RHEON LABS
RHEON Labs is a London-based materials technology company that licenses its patented strain-rate sensitive super-polymer to 30+ global brands for integration into protective equipment, performance activewear, helmets, PPE, and anti-vibration sports and industrial products.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What RHEON LABS does
RHEON Labs is a London-based materials technology company that has developed RHEON™, a patented strain-rate sensitive super-polymer originally conceived through a NASA-affiliated project and refined over 15+ years at Imperial College London. The material behaves as a soft, flexible polymer during normal use but instantly stiffens and dissipates energy when subjected to impact, vibration, or tension, delivering properties conventional foams, gels, and padding cannot match. The technology is engineered into patented geometric structures using proprietary computational design techniques, turning the polymer into a metamaterial platform spanning three energy-control modalities: impact control (RHEON Armour and Headgear), tension/movement control (RHEON Activewear and Bra Toolkit), and vibration control (RHEON Anti-Vibration). A fourth channel, RHEON 3D Printing Pellets, extends the platform to additive manufacturing applications.
RHEON LABS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RHEON LABS
- Legal name
- RHEON LABS LTD
- Website
- https://rheonlabs.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RHEON Labs is a London-based materials technology company that licenses its patented strain-rate sensitive super-polymer to 30+ global brands for integration into protective equipment, performance activewear, helmets, PPE, and anti-vibration sports and industrial products.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RHEON LABS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Advanced Polymer Materials
- NAICS
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA) & Digital Robotics (HDAAAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Conferences, Workshops & Industry Events (AM Knowledge Sharing) (IMAAAJAL)
Keywords
Where RHEON LABS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
RHEON LABS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing and Royalties: RHEON Labs licenses its proprietary strain-rate sensitive polymer technology to brand partners who integrate it into their products. Partners include Adidas, Decathlon, Milwaukee Tool, Ruroc, Rapha, DHaRCO, Macron, and 30+ global brands. Revenue is generated through licensing agreements with royalties tied to product sales.
- 3D Printing Material Sales: Sale of RHEON 3D printing pellets - the first thermoplastic strain-rate sensitive material designed specifically for additive manufacturing, sold to manufacturers and designers for custom energy control applications.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
RHEON LABS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RHEON Labs develops and licenses RHEON™, a patented dynamic, strain-rate sensitive super-polymer that remains soft and flexible during normal use but instantly stiffens and dissipates energy when force is applied. The technology is delivered through seven platform categories (Armour, Headgear, Activewear, Bra Toolkit, PPE, Anti-Vibration, and 3D Printing Pellets) that brand partners license and integrate into protective equipment, performance apparel, sports gear, and industrial applications.
Product overview
RHEON Labs is a materials technology company offering RHEON™, a patented dynamic strain-rate sensitive super-polymer developed over 15 years at Imperial College London. The core technology platform spans three methods of energy control: impact control (soft and flexible in normal use but dynamically stiffens on impact), vibration control (Constrained-Layer Damping for real-time vibration management), and tension/movement control (dynamic support that adapts to body movement). The product portfolio includes RHEON Armour (CE-certified motorcycle and mountain bike body protection in Level 1 and Level 2), RHEON Headgear (multi-impact helmet technology for moto, snow, cycling, and team sports), RHEON Activewear (muscle and soft tissue control film for performance apparel), RHEON Bra Toolkit (dynamic support for sports and everyday bras), RHEON PPE (occupational safety equipment), RHEON Anti-Vibration (damping technology for rackets, golf, cycling, and industrial applications), and RHEON 3D Printing Pellets (thermoplastic strain-rate sensitive material for additive manufacturing). The company partners with 30+ global brands including adidas (Adizero Control, Techfit Control Bra), Decathlon/Kiprun (running tights), Soar (running shorts), Altra (trail shorts), Macron (padel rackets), DHaRCO (MTB protection), Rapha (trail knee pads), Ruroc (snow and moto helmets), Ventete (cycling helmets), and Milwaukee Tool (safety helmets and knee pads).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- RHEON Armour: CE-certified motorcycle and mountain bike armour inserts—lightweight, breathable, and flexible, providing Level 1 and Level 2 impact protection.
- RHEON Headgear
- RHEON Activewear
- RHEON Bra Toolkit
- RHEON PPE
- RHEON Anti-Vibration
- RHEON 3D Printing
Products and services
- RHEON Armour CE-certified motorcycle and mountain bike armour inserts that are lightweight, breathable, and flexible during use, providing Level 1 and Level 2 impact protection through dynamic stiffening on impact.
- RHEON Headgear Multi-impact helmet and liner technology for moto, snow, cycling, and team sports that delivers both linear and rotational impact protection through patented geometric structures while preserving breathability and airflow.
Quantifiable outcome
- 55% faster breast bounce stopped in dynamic bra straps
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use RHEON LABS
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
RHEON LABS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
RHEON LABS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, adjacent, core, foundational and validation.
- StretchlineflagshipPartnership with global elastic specialist Stretchline to develop world's first dynamic bra strap combining RHEON reactive super-polymer with Stretchline's Orbiknit elastic technology. Won Performance Days Innovation Award. The technology delivers 55% faster breast bounce stop, 25% reduction in after-bounce motion, and over 105% improvement in movement absorption.
- DecathlonflagshipGlobal innovation partnership with the world's largest sporting goods retailer to integrate RHEON technology into Decathlon brands including Kiprun running and Domyos fitness products. First product was KIPRUN Run Compress 900 RHEON Muscle Support Tights launching Fall/Winter 2025. The partnership aims to make adaptive material science accessible to mass-market consumers at everyday price points.
- AltraadjacentTrail running footwear partnership with Altra on Trail Race Short collection. Soar x Altra capsule designed as cohesive racing system for endurance events.
- MacroncoreItalian sports brand partnership on 2025 Padel Racket Collection featuring RHEON anti-vibration technology. Constrained-Layer Damping with ultra-thin RHEON layers sandwiched in carbon fiber. University of Bologna testing showed 23% reduction in vibration intensity and 30% faster damping.
- Soar RunningcoreUK running brand partnership on Marathon Speed Shorts and Trail Race Shorts featuring RHEON technology. Products designed specifically for road running and trail racing, providing targeted impact absorption and reduced muscle fatigue.
- AdidasflagshipMajor partnership integrating RHEON technology into Adidas Adizero line including race shorts and sports bras. Products worn at Paris 2024 Olympics by Team GB, France, and Ethiopia. Alexander Munyao won 2024 London Marathon in adidas adizero x RHEON shorts. Emmanuel Wanyonyi set world record in same racewear.
- Milwaukee ToolcorePartnership on BOLT Safety Helmet and High Mobility Knee Pads with RHEON technology. Helmet ranked #1 by Virginia Tech Institute. Knee pads offer up to 4X longer cushion life than traditional foam. Products target occupational safety for slips, trips, and falls.
- DHaRCOcoreAustralian MTB apparel brand built entire protection range with RHEON technology including Trail Knee Pad (Level 1), Gravity Knee Pad (Level 2), DH Knee Pad, Gravity Elbow Pad, Gravity Vest, and Body Armour. Worn by world cup DH racers Amaury Pierron, Loris Vergier, and Myriam Nicole from Commencal Muc-Off team.
- RuroccoreUK helmet specialists partnership on snow helmets (RG2) and motorcycle helmets (EOX, ATLAS). RG2 features RHEON pods engineered to dynamically stiffen on impact and control both linear and rotational energy. EOX 2.0 integrates RHEON into helmet headliner for advanced impact management.
- Fly RacingcoreMotocross helmet partnership including Formula helmet with RHEON multi-impact protection technology.
- VentetecorePartnership on aH-1 collapsible commuter cycling helmet featuring RHEON liner with multiple collapsing pods designed to shear and control rotational motion. Independently assessed by Imperial College London HEAD Lab. Helmet certified to EU and UK standards.
- RaphacorePremium cycling apparel brand partnership on Trail Knee Pads. Slim sleeve design with RHEON insert pliable during pedalling and stiffening on impact. Certified to highest protection level for lightweight knee pads.
- FootsureadjacentSafety footwear partnership on boot featuring RHEON metatarsal guard. Lightweight at just 22 grams while exceeding minimum clearance requirements after impact. Game-changing advancement in workboot design combining ergonomic safety with dynamic protection.
- ChromagadjacentWhistler-based MTB component brand Shift Knee Guard with next-generation RHEON insert. Level 2 CE certified with more coverage and greater airflow in 3D-contoured form.
- MadisonadjacentUK cycling brand partnership on Flux Ultra-Light (Level 1) and DTE (Level 2) protection ranges featuring RHEON-powered knee and elbow pads.
- Imperial College Londoncore15+ year R&D partnership origin of RHEON technology. One of world's leading institutes for material science and engineering innovation. RHEON developed through project with NASA origin and continues research collaboration.
- NASAfoundationalOriginal RHEON material developed through project with NASA, establishing foundation for strain-rate sensitive polymer technology.
- University of BolognavalidationIndependent testing of Macron padel rackets demonstrated 23% reduction in vibration intensity and 30% faster damping compared to standard rackets.
- Virginia Tech InstitutevalidationIndependent testing and certification of Milwaukee Tool BOLT Safety Helmet with RHEON, ranked #1 for industry-leading impact protection across multiple impact locations.
- University of WisconsinvalidationResearch partnership testing RHEON activewear showing up to 39% reduction in muscle vibrations over zero compression shorts and 23% reduction over baseline compression shorts.
- NFLvalidationNFL Helmet Challenge partnership validating RHEON multi-impact helmet technology. Won challenge in 2019 and 2021. RHEON cells proven for 10,000+ impacts with consistent performance.
- Imperial College London HEAD LabvalidationIndependent assessment of Ventete aH-1 cycling helmet with RHEON liner, validating rotational impact protection and safety certification.
- Progressive Sports Technologies (PST)validationResearch led by Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr showing sports bras with RHEON reduce breast movement by additional 15% compared to conventional sports bra.
- University of PortsmouthvalidationResearch finding that poorly controlled breast movement can reduce stride length by up to 4cm per step, adding an extra mile over marathon distance.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
RHEON LABS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- D3O: D3O is the leading direct competitor in strain-rate sensitive, smart impact-protection materials, licensing its Rate Sensitive Polymer technology into helmets, body armour, PPE, electronics, and sports apparel. RHEON competes head-to-head for OEM licensing deals with many of the same brand partners across moto, sports, and PPE.
- Rogers Corporation (PORON XRD): Rogers Corporation's PORON XRD is a widely adopted impact-protection foam used in sports, PPE, and consumer electronics. Competes with RHEON in body armour inserts, helmet liners, and footwear applications where multi-impact absorption is required.
Broad incumbents
- Dow Chemical (DOW): Dow is a global materials science incumbent with deep R&D, polymer engineering, and manufacturing scale. It supplies advanced polymers and elastomers into sports, automotive, and industrial applications, representing a potential competitive threat or acquisition counterparty for RHEON's licensing niche.
- 3M: 3M is a diversified materials and PPE conglomerate with established smart-materials expertise and deep relationships across helmet, occupational safety, and sports apparel OEMs. Its scale and brand relationships position it as a broad incumbent competing for the same licensing partnerships RHEON pursues.
- BASF: BASF is one of the world's largest chemical companies with significant advanced polymers, performance materials, and 3D printing materials businesses. Its Ultramid and Ultrafuse lines overlap with RHEON's strain-rate polymer and 3D printing pellets ambitions.
- Covestro: Covestro is a leading polymer materials supplier with applications in coatings, adhesives, and specialty plastics. Its thermoplastic polyurethanes and elastomers serve sports, automotive, and industrial markets relevant to RHEON's anti-vibration and 3D printing expansion.
- DSM Engineering Materials (now Syensqo): Syensqo (spun out of Solvay/DSM) supplies high-performance polymers including Dyneema and Arnitel for protective equipment, sports, and automotive applications. Its specialty materials portfolio competes with RHEON for OEM slots in body armour, helmets, and activewear.
- DuPont: DuPont's Kevlar and specialty polymers are widely used in body armour, helmets, and industrial protective equipment. As a broad materials incumbent with deep OEM relationships, it represents both a competitor and a potential strategic acquirer relative to RHEON.
- Hexcel: Hexcel is a leading advanced composites supplier serving aerospace, automotive, and sports markets (including ski, cycling, and motorsport). Its carbon fiber and composite technologies overlap with RHEON's anti-vibration constrained-layer damping applications in sporting goods.
Emerging players
- Carbon (3D printing): Carbon is an additive manufacturing company developing proprietary resins and digital light synthesis for performance applications including footwear and protective equipment. Overlaps with RHEON's RHEON 3D Printing Pellets initiative in bringing high-performance, functional materials into additive manufacturing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RHEON LABS social profiles
Digital presenceRHEON LABS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
RHEON LABS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RHEON LABS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
RHEON LABS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RHEON LABS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RHEON LABS
What does RHEON LABS do?
RHEON Labs develops and licenses RHEON™, a patented dynamic, strain-rate sensitive super-polymer that remains soft and flexible during normal use but instantly stiffens and dissipates energy when force is applied. The technology is delivered through seven platform categories (Armour, Headgear, Activewear, Bra Toolkit, PPE, Anti-Vibration, and 3D Printing Pellets) that brand partners license and integrate into protective equipment, performance apparel, sports gear, and industrial applications.
Is RHEON LABS a public or private company?
RHEON LABS is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was RHEON LABS founded?
RHEON LABS was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RHEON LABS based?
RHEON LABS is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does RHEON LABS make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing and Royalties are the primary driver. The others are 3D Printing Material Sales.
Who are RHEON LABS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are D3O and Rogers Corporation (PORON XRD). Broad incumbents are Dow Chemical (DOW), 3M, BASF, Covestro, DSM Engineering Materials (now Syensqo), DuPont and Hexcel. Carbon (3D printing) is listed as an emerging player.
Does RHEON LABS have an API?
No public API is recorded for RHEON LABS.
What industry is RHEON LABS in?
RHEON LABS's product category is Advanced Polymer Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAAAIAI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) & Digital Robotics, with a secondary code of IMAAAJAL, Conferences, Workshops & Industry Events (AM Knowledge Sharing). Its NAICS code is 54171 and its SIC code is 3559.