Biography of Kevin Martin: Founder and CEO of Unspun -Entrepreneur
Kevin Martin: A Visionary in Sustainable Fashion and Robotics
Kevin Martin is an innovative entrepreneur and the
co-founder of Unspun™, a groundbreaking company in the apparel industry. Unspun
is redefining the fashion sector by addressing the growing problem of waste
with its cutting-edge 3D weaving technology. Kevin’s work at Unspun has been
revolutionary in the effort to reduce global carbon emissions by 1%. The
company’s mission focuses on reducing waste and promoting sustainability in
fashion, aiming to create zero-waste production and circular reuse, where nothing
ever becomes trash.
A Journey from Mechanical Engineering to Fashion Innovation
Kevin’s journey toward founding Unspun began with his
studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor's
Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His academic background was marked by his
participation in the prestigious Engineering Honors Program. It was during
these years that Kevin developed an interest in combining technology with
sustainability, a theme that would later define his career. His expertise in
engineering provided a strong foundation for the technical challenges he would
face in the fashion industry.
The Birth of Unspun™: A Solution to Fashion’s Waste Problem
In 2017, Kevin co-founded Unspun with a mission to
revolutionize the fashion industry. Unspun’s signature technology, Vega™, is
the world’s first 3D weaving system for apparel. This innovative system
transforms yarn directly into garments in mere minutes, without the need for
excess inventory or size ranges. The technology eliminates waste caused by
overproduction, a common problem in the fast fashion industry. Kevin and his
co-founders recognized the importance of rethinking the way clothes are made, with
an emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.
From COO to CEO: Leading Unspun’s Growth
Kevin's journey at Unspun began as the Chief Technology
Officer, where he led the development of the company’s technology. His role was
pivotal in driving the creation of the Vega™ 3D weaving technology, which was a
key factor in the company's success. After serving as CTO for several years,
Kevin transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer, where he was
responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and scaling the company. In
September 2024, Kevin took on the role of CEO, continuing to lead Unspun into a
new chapter of growth and innovation.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Kevin’s vision for Unspun goes beyond just creating a
successful business. He is deeply committed to reducing the environmental
impact of the fashion industry. Through Unspun’s technology, the company aims
to help reduce global human carbon emissions by 1%. The company’s focus on
zero-waste production and circular fashion aligns with Kevin’s personal values,
as he strives to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. By
eliminating waste from the production process, Unspun is setting a new standard
for how clothing can be made in a more eco-friendly way.
The Unspun Model: Made-to-Order and Custom Fit
One of the key features of Unspun’s business model is its
focus on made-to-order clothing. Unlike traditional fashion companies that
produce large quantities of items in multiple sizes, Unspun makes clothing
based on individual customer preferences. This custom-fit model eliminates the
need for excess inventory and size ranges, reducing waste and ensuring that
each piece is unique. Customers can have jeans and other apparel made
specifically for their measurements, ensuring a perfect fit without contributing
to overproduction.
Biography of Kevin Martin: Founder and CEO of Unspun -Entrepreneur#3D weaving technology for sustainable fashion#startup#age#net worth#investor
AirWorx: Kevin’s First Venture into Robotics and UAVs
Before founding Unspun, Kevin had already gained valuable
experience in technology and innovation. In 2010, he founded AirWorx, a company
focused on developing long-range UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). Starting as a
hobby, Kevin quickly saw the potential in UAV technology and partnered with
industry companies to provide real-time beta-level feedback and consulting.
Over the years, AirWorx grew into a successful consulting firm that worked with
high-profile clients in various industries, including action sports, live
concerts, Hollywood production studios, and television commercials.
The Medtronic Experience: Engineering and Product Innovation
In 2015, Kevin worked as a Research and Development
Associate at Medtronic, one of the world’s largest medical device companies.
This role allowed Kevin to explore new product innovation in the medical field.
He worked as part of an Upstream Engineering group, where he was responsible
for designing and testing prototypes for surgical instruments. His work
resulted in several potential patent applications and revenue streams, further
solidifying his expertise in product design and engineering. This experience
helped shape Kevin’s approach to problem-solving, which he later applied to his
work at Unspun.
A Leader in Outdoor Sports and Innovation
While at the University of Colorado Boulder, Kevin also
served as the president of the Boulder Freeride Ski and Snowboard Club. This
role allowed him to work closely with outdoor industry sponsors and gain
valuable experience in leadership and organizational management. His
involvement with the club also gave him a deep appreciation for technology’s
potential to enhance outdoor experiences, a perspective that would later
influence his work in robotics and apparel manufacturing
Unspun’s Global Reach and Vision for the Future
Today, Unspun is a venture-backed company with a global
presence, with offices in San Francisco and Hong Kong. The company is leading
the charge toward a more sustainable and efficient future in fashion,
leveraging robotics, digital automation, and textile innovation. Kevin’s vision
for Unspun extends beyond just reducing waste; he envisions a future where
fashion is produced in a way that is not only efficient but also aligns with
the principles of circularity. By integrating technology and sustainability,
Unspun is paving the way for a new era in the fashion industry.
Redefining Fashion: A Sustainable Future
Kevin’s work with Unspun is part of a larger movement to
change the way we think about fashion. In an industry often criticized for its
environmental impact, Unspun’s innovations are a beacon of hope for a more
sustainable future. Through the use of 3D weaving technology and a focus on
made-to-order, custom-fit clothing, Unspun is proving that fashion can be both
innovative and environmentally responsible. Kevin’s leadership continues to
inspire others in the industry to rethink traditional models of production and
embrace new ways of creating clothing that are both sustainable and unique.
A timeline for Kevin Martin’s journey:
2010 - Founded AirWorx, a company focused on UAV technology
and consulting.
2015 - Worked as R&D Associate at Medtronic, designing
surgical instrument prototypes.
2017 - Co-founded Unspun, developing Vega™ 3D weaving
technology for sustainable fashion.
2017 - Transitioned to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at
Unspun.
2024 - Became CEO of Unspun, leading the company into a new
growth phase.
2024 - Unspun is a global venture-backed company with
offices in San Francisco and Hong Kong.