💎 Big Strides, Simple Solutions: Checkerspot's Winning Formula
🦋 Making progress in the world of algae-based biomaterials.
“We took inspiration from the history of the petrochemicals industry, particularly the development of carbon fibre in the 1970s and 80s…” — Charles Dimmler, Checkerspot
Dear algae technologists - hello and welcome to the Paxtier Report!
In today’s episode, we’re putting the spotlight on four simple but powerful ways that Checkerspot has made big strides in the world of algae-based biomaterials.
With these basics in your back pocket, you’ll be better positioned to build an algae tech business that's both scalable and fun to run.
Unfortunately, many teams neglect these principles, even when they are highly relevant and applicable to their own ventures.
The key fundamentals we’ll be exploring in this issue include:
Developing a deep understanding of the customer,
Leveraging great branding and marketing,
Cutting out intermediaries in the supply chain, and
Learning from history.
But before we find out more, let's take a closer look at Checkerspot…
About the company
Since its inception in 2016, Checkerspot has been on a mission to revolutionise the materials industry using fermentation-based assets.
Currently, the company is commercialising three materials: a light-weight urethane-based composite (i.e., Algal Core™ ski and snowboard cores) and a cast urethane (i.e., Algal Wall™ sidewalls), both commercialised initially through the brand WNDR® Alpine, as well as algal oil formulated into MiDori® BioWick and sold in partnership with Beyond Surface Technologies to clothing brands worldwide.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. With a recent $55 million Series C funding round under their belt, Checkerspot is ready to take on even more markets, including personal care, food and nutrition, and industrial applications.
So, what can we learn from all this progress? Let's find out below…
Lesson #1: Developing a deep understanding of the customer
At Checkerspot, the customer reigns supreme. They know that crafting high-performance materials is more than just science; it's about meeting the unique needs and preferences of the end-users. It’s about talking to customers and fostering a consumer base that cares deeply about what you’re making and how you’re making it.
In the Talking Biotech Podcast (linked below), Dr. Scott Franklin, CSO at Checkerspot, reminisces about the company's early days: "We went on a road trip to the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City in 2016. We didn't even have any products - just a concept and a vial of algae oil. But we received a lot of feedback, and it validated our conviction to focus on building a brand in this space."
By listening to feedback, engaging with consumers, and aligning with their values, Checkerspot has gained a loyal following of fans who appreciate their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and performance.
So, if you want to make an impact in your space, take a page from Checkerspot's playbook and prioritise the customer in everything you do.
Lesson #2: Great branding and marketing
Branding and marketing are often overlooked by industrial biotech companies, but not at Checkerspot. Through great branding and marketing, they've managed to showcase the potential of microalgae as industrial microbes and establish a profound emotional connection with consumers:
When you purchase from Checkerspot, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a story and the values that go along with it. Through their masterful storytelling, the company has captured the hearts and minds of their customers, transforming them from mere buyers into brand advocates:
Lesson #3: Cutting out intermediaries in the supply chain
At Checkerspot, the team understood the benefits of vertical integration in speeding up technology adoption. They also recognised that excessive intermediaries in the supply chain can obscure the sourcing of materials, a common issue in consumer brands.
Consequently, Checkerspot created the WING platform, a vertically integrated collaboration engine that helps innovators and companies rapidly develop products. The platform has four pillars ranging from molecular foundry to consumer engagement, and highlights the origin, physical properties, and life cycle assessments of the materials.
Lesson #4: Drawing inspiration from the past
They say that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So why not learn from the past and leverage its insights?
In a recent episode of the GROW EVERYTHING podcast (linked below), CEO Charles Dimmler dived into Checkerspot's business strategy. He revealed how his team took cues from the petrochemical industry's past, specifically by studying the evolution of carbon fibre during the 1970s and 80s. This material initially catered to niche products such as golf club shafts, tennis rackets, and bicycle frames before eventually transforming the automotive and aerospace industries. With this lesson in mind, the Checkerspot team took a strategic approach to entering new markets. They began by focusing on specific niches within the outdoor recreation industry, understanding that adjacent markets could quickly adopt their technology as well.
That’s all folks!
It's been an absolute pleasure having you on board with us this week.
While not every algae tech team can afford to fully emulate Checkerspot's approach, adopting just one of these principles can give your team the boost it needs to thrive.
Hope you have a great day and stay tuned for more algae tech updates soon!
Peter