide us through the complexities of the biomanufacturing landscape and highlight the urgent need for scalable solutions.
So, if you're curious about the future of sustainable materials and the pivotal role of bioproducts in driving this transition, you won't want to miss this episode.
The following description was generated with AI :)

Embark on a transformative exploration into the bioeconomy with Joshua Lachter, Synonym's visionary co-founder, as we discuss the bold ambition of biologically revolutionizing the materials of our everyday lives. Discover a world where nature's ingenuity provides us with everything from biodegradable cups to complex, spider silk-like proteins, all while treading lightly on the planet. Our conversation with Joshua shines a light on the potential for biomaterials to not only replace petrochemical products but also enhance their functionality, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainability and superior performance go hand in hand.
As we wade through the intricacies of scaling biomanufacturing, Joshua from Synonym reveals the strategic moves and digital tools, like Capacitor and Scaler, that are poised to accelerate the growth of companies from fledgling startups to industry heavyweights. This episode peels back the layers of precision fermentation's vast applications beyond food, touching on the creation of polymers, resins, and synthetic methane. It's a peek into the colossal efforts being poured into building an infrastructure that supports the escalating demand for bio-based goods.
Finally, we explore the landscape of standardizing equipment and mobilizing financing in the synthetic biology sector. Learn how Synonym's journey, from a simple stroll in the woods to forging alliances with industry magnates like Anderson Horowitz, is paving the way for synthetic biology to reshape American manufacturing. This episode connects the dots between the creation of a flexible, standardized platform for synthetic biology companies and the innovative financing strategies that might just be the key to unlocking commercial-scale production. Join us to understand how Synonym embodies the pioneering spirit needed to nurture an industry that could redefine our material world.
Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch
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1. 31: Synonym's mission to create a new green asset class - using bioeconomy to replace 50% of petrochemical products (00:00:00)

2. What is you mission at Synonym? (00:02:45)

3. What are examples of how biology can replace petrochemical products? (00:04:40)

4. How is fermentation used? (00:07:00)

5. How is Synonym scaling up? (00:10:20)

6. What does Synonym do? (00:13:20)

7. Can you give an example of your work? (00:16:25)

8. How do you de-risk for asset class comparison? (00:22:00)

9. How do CMO's function in this process? (00:25:00)

10. How do you finance this operation? (00:29:40)

11. How did you end up in this sector? (00:39:00)

12. How do you secure funding? (00:43:00)

13. How long will your current funding last? (00:45:00)

14. What does your next 24 months with Synonym look like? (00:46:00)

15. How can people contact you? (00:47:00)

16. What is your personal motto? (00:47:30)