SAN FRANCISCO — Molekule, a maker of air purification devices for the home, announced that NBA basketball star Kevin Love (photo above) has invested in the company to support its technological advances in air quality. The company did not disclose the amount of the investment.
Molekule is the pioneer of Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) air purification devices, including Air Mini, Air Mini+, and Air Pro which were recently granted FDA clearance as medical devices for the destruction of viruses and bacteria. The company’s patented photo electrochemical oxidation (PECO) technology destroys a wide range of pollutants, including VOCs, mold, bacteria, viruses, and allergens, when compared to conventional filters.
Prices for the Air Mini start as low as $399 and increase up to the Air Pro at $1,199.
While the effects of air quality can manifest in more obvious physical ways, few realize the mental impact poor air can have: multiple studies and journals show that particulate matter in the air may induce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, resulting in higher rates of depression and lower cognitive rates.
For Love, the opportunity to invest in Molekule is both professional and personal. A vocal advocate for mental health awareness and a holistic approach to health, Love has made it his mission off the court to not only invest in advancing technologies, but also support companies who recognize the ways in which mental and physical health are inextricable.
“I’ve been committed to openly discussing my struggles with anxiety and depression in the public forum, and investing in companies that commit to helping others is a natural next step,” said Kevin Love, professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and five-time NBA All Star. “Research has illuminated the ways in which poor air quality may have a negative impact on our mental health, and Molekule has proven itself as a leader in the air purification industry. I’m confident in their work and look forward to being part of their journey as they continue to grow and better understand the air we breathe.”
With more than $100 million in funding, most recently via a Series C financing round completed in early 2020, Molekule welcomes Love as an investor in addition to its support from RPS Ventures, Founders Circle Capital, Foundry Group, Crosslink Capital, Uncork Capital, TransLink Capital, and Inventec Appliances Corp (IAC). Love played one season at UCLA before entering the NBA draft in 2008 where he was the fifth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Kevin brings an important topic to the forefront that many in the air purification industry overlook: mental health and the ways air quality may impact it,” said Jonathan Harris, CEO of Molekule. “He’s not only proven himself to be a strong ally in this arena, but his strategic approach as an investor brings a new perspective to our bench.”
