Skyscrape
Skyscrape, formerly known as Kestrel Materials, is a Portland-based company specializing in the development of temperature-responsive fabrics aimed at enhancing building heating and cooling efficiencies.
Company History
Skyscrape, originally known as Kestrel Materials, was launched in April 2017. As a part of the Y-Combinator Summer 2017 (S17) batch, the company quickly made a name for itself in the Industrials sector, specifically in Manufacturing and Robotics. Skyscrape is headquartered in Portland, OR, USA, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada. Skyscrape focuses on developing intelligent, temperature-responsive fabrics aimed at enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Innovative Fabric Technology
Skyscrape specializes in creating temperature-responsive fabrics that adjust to environmental changes. These fabrics use intelligent technology without wires or sensors; the yarns themselves expand and contract with temperature variations. This unique capability allows the fabrics to become thicker for better insulation in colder conditions and thinner to reduce insulation as it warms up. This technology offers expanded thermal comfort across a broader temperature range compared to conventional clothing.
Key Collaborations and Market Entry
In its first market entry, Skyscrape collaborated with Ralph Lauren to develop environmentally responsive clothing for the 2022 Team USA Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. This partnership marked a significant milestone for Skyscrape, showcasing its innovative fabric technology on an international stage. The company's fabrics are designed with the goal to revolutionize both personal thermal comfort and broader environmental management, like heating and cooling of buildings.
Funding and Support
Skyscrape has received crucial funding and support from both the United States Department of Energy and Y Combinator. These investments underline the company's potential in developing sustainable and smart clothing technologies. The financial backing has enabled Skyscrape to continue its research and development, enhancing its fabric technology to meet market needs more effectively.
Commitment to Sustainability
Skyscrape aims to impact sustainability on a global scale through its innovative fabric technology. By partnering with world-class brands to produce environmentally responsive clothing, Skyscrape seeks to offer sustainable fashion solutions that reduce energy consumption associated with heating and cooling. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their focus on smart clothing that adapts to environmental changes, ultimately aiding in reduced energy use in buildings.