Fragrance technology startup Patina has successfully raised $2 million in funding from investors including Betaworks and True Ventures. The company aims to disrupt a stagnant fragrance market by utilizing advanced molecular design, machine learning, and specialized scent research to create entirely new scent molecules. By moving away from traditional methods dominated by a handful of legacy labs, Patina is positioning itself as a modern alternative for brands looking to innovate in the perfume, candle, and flavor sectors.

Founded by artist and perfumer Sean Raspet and software engineer Laura Sisson, the company is built on the foundation of their proprietary model, Sense1. This technology is designed to replicate human nasal scent receptors, effectively creating a universal digital code for smell and taste. By operating at the receptor level rather than relying on subjective descriptors like “floral” or “woody,” Patina can synthesize rare natural ingredients and develop entirely new olfactory experiences that were previously impossible to capture.

Beyond creative expression, Patina is addressing significant supply-chain and environmental challenges. As natural ingredients like rose oil become increasingly scarce and expensive, the company’s synthetic alternatives offer a more sustainable, low-carbon solution that requires fewer petrochemicals and less water. Furthermore, the integration of AI is helping the industry move away from animal testing by accurately predicting skin reactions, while simultaneously allowing smaller firms to compete with industry giants by drastically shortening the development cycle for custom scent ingredients.

With its new headquarters in Bushwick, Brooklyn, the team is focused on scaling its data-driven approach to scent. The long-term vision for Patina is to establish a universal standard for fragrance, similar to the Pantone color-matching system. By providing the underlying intelligence layer for scent creation, the startup hopes to empower perfumers and flavorists to develop and protect their unique styles in an increasingly digital landscape.