Checkerspot, Inc., a biotechnology company with an award-winning design and innovation lab, announced the close of a $55 million Series C financing led by ArrowMark Partners, with participation from Cox Enterprises and other new and existing investors. Allen & Company LLC advised Checkerspot on the transaction. The funding accelerates Checkerspot’s development and commercialization of high-performance, biobased alternatives for everyday products.

Checkerspot has previously launched a line of performance outdoor recreation products under its consumer brand, WNDR® Alpine (Wonder Alpine). WNDR® Alpine animates and de-risks the adoption of biobased materials – developed with Checkerspot’s technology – that can be used across various industries. Specifically, WNDR’s backcountry skis and snowboards are made with Checkerspot’s microalgae-derived oils formulated into polyurethane foams and cast urethanes, engineered to meet specific performance metrics in a highly demanding category. The company has also developed technology to upcycle waste from ski and snowboard manufacturing, leading to the creation of SpiralMade™ material, a unique composite with various applications in hard goods fabrication.

The latest proceeds accelerate Checkerspot’s expansion into new and adjacent markets, including industrial applications, personal care, and food and nutrition. Reducing global dependence on fossil fuels requires innovation and collaboration; Checkerspot is committed to launching new products and forging commercial partnerships so that consumers can adopt high-performance, biobased materials and ingredients at scale.

Press release by Checkerspot