Bio

I am the CEO and co-founder of Bolt Threads. Originally I trained as a scientist at UCSF and hold a PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. My passion lies at the intersection of technology, sustainability and design which can sometimes make for strange bedfellows. I have a skill in making uncommon connections and unearthing unexpected solutions to problems; for example, Mylo™ - a mycelium-based leather alternative - perfected through collaborations between fashion designers and fungal mycologists. I have grown Bolt Threads from myself and a box full of live spiders to a category leading biomaterials platform company that has commercialized two materials, Mylo™ and b-silk™. I'm passionate about businesses that move the needle on mitigating and repairing damage to the biosphere, in both climate and nature, and moving forward in technology space. My team and I have created lasting partnerships and launched products with iconic global brands like adidas, GANNI, Kering, lululemon, and Stella McCartney. I also advise and mentor other companies and peers in using synthetic biology and chemistry to create the technologies and businesses of the future. I love learning new things all the time and sharing what I've learned.