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Ingvar Helgason

Co-founder and CEO at VitroLabs Inc (YC S17)

Ingvar Helgason is the Co-founder and CEO of VitroLabs Inc, a biotech company developing a scalable tissue engineering platform for producing cell-cultivated leather.12 Originally from Reykjavik, Iceland, Helgason has a background in fashion and technology.3

Career Highlights

  • Founded VitroLabs Inc in 2016, which is based in Milpitas, California12
  • Participated in Y Combinator's S17 batch (June-August 2017)1
  • Co-founded and served as CEO of Ostwald Helgason, a fashion brand, from 2006 to 201513
  • Co-founded WOAH (now Stitchex.com), a cloud ERP platform for apparel companies, which was acquired in 20171

VitroLabs Inc

VitroLabs is pioneering the development of cell-cultivated animal leather using advanced tissue engineering processes.24 The company aims to produce leather that matches the look, feel, and performance of traditional leather while being more environmentally sustainable and animal-friendly.2

Achievements

  • Raised a total of $46 million in funding, including a Series A round led by Agronomics4
  • Partnered with luxury group Kering for product quality testing, tanning, and finishing4
  • Moved into a 45,000 square foot facility for pilot production and laboratory space4

Helgason's vision for VitroLabs is to lead the shift towards more sustainable leather production in the fashion industry, combining his experience in fashion with innovative biotechnology.34

Highlights

Ingvar Helgason | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry - The Business of Fashion
Jan 1 · jimco.com
VitroLabs Inc | Investment Portfolio - JIMCO
VitroLabs Inc | Investment Portfolio - JIMCO
Neeka & Leila Mashouf | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry - The Business of Fashion
Neeka & Leila Mashouf | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry - The Business of F
Feb 16 · youtube.com
JIMCO LIfe Sciences speaks to Ingvar Helgason CEO Vitrolabs (EN ...
JIMCO LIfe Sciences speaks to Ingvar Helgason CEO Vitrolabs (EN ...
Oct 5 · vitrolabsinc.com
Board of Directors Announcement | VitroLabs 2022
Board of Directors Announcement | VitroLabs 2022
Ingvar Helgason | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global ...
Ingvar Helgason | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global ...

Related Questions

What inspired Ingvar Helgason to transition from fashion to biotechnology?
How does VitroLabs' tissue engineering platform work?
What are the environmental benefits of VitroLabs' lab-grown leather?
How did Ingvar Helgason's experience at Y Combinator impact VitroLabs?
What challenges has Ingvar Helgason faced in developing lab-grown leather?
Ingvar Helgason
Ingvar Helgason, photo 1
Ingvar Helgason, photo 2
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Location

United States