Investment and Financing: French Sustainable Sneaker Brand MoEa Raises 2.3 Million Euros

In an increasingly saturated sneaker market where designs are becoming ever more uniform, standing out is no small feat. But French startup MoEa is doing just that, using what could be called an unconventional approach: crafting sneakers with bio based materials like grape skins, cactus, corn, apple, and even pineapple.

MoEa recently closed a 2.3 million euro funding round led by Ring Capital, with participation from GO CAPITAL, Climate Club, and several angel investors. The capital will go toward international expansion and R&D efforts. Ring Capital, one of the lead investors, stated that after meeting cofounders Achille Gazagnes and Benoit Habfast, they were convinced not only by MoEa’s material innovation but also by the founders’ clear business roadmap and commitment to sustainability.

From Grape Waste to Uppers: A Systematic Approach to Plant Based Materials

One of MoEa’s defining features is its structured development and use of plant based alternatives. The brand has created several types of “bio leather” made from agricultural byproducts:

• Grape based leather: Made from dried and ground grape pomace from Italy’s wine industry, mixed with resin to form flexible, premium feeling uppers.

• Cactus leather: Derived from native Mexican cactus, this breathable and elastic material is ideal for tongues and heels.

• Corn based leather: Developed using corn starch, it has a lightweight feel and subtle sheen, used as a sustainable replacement for synthetic leather.

• Apple leather: Sourced from leftovers in applesauce factories, pressed under heat, and suited for linings or branding elements.

• Pineapple fiber: Extracted from pineapple leaves and blended with bio based coatings, this strong yet light material is used for soles and exterior detailing.

Beyond renewable uppers, MoEa uses eco friendly components such as natural rubber soles, recycled polyester mesh lining, bio based glues, and strictly avoids any animal derived materials. All shoes are designed in France and manufactured in Portugal, keeping the entire supply chain within Europe to reduce carbon emissions.

Sustainable Can Be Stylish

The name MoEa stands for “Mother Earth.” At its core, the brand focuses on being

both sustainable and stylish. Rather than seeing sustainability as a limitation, MoEa incorporates it into the design language itself. The shoes feature clean, modern shapes and come in a wide variety of colorways, aiming to strike a balance between streetwear and casual fashion. By doing so, the brand challenges the stereotype that eco shoes are dull or overly utilitarian.

Each pair of MoEa sneakers generates only around six kilograms of carbon dioxide, significantly lower than conventional sneaker production. The brand also discloses full transparency on its website, detailing each product’s carbon footprint, material composition, and supply chain.

Building Influence Through Collaborative Growth

Rather than taking a big budget, top down marketing approach, MoEa has adopted a collaborative strategy to build brand awareness.

The brand began by partnering with environmental advocate Hugo Clément to build early momentum in sustainability circles. Later, a collaboration with The Walt Disney Company helped bring MoEa into the mainstream. This dual channel strategy connected the brand’s environmental roots with broader pop cultural relevance, showing that sustainable products don’t have to compromise on style.

MoEa’s international growth has also accelerated. Its products are already available in multiple European markets, with expansion underway in Asia and North America. One Ring Capital investor even noted that spotting MoEa sneakers on the street or subway has become common - an encouraging sign of organic brand adoption.

Founders and Forward Vision

MoEa was cofounded by Achille Gazagnes and Benoit Habfast, both of whom come from technology and consumer brand backgrounds. As they push for global growth, the duo has maintained tight control over the brand’s supply chain, cost structure, and aesthetic consistency.

Looking ahead, MoEa may explore new product categories beyond sneakers, including sustainable apparel and accessories. The company also aims to make its materials and processes modular and accessible to other industries, offering scalable, eco conscious solutions.

While MoEa isn’t the first to experiment with plant based footwear, what sets it apart is its ability to integrate sustainability into every layer of product design and consumer experience. In an era where consumers increasingly value sustainability and brands face steep competition, MoEa offers a blueprint for building something more enduring.