Michael Polansky, Lady Gaga’s engaged partner, has launched an intriguing startup that utilizes leftover human skin from plastic surgeries to create advanced cosmetic products.
The 42-year-old entrepreneur, who got engaged to the pop icon in 2024, discussed the innovative company, Outer Biosciences, in a recent interview. He co-founded the business in 2022 along with a few others, including Kyung-Jin Jang, Chris Hinojosa, and Stanley King.
Outer Biosciences collects “full-thickness” skin from surgical procedures and keeps the skin alive for about a month to investigate how different substances and mechanisms impact skin health. The startup has successfully secured $23 million in funding from notable venture firms in Silicon Valley.
This unique approach allows for the examination of the effects of certain chemicals that typical human or animal tests might not reveal, which could help pharmaceutical and beauty companies pinpoint effective ingredients.
Interestingly, Lady Gaga is on the board of directors for the company. Polansky took a moment to express admiration for her business skills and their collaborative efforts.
Gaga, now 40, launched her skincare-infused makeup line, Haus Labs, in 2019, and it appears to be doing quite well.
Polansky noted in the interview that many people don’t fully appreciate Gaga’s talent as a businesswoman. He mentioned helping manage her large-scale world tour that began in July 2025, drawing a parallel to running a large startup on the move.
The couple became engaged during a hiking trip in April 2024, and they are thought to live together in a serene area of Marin County, just outside San Francisco.
Reflecting on their engagement, Gaga said Polansky asked her if it was okay to propose before doing so. She enthusiastically responded, “Yes! It’s so OK!” during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show.
While they haven’t shared many wedding details, Gaga hinted in March during an appearance on an iHeartRadio livestream with Bruno Mars that they plan to tie the knot “soon.”
