BENDER was founded with a simple yet bold mission: to redefine what’s possible with agricultural waste while delivering high-performance cooling solutions. At the heart of this vision is Lauren LoBue, a serial entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, who is dedicated to solving modern challenges with thoughtful, impactful solutions.
About Us
Our Founder
Lauren LoBue is a visionary leader with a passion for clean energy and sustainable innovation. With a background in marketing, data analytics, and entrepreneurship, Lauren has a track record of transforming ideas into impactful businesses. Her commitment to creating eco-friendly solutions and her ability to build strong, collaborative teams have been the driving forces behind BENDER’s success.
Under Lauren’s leadership, BENDER has grown from an idea into a pioneering brand that turns agricultural waste into valuable, sustainable products. Her work has been recognized by industry leaders, and she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the clean energy and sustainability sectors.
About Us
Elan Colello
Elan Colello is a scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing sustainable biomaterials and biotechnology solutions. At Bender, he applies his expertise in stem cells, microorganisms, and mycelium to develop innovative, eco-friendly sustainable materials. With extensive experience in cell food design and development, Elan has worked in cleanroom environments and collaborated with Los Alamos National Laboratory on fungi mutagenesis and genome mapping.
His work is driven by a commitment to harnessing biology to address global sustainability challenges.
Our Mission
At BENDER, we believe in:
Transforming Waste into Value
By repurposing agricultural waste, we’re building a circular economy that benefits people and the planet.
Delivering High-Performance Solutions
Our cooling pads are designed to outperform traditional options while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact
Empowering
Communities
From creating new revenue streams for farmers to providing sustainable solutions for consumers, we’re dedicated to making a positive, lasting impact.
A Network of Innovation
BENDER’s success is built on the support and expertise of an incredible network of partners and advisors:
BENDER is more than a product—it’s a movement. We’re committed to growing our partnerships, expanding our impact, and continuing to innovate for a better, cooler world.
Join us as we pave the way for a sustainable future—one product, one community, and one planet at a time.