73. No cows here: Could your pint become your next leather wallet? | TJ Mitchell

Could the answer to a more sustainable handbag or wallet lie at the bottom of your pint glass? In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Dr. Edward "TJ" Mitchell, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup redefining the future of leather. Using cutting-edge technology, Arda transforms waste grain from brewers and distillers into sustainable, animal-, and plastic-free leather alternatives that are poised to disrupt the fashion and materials industries. TJ shares his remarkable journey from a PhD in radioactive waste storage to the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led to founding Arda Biomaterials, meeting his co-founder, and the bold decision to pivot from food-based protein products to sustainable materials. TJ also talks about the challenges of scaling a deep tech startup, from overcoming scientific and engineering hurdles, to building a team, and navigating the complexities of fundraising. TJ reflects on the importance of networking and immersing yourself in the right communities, the art of storytelling as an entrepreneur, and why asking for advice often leads to unexpected opportunities. Timestamps 02:39 From PhD research to entrepreneurship 06:22 Discovering the value of waste grain 12:15 Pivoting from food-based protein to leather alternatives 14:19 Using chemistry to mimic collagen for sustainable leather 20:33 The science behind transforming waste into leather-like materials 21:20 Why communication and storytelling are key for entrepreneurs 24:47 Advice for scientists: finding co-founders and startup programs 35:00 The future of plastic-free, animal-free materials in fashion 39:49 Arda Biomaterials’ vision as a waste transformation company 42:13 Scaling globally and creating local production facilities Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow TJ Mitchell on LinkedIn Find out more about Arda Biomaterials here All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk