About us

Turning a Vision Into Reality

UNCAGED Innovations was born out of a shared vision to revolutionize the materials industry

With a deep-rooted commitment to animal welfare and sustainability, Stephanie Downs, an experienced entrepreneur, teamed up with Dr. Xiaokun Wang, a biomedical engineer who wanted to use her expertise in biotechnology without having to test on animals. With extensive experience in collagen research—an essential component of animal hides—Dr. Wang recognized the urgent need for alternative materials that move away from animal-based and plastic products.

Seeing a gap in the market where existing innovations fell short in performance, price, scalability, and sustainability, they decided to develop breakthrough technologies that could redefine material standards. Together, they set out to create high-quality, sustainable biomaterials that not only meet but exceed industry needs, driving a new era of ethical and sustainable innovation.

Meet the Team Driving Our Mission

CEO & Co-Founder

Stephanie Downs

With 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Stephanie Downs has founded and built multiple businesses. She launched her first company, a digital marketing firm, in 1999, which she sold in 2014. In 2016, she co-founded Good Dot, India’s largest plant-based meat company. She later co-founded the Material Innovation Initiative in 2019 and established Uncaged Innovations in 2020.

Stephanie also spent over a decade as a CSR Consultant for animal welfare groups, advising fashion and automotive brands on alternatives to animal materials. Notably, she persuaded Tesla to adopt vegan interiors and worked on issues concerning the down industry in China. A committed vegan for 15 years, she has leveraged her business acumen to further the vegan movement.

CTO & Co-Founder

Dr. Xiaokun Wang

Dr. Wang holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from Georgia Tech and has 18 years of experience developing novel biomaterials. At Johns Hopkins, she worked on fabricating corneal implants from biomaterials.

Her work in biomedicine involved animal testing, which she could not ethically support. When the chance arose to apply her tissue engineering skills to help animals, she eagerly took it.

Xiaokun led Uncaged from concept to full-scale production in under three years—an exceptional achievement in the biomaterials industry. Her innovation attracted investment from Jaguar Land Rover and partnerships with major global fashion houses.

COO

Robert Rothbaum

With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and apparel industry, Robert Rothbaum most recently served as President and CEO of Val D’or Apparel, LLC, a private-label manufacturer specializing in activewear and sportswear. At Val D’or, he oversaw operations, finance, and sales, managing overseas manufacturing in Jordan and Haiti.

Before Val D’or, Robert held leadership roles in operations, supply chain, and global sourcing at Kellwood Company and Sara Lee Branded Apparel. He has been a Board Director for the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and is an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Apparel Magazine.