Beck Named Niber Technologies President, Tinio Tapped as Revolut Philippines CEO-Designate

Singapore/Manila-based deep tech startup Niber Technologies has appointed Chief Strategy Officer Richard Beck also as President, as he is slated to lead the commercial electrospinning business that is poised to replace conventional membrane textile systems that rely on "forever chemicals."

Beck, who will hold both roles simultaneously, is no stranger to working with next-generation membranes, considering his prolific work with the most recognized waterproof breathable textile brand, GORE-TEX, in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Dr. Richard Beck

Nibertex' 100 percent PFAS-free nanofiber films

GORE-TEX is commonplace in high performance camping apparel and hiking shoes that need that extra oomph when the outdoors call you. In the current textile spinning space, more countries have outlawed the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), usually found in textiles and heavily criticized as "forever chemicals" that do not break down easily.

These synthetic chemicals are commonly used in rain jackets, activewear, and footwear, among other products that advertise water and stain resistance. Bans on these materials have risen in countries and regions like the United States, the European Union, and the Asia-Pacific.

"What initially drew my attention to Niber was the company's expertise and experience in electrospinning technology, the exceptional membranes they have developed, and the founders' clearly defined ambition and strategic investment plan aimed at establishing a market-leading technology and business," Beck said in a statement on his appointment to take the reins of Niber Technologies.

He has been an industry leader in the functional membrane and performance textile space with unparalleled credibility built during his time with GORE-TEX. Electrospinning is now the stage for future-defining technology as regulatory and consumer pressure around these banned chemicals mount and accelerate demand for a shift. Niber Technologies is now positioning itself as a major player in this space, converting momentum into scalable, commercially viable products.

"Richard's appointment represents a clear inflection point for Niber," said Jaemin Park and Jaehyung Park, Co-Founders of Niber Technologies. "He brings a wealth of expertise to developing product strategy, understanding product application and how to best influence the apparel value chain to grow our business. His leadership will help us build smarter strategies and market leading technologies that enable our partners to win in an increasingly demanding market."

Niber Technologies, which used to be known as Nibertex, was founded in 2019 and makes use of its proprietary electrospinning process to produce 100 percent PFAS-free nanofibers for various applications, starting with textiles. The ultra-soft, silent, stretchable materials are engineered to disappear into textile, making them ideal for performance apparel, healthcare, industrial use, and other consumer applications.

In August last year, the deep tech startup scored $7 million in funding to close out its Series A funding round as it aims to scale up production and ramp up development of alternative breathable textiles, according to Manila-based backer and venture capital firm Foxmont Capital Partners.

The funding round saw investors from the Asian Development Bank, Faircrest Holding, Singapore-based venture capital firm TNB Aura, and Foxmont Capital.

Leading global financial services provider Revolut has tapped former GoTyme chief Albert Tinio as its CEO-designate of Philippine operations, effective February this year.

The fintech leader made the update on his official LinkedIn profile and has been reposting different updates about Revolut, which has quietly built a $75 billion financial empire.

Tinio previously served as President and CEO of leading mobile wallet GCash and Co-CEO of GoTyme for four years. All in all, he has 25 years in the financial technology industry under his belt, with both e-wallet players growing massively in scale under his tenure.

All-in-one finance app Revolut, which is based in London, launched a global tech hub in Manila, its second in Asia after India.

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