Bolt Threads, a pioneer in sustainable biomaterials for consumer products, merged with blank-check company Golden Arrow Merger Corp, valuing the company at $250 million.WHO: Founded in 2009 by a bioengineer, a biophysicist, and a biochemist. Bolt Threads is a purpose-driven biomaterials platform dedicated to fostering a better future for both people and the planet. Bolt Threads creates innovative solutions and products inspired by natural biodiversity. With 14 years of research, testing, and developing groundbreaking materials, the company replaces traditional ingredients and processes in high-volume consumer goods manufacturing with sustainable, nature-derived alternatives. The company boasts an impressive intellectual property portfolio, featuring 49 granted patents and 171 pending patent applications.B-silk is Bolt Threads’ flagship product, a fully biodegradable, nontoxic, and versatile ingredient designed for the beauty and personal care industry. In beauty formulations, it replaces silicone elastomers, a synthetic ingredient that leaves biopersistent polymers, including microplastics, in the water system and faces growing consumer and regulatory scrutiny. Inspired by the proteins found in spider webs, b-silk’s novel protein polymer is both biobased and biodegradable. Available since 2020, b-silk is featured in products such as Vegamour and Kelly Slater’s Freaks of Nature sunscreen.WHY: The company believes the listing will help accelerate the pioneering biomaterials platform, scaling its sustainable materials in the consumer goods industry, starting with beauty and personal care.