This young startup is taking on a fragrance industry that hasn’t changed in a almost half century

Patina, a fragrance tech startup, has raised $2 million from Betaworks and True Ventures to disrupt the scent molecule industry using machine learning and advanced molecular design. Founded by artist-perfumer Sean Raspet and software engineer Laura Sisson, the company is building a foundational model called Sense1 that replicates nasal scent receptors to create a universal code of smell and taste. This approach enables creation of novel molecules and synthetic replicas of rare natural ingredients like rose oil, with lower environmental impact. AI is also helping eliminate animal testing in the industry. Patina's long-term vision is a 'Pantone for scent' — a universal reference system for smell and flavor molecules.