Reselo: Transforming the Rubber Industry with Sustainable Innovation

The Swedish deep-tech company Reselo is on a mission to revolutionize the rubber industry by developing a biobased alternative to fossil-derived rubber. With a strong foundation in cutting-edge research and sustainability, the company is paving the way for a greener future. CEO Henrik Otendal shares the story behind Reselo’s journey, its groundbreaking material, and how it prepares for rapid growth.

From Research to Business

Reselo’s story began at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where Thomas Baumgarten discovered a method for extracting a polymer-like substance from birch bark, an abundant byproduct of the pulp and paper industry. This discovery laid the foundation for Reselo, a durable and versatile biomaterial that can replace traditional fossil-based rubber in applications such as tires, footwear, and industrial seals.

“What makes our material unique is that it can be cured and hardened, making it highly resistant - something crucial for demanding applications,” says Otendal. “Unlike many bio-based plastic alternatives, we offer a solution that meets the durability requirements of industries that rely on high-performance rubber.”

Today, most rubber is derived from petroleum, with extraction and processing carrying significant environmental risks. Reselo technology offers a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions, making it a game-changer for industries looking to transition to more sustainable materials.

Gaining Recognition and Preparing for Growth

Reselo recently gained industry recognition by being featured on the 33-listan, a prestigious ranking of Sweden’s most innovative startups. As part of this achievement, Synch awarded the company an Early Stage Review, designed to help startups assess their legal structure, governance, and compliance ahead of future investments.

“We’re currently in a fundraising phase, and it’s crucial for us to operate as a professional company early on,” explains Otendal. “This Early Stage Review allows us to understand investor expectations and proactively prepare for the due diligence process.”

For many startups, legal matters become a reactive process - something they address only when investors demand it. However, Reselo's proactive approach to legal strategy has been key. “With Early Stage Review, we’ve been able to assess where we stand and prepare accordingly, rather than scrambling when investors request documentation,” Otendal adds.

A Successful Collaboration with Synch

Beyond the legal review, Reselo found the collaboration with Synch to be both insightful and efficient, helping them navigate key legal complexities.

“Working with Synch has been incredibly valuable,” says Otendal. “As a startup, we don’t have an in-house legal team, so having clear, structured guidance from experts who understand business and technology has made a real difference. The Synch team has been accessible, knowledgeable, and proactive, helping us make informed decisions that will benefit us in the long run.”

Key Legal Takeaways for Scaling Startups

One of the most valuable insights from Early Stage Review was the importance of having a strong legal foundation when negotiating with larger corporations.

“As a startup, you’re often eager to land big deals, but it’s crucial to safeguard your intellectual property (IP) and contractual rights,” says Otendal. “Larger companies have extensive legal departments; if you’re not careful, you might sign agreements that aren’t in your best interest.”

Another key takeaway was the importance of confidentiality agreements (NDAs) and structured IP protection. “When dealing with potential partners, we’ve learned that having solid legal agreements in place is essential before entering discussions,” Otendal notes.

Looking Ahead

With a clear legal strategy and a scalable production model in place, Reselo is now focused on expanding operations, securing investments, and bringing Reselo to market.

“The Early Stage Review has helped us structure our business for long-term growth,” Otendal reflects. “By addressing key legal aspects early, we can present ourselves as a more mature and professional company, which ultimately strengthens our position with investors and partners.”

As Reselo continues its journey towards making the rubber industry more sustainable, the company is determined to stay ahead - not just in innovation but also in corporate structure and legal preparedness.