MycoWorks is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California[1] that produced leather-like products using a process involving mycelium. The company was founded in 2013 by Philip Ross, Sophia Wang, and Eddie Pavlu.[2]
Co-founder and former Chief Technical Officer Phil Ross's work with mycelium began before the formation of the company,[specify] which assisted in the company's developments.[3] In 2017, Matthew L. Scullin signed on as Chief Executive Officer. In early 2020, the company raised Series A financing, and, later that year, $45 million in Series B financing with Natalie Portman and John Legend participating.[4]
In October 2023, MycoWorks opened a 136,000 square foot facility in South Carolina, including manufacturing operations and corporate offices,[5] and providing approximately 400 jobs[6]. The factory, producing Reishi™, operated at 22% of its capacity threshold.[7] In August 2025, the facility conducted a significant layoff.[8] According to ex-employees' accounts, possibly up to 80% of the staff were let go; leadership may have been unaware of the impending layoff until two weeks prior to the restructuring, as, three weeks prior, the company had spent heavily on a leadership offsite.[9] In October 2025, the South Carolina factory shut down completely, having been active for two years.[10]
Technology
Fine Mycelium is a patented technology by MycoWorks that attempts to influence cellular structures for increased strength and durability. The company uses the term to refer to both their process and the resulting materials intended for the fashion, footwear, automotive, and decor industry. As of October 2025, MycoWorks' production of Reishi™ with Fine Mycelium technology has ended.
Products
Reishi™ was the first commercially available product from MycoWorks, followed by Reishi Doux, Reishi Natural, and Reishi Pebble in 2023.[11] The product was used in a number of luxury retail items such as handbags [12] and hats.[13] Commercial-scale manufacturing began in October 2023 at a plant in Union, South Carolina.[14] In October 2025, the South Carolina factory shut down completely, having been active for two years.[15]
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