The well-renowned Berkley Skydeck Cohort Program typically crescendos into a demo day where startups can present their ideas and all they have learned at the program to over 600 attendees — but 2020 was not a typical year. The 2020 cohort was the first to participate in a virtual demo day, and this year's cohort was notably slim compared to previous years, which serves to shed more light on each of the companies. Among the cohort of 17 (out of 1,850 applicants) was our very own Hurd Co.
The Hurd Co produces man-made cellulosic fiber pulp from 100% agricultural waste. Their zero-waste process uses half the water and 350 times less energy than conventional fiber pulp. Instead of using crops grown exclusively for textiles, they use plant matter that is left over after harvest. If you are like me, then you have already looked carefully for a "shop" or "products" button on The Hurd Co's website only to find out that you can't buy a cool zero-waste t-shirt directly from them. Hopefully, the $105,000 investment from the program will grease the wheels a bit and get The Hurd Co connected with more clothing brands... I want my t-shirt!
Read the TechCrunch coverage of the 2020 Cohort.