LifeLabs

LifeLabs Design operates as a materials science company with a core mission to reduce energy consumption through thermally-efficient textiles. Founded in 2020 by Professor Yi Cui, director of Stanford University's advanced materials laboratory, and Meng Sui, a chemist and CEO of clean-energy foundry EEnotech, the company translates scientific research into commercially viable apparel. The founders' journey began at Stanford, where after six years of research, they developed the patented textile technologies that form the company's foundation. Scott Mellin, former general manager at The North Face, was brought on as CEO in 2021 to steer the company's transition from a scientific venture to a consumer brand.

The business centers on developing and marketing apparel that helps regulate body temperature, thereby lessening the reliance on external heating and cooling. LifeLabs serves consumers who are environmentally conscious and interested in the intersection of technology and apparel, offering products directly through its website. The company's business model also includes potential licensing agreements with other brands, aiming to integrate its textiles across various industries and consumer products. A significant milestone was securing a $6 million Seed Round in April 2022, led by the Asia Green Fund, to fuel its mission. Total funding has reached $15.8 million.

LifeLabs' product portfolio is built on two primary patented technologies: WarmLife® and CoolLife®. WarmLife® is an insulating fabric that uses nano-metallic coating technology to reflect 100% of body heat back to the skin, making garments 30% warmer with less material. This technology is applied to jackets and vests made from 97% recycled materials. CoolLife® is a thermally-transparent fabric derived from polyethylene that allows infrared radiation to pass through, which can lower the wearer's skin temperature. It is the first textile of its kind and is designed to feel like traditional fabrics, overcoming the challenges of working with polyethylene. By creating apparel for everyday wear, outdoor activities, and sleepwear, LifeLabs aims to enable consumers to reduce their personal energy use and contribute to mitigating climate change.

Keywords: materials science, thermal textiles, energy efficiency, sustainable apparel, body temperature regulation, CoolLife fabric, WarmLife fabric, Yi Cui, Stanford University, textile innovation, eco-friendly clothing, direct-to-consumer, apparel technology, polyethylene fabric, climate tech, sustainable materials, thermal regulation, nanocoating, functional apparel