Biography of Haïkel Balti: CEO and Co-Founder of Faircraft -Entrepreneur
Haïkel Balti: A Visionary in Sustainable Innovation
Haïkel Balti, the CEO and Co-Founder of Faircraft, has
become a leading figure in the realm of sustainability and material science.
Based in Paris, France, he co-founded Faircraft with a strong vision to create
groundbreaking, lab-grown alternatives to traditional animal leather. His
passion lies in merging advanced synthetic biology with material science
techniques to develop sustainable, innovative materials that are both
eco-friendly and versatile. Faircraft stands as a beacon of sustainable
fashion, addressing the demand for high-quality materials without relying on
animal products.
Academic Foundation in Engineering and Business
Haïkel’s educational journey laid a solid foundation for his
future entrepreneurial success. He pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in
Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating in
2014. His academic focus was diverse, covering courses in business management,
aeronautics, mechanics, and manufacturing. This cross-disciplinary expertise,
combining technical know-how with a deep understanding of management, played a
significant role in shaping his career in innovative material development.
A Dual Master’s Journey
Before attending Georgia Tech, Haïkel obtained another MSc
degree from the prestigious Arts et Métiers - École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts
et Métiers in France, also in Mechanical Engineering. During his time there, he
studied a wide range of topics including nonlinear mechanics, structural
dynamics, and thermodynamics. His time at Arts et Métiers further solidified
his engineering prowess, particularly in fields relating to power engineering,
manufacturing, and industrialization. This dual expertise in engineering and
technology became central to his vision for creating sustainable alternatives
to traditional materials like leather.
Launching Faircraft: The Beginning of a New Era
In March 2021, Haïkel co-founded Faircraft, marking a
significant milestone in his career. At Faircraft, he leads the development of
innovative, lab-grown leather made without harming animals. Using cutting-edge
techniques in synthetic biology, Faircraft strives to revolutionize the fashion
and material industry by providing sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to
traditional leather. Haïkel’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact
of leather production has made Faircraft a standout company in the sustainable
materials sector.
Biography of Haïkel Balti: CEO and Co-Founder of Faircraft -Entrepreneur#lab-grown leather and sustainable materials#startup#age#net worth#investor
The Role of Synthetic Biology in Material Science
At the heart of Faircraft’s innovation is synthetic biology,
which allows Haïkel and his team to create leather-like materials using the
fundamental building blocks of life—cells and proteins. This technique ensures
that the lab-grown leather is not only sustainable but also customizable to
meet the specific needs of designers and brands. The ability to replicate the
qualities of traditional leather while eliminating its environmental and
ethical concerns is at the core of Faircraft’s mission.
Exploring New Material Frontiers
Haïkel’s vision extends beyond just leather alternatives.
Faircraft is also exploring new material possibilities, using its platform to
experiment with different types of materials that can be tailored for various
industries. From fashion to technology, Faircraft’s innovative materials can be
used in diverse applications. Haïkel’s commitment to environmental
responsibility and sustainability pushes him to continually explore and refine
the potential of synthetic biology in creating versatile, low-impact materials.
Entrepreneurial Journey: A Year with Entrepreneur First
Before establishing Faircraft, Haïkel had a rich
entrepreneurial experience as a Founder in Residence at Entrepreneur First (EF)
between April 2020 and March 2021. EF is a renowned global accelerator that
specializes in deep technology start-ups. During his time there, Haïkel
collaborated with brilliant minds to explore innovative ideas and startups,
focusing on the intersection of technology and sustainability. His experience
at Entrepreneur First helped him sharpen his entrepreneurial skills, which would
later prove invaluable in launching Faircraft.
Product Management Experience at Invoxia
Haïkel’s journey in the tech world includes a significant
role as a Product Manager at Invoxia from April 2019 to March 2020. In this
position, he was responsible for leading the development of B2C, B2B, and
corporate product lines, managing hardware, software, and AI integrations. He
worked closely with sales and marketing teams to ensure that the products met
customer demands and expectations. This hands-on experience in product
development and cross-functional collaboration played an important part in shaping
his approach to building innovative, sustainable products at Faircraft.
Applied Research Leadership at Invoxia
From October 2017 to March 2020, Haïkel also served as
Project Manager for Applied Research Projects at Invoxia. In this role, he
spearheaded engineering projects focused on developing new sensor technologies.
His work involved evaluating new sensors and collaborating with top-tier
vendors to select the most innovative solutions. This research-driven approach
allowed him to stay at the cutting edge of technology, skills he later applied
in his entrepreneurial endeavors at Faircraft.
R&D Excellence at Withings
Haïkel’s career also saw him in a pivotal role at Withings,
a health tech company, where he worked from December 2014 to October 2017. As
Lead R&D Engineer for Sensors Integration, he managed sensor-related
engineering developments, including hardware, software, and signal processing.
His role involved ensuring the smooth integration of sensors into mass-produced
products like the Steel HR Smart Watch and Core Blood Pressure Monitor. His
experience in sensor integration and product development enriched his technical
expertise and prepared him for his future ventures.
Pioneering a Sustainable Future in Material Innovation
As the CEO and Co-Founder of Faircraft, Haïkel is shaping
the future of sustainable materials. His work at Faircraft is not only about
creating alternatives to animal leather but also about setting a new standard
for material innovation. His leadership ensures that Faircraft remains
committed to reducing the environmental footprint of traditional materials
while offering solutions that maintain exceptional performance. Haïkel’s vision
aligns with the growing global demand for sustainability, making Faircraft an
influential player in the material science industry.
A Passion for Collaboration and Innovation
Haïkel’s journey is a testament to the power of
collaboration and innovation in solving some of the world’s most pressing
challenges. Through Faircraft, he invites designers, brands, and innovators to
join him in shaping the future of materials. His commitment to creating
environmentally responsible products has garnered attention from a wide range
of industries, from fashion to technology. Haïkel’s work continues to inspire
others to explore new possibilities in material science, setting the stage for a
future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.
Timeline for story
2014: Haïkel graduates with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering
from Georgia Institute of Technology.
2014-2017: Works as Lead R&D Engineer at Withings,
focusing on sensor integration.
2017-2020: Serves as Project Manager for Applied Research at
Invoxia.
2019-2020: Works as Product Manager at Invoxia, leading B2C
and B2B product development.
April 2020 - March 2021: Founder in Residence at
Entrepreneur First, exploring sustainability-focused tech.
March 2021: Co-founds Faircraft, focusing on lab-grown
leather and sustainable materials.
2021-Present: Leads Faircraft in developing innovative,
eco-friendly materials for multiple industries.
