Podcast
Leaders on a Mission
Hosted by Simon Leich · EN
Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech (Agritech), Synbio, Sustainability, Climate Tech, and Clean Tech. Learn more about precision fermentation, cellular agriculture, alternative proteins, crop protection, biologicals, protein expression systems, carbon capture, plant health, precision agriculture, bioinformatics, human nutrition and what it takes to successfully scale your business in this budding sector.
150episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Turning Breakthrough Science Into Business
2d ago00:39:34Summary readyWhat does it really take to turn breakthrough science into a business that changes industries? In this episode, Giacomo Bastianelli, CEO of Rainbow Crops, shares his journey commercialising frontier science—from biotech and software startups to building climate-resilient crops using AI, genome editing, and precision breeding. He explains why people matter more than technology, how AI is transforming crop genetics through better data, and why patient capital is essential for deep-tech innovation. Giacomo also discusses Europe's evolving regulatory landscape, building high-performing teams, and the mindset required to navigate long development cycles while creating lasting impact.🎧 Tune in to discover how breakthrough science becomes scalable innovation—and why the future belongs to those willing to think long term.---🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:59 – The 3 Ps of startups09:53 – Engineering plants differently11:25 – Building Rainbow Crops17:04 – AI meets crop genetics20:20 – Europe's regulatory shift23:35 – Commercialising deep tech26:57 – Why patient capital matters35:40 – Lessons from failureUseful links: 👇Rainbow Crops Website: https://www.rainbowcrops.comRainbow Crops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainbow-crops/Giacomo Bastianelli Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomobastianelli/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
SummaryThe Missing Link in the Energy Transition
1w ago00:35:56Tap to summarizeAI isn't facing a compute problem—it's facing an infrastructure problem. Every breakthrough in artificial intelligence, electrification and clean energy depends on critical minerals, yet the real challenge is extracting them sustainably and economically.In this episode, Mohammad Doostmohammadi, Founder & CEO of PH7 Technologies, shares how his company is transforming the recovery of critical minerals through a closed-loop process that dramatically reduces water use, eliminates wastewater and unlocks value from low-grade ores and mine waste. He also discusses the realities of commercialising deep-tech, navigating the mining industry's appetite for innovation, and why building the right team—not just the right technology—is what ultimately determines success.🎧 Tune in for a fresh look at scaling deep-tech ventures where speed matters—but shortcuts don’t.---🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps00:00 – AI's infrastructure challenge02:15 – The founding insight06:30 – Unlocking mine waste11:15 – Sustainable meets commercial12:50 – Why copper matters18:05 – Rethinking mineral processing22:45 – Scaling deep-tech30:40 – It's all about team33:30 – Building a global visionUseful links: 👇ph7 Technologies website: https://ph7technologies.com/ph7 Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ph7technologies/Mohammad Doostmohammadi Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-doostmohammadi/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →From Industry Newcomer to an $80M Fundraise
Jun 3000:38:22Tap to summarizeHow do you raise millions in one of the world’s toughest deep-tech sectors when you’re still learning the industry yourself?In this episode, Susan Stone, CEO of Blue Current, shares how curiosity, relentless learning, and disciplined execution helped her lead a major fundraise within her first year in solid-state batteries. Susan explores the realities of scaling breakthrough energy technologies, navigating the “valley of torture” between innovation and commercialization, and building a culture where respectful challenge drives better decisions. From manufacturing strategy and investor alignment to AI-driven energy demand and the future of battery innovation, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading through complexity and uncertainty.Tune in for a fresh look at scaling deep-tech ventures where speed matters—but shortcuts don’t.---Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps00:00 – Entering Battery Tech04:38 – Choosing The Winner09:02 – Capital-Light Thinking12:58 – Solid-State Reality Check17:02 – Go Fast. No Shortcuts.21:22 – Batteries & National Security24:43 – AI's Energy Demand28:21 – Hiring For Challenge34:39 – Breaking Down SilosUseful links: Blue Current website: https://blue-current.com/Blue Current LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-current-inc/Susan Stone Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-stone-49bb5a/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →Infrastructure for the Ag Economy
Jun 2400:36:02Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the infrastructure feeding half the world's population becomes vulnerable to geopolitics, supply chain disruption, and outdated production models?In this episode Nico Pinkowski, CEO and co-founder of Nitricity, shares how his team is reimagining fertiliser production through distributed, renewable-powered systems built closer to farmers. Nico reflects on failed technologies, difficult pivots, and the breakthrough moments that emerged when the company was at its lowest. From strengthening food security to scaling a 70-person climate tech business, he reveals why great leaders don't avoid hard problems—they stare the bull in the eyes and find opportunity where others see obstacles.---Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:01:00 Food Security Risks03:57 Nitricity's Mission06:29 The Fertiliser Challenge08:04 When Pivots Hurt11:10 Bombing The Pitch13:00 Opportunities In The Gutter14:39 Reinventing Fertiliser20:04 Scaling The Company30:45 Stare The Bull Useful links: Nitricity website: https://www.nitricity.co/Nitrcity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nitricity/Nico Pinkowski Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspinkowski/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →When the Calling Is Too Big to Ignore
Jun 1600:37:06Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you realise incremental change is no longer enough? For Randi Wahlsten, that moment led her from a successful corporate career to founding Matr Foods, a company reimagining how sustainable food is created and consumed.In this episode, Randi shares the realities of building a new food category from scratch, transforming simple ingredients through fermentation, and scaling a business around a vision before the market existed. From raising capital and building a first-of-its-kind factory to leading through uncertainty and challenging industry norms, this conversation explores what it takes to turn purpose into progress.Tune in for an honest conversation about conviction, innovation, and building something the world doesn't yet know it needs.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps: 00:00 Building a New Category01:20 Leaving Corporate02:50 Fermentation's Opportunity05:00 Beyond Meat Alternatives06:20 How Matr Works08:45 Scaling Across Europe11:45 Fundraising Lessons16:30 Startup Reality22:50 What Investors Want25:10 Hiring for Growth27:40 Female Founder Bias34:20 Future of FoodUseful links: Matr Foods website: https://matrfoods.com/Matr Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matrfoods/Randi Wahlsten Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-wahlsten-285115/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →Accelerating Agriculture with AI
May 1900:37:25Tap to summarizeEurope imports millions of tons of soybeans every year. But what if the future of farming could change that completely?In this episode, Simon Leich sits down with Benjamin Laga, founder and CEO of Protealis, to explore how AI, genetics, and next-generation breeding could help Europe grow more of its own protein and reduce its dependence on imported soy.Benjamin shares his journey from biotech startups to global corporations like BASF, and explains why he left the corporate world to build a company focused on sustainable agriculture and food security.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why Europe depends so heavily on imported soybeansHow protein crops could reshape the future of farmingHow AI is accelerating crop breeding and genetic selectionWhy sustainable farming starts with better crop systemsThe challenge of turning scientific innovation into real-world impactThis episode is a fascinating look at the future of agriculture, food independence, and the technology changing how crops are developed.Watch now and discover how one startup is trying to transform Europe’s food system.Tune in on…Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:36 Meet Benjamin Laga01:32 From Startup Life to Big Corporations05:18 How Benjamin Started Protealis07:52 Building a Company with Purpose09:25 Starting a Business During Covid10:23 Why Europe Imports So Much Protein12:09 Soybeans & Europe’s Nitrogen Problem14:51 Using AI to Improve Crop Breeding18:16 How AI Predicts Better Crops22:44 Why Soybeans Struggle in Europe25:54 Developing High Protein Crops27:10 Growing Soybeans Across Europe28:19 Turning Research Into a Real Business30:00 Building the Right Company Culture32:12 Hiring People for Startup Life34:09 Belgium’s Growing AgTech Scene35:34 The Future Vision for PrUseful links:Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →Building Companies That Power the Future of Agriculture
Dec 200:37:49Tap to summarizeWhat if agriculture could become the world’s most powerful engine for climate and health—without sacrificing yield? In this episode, Dr. Robert Berendes, scientist, entrepreneur and longtime ag innovator, unpacks how deep tech, genome editing and AI are transforming a “low-tech” industry into a high-impact platform for planetary regeneration. He explores the shift from calories to nutrition, soil health and carbon sequestration, why new genetics will rewrite competitive dynamics in ag, and what it really takes to scale ventures from flagship labs to farmers’ fields. Along the way, Robert shares hard-won lessons on talent, regulation, capital cycles and why agriculture in 2030 will look nothing like today.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that leave every acre better.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:0:00 – Rethinking innovation in ag1:08 – Ignoring the noisy consensus3:43 – From consulting to Syngenta5:38 – Why ag is misunderstood10:09 – Reading and writing genomes12:56 – Power shift to farmers17:24 – Inside the Flagship model22:59 – Talent that drives disruption28:42 – Funding cycles and exits34:10 – Agriculture in 2030Useful links: Flagship Pioneering website: https://www.flagshippioneering.com/Flagship Pioneering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering/Robert Berendes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-berendes-39b62a67/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →Cracking the Code on Permanent Carbon Removal
Nov 1100:44:34Tap to summarizeWhat if we could remove CO₂ from the atmosphere today—and keep it gone for 1,000 years? In this episode, I’m joined by Barclay Rogers, founder and CEO of Graphyte, who is pioneering a breakthrough method called Carbon Casting that uses biomass by-products and low-energy engineering to lock away carbon at a fraction of the typical cost. We explore why many emissions cannot be abated, how durable removals differ from nature-based fixes, and what it takes to make carbon removal bankable and scalable. Remarkably, Graphyte went from founding to full-scale operation in just 18 months—proving that durable carbon removal can be delivered today, not decades from now. Listen in to discover how Graphyte is rewriting the carbon removal playbook—faster, cheaper, and at scale.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:0:00 – Opening: The 1,000-year carbon removal challenge2:10 – Barclay’s journey: From engineer & lawyer to founder5:50 – What “carbon removal” really means vs. abatement9:30 – Nature-based solutions vs engineered removals13:20 – Introducing Carbon Casting: how it works17:45 – Why biomass waste + dry storage = low-cost removal22:50 – Scaling: from pilot to modular global model27:10 – Market mechanics: credits, buyers, quality ratings31:40 – Financing and bankability: project finance in CDR35:15 – International expansion & global biomass potential39:00 – Practical advice for climate-tech founders43:00 – Closing thoughts & next stepsUseful links: Graphyte Website: https://www.graphyte.com/Graphyte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphytecarbon/Barclay Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barclayrogers/Leaders on a Mission Website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →Resetting to Win: Strategy, Speed, and Shelf Life
Oct 2800:43:21Tap to summarizeWhat if the key to transforming our food system isn’t growing more, but wasting less? In this episode, Apeel CEO Luiz Beling reveals how plant-based coatings are extending the shelf life at the source, cutting food waste, and creating value across the supply chain. Luiz opens up about resetting Apeel’s strategy for scalability, leading through misinformation, and fostering a culture that prizes progress over perfection. From pivoting toward growers and packers to mastering decision speed and rebuilding stakeholder trust, this is a masterclass in leading with clarity through complexity.🎧 Hear how leaders reset, refocus, and rebuild stronger than before.---🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 — Decision speed - perfection02:29 — Four priorities on entry05:12 — How Apeel works06:57 — Extra days, extra value13:47 — Startup vs big company17:48 — Hiring for agility22:07 — Value across supply chain29:28 — Farmer adoption reality35:24 — Fighting misinformationUseful links: Apeel website: https://apeel.comApeel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apeel/Luiz Beling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizbeling/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →How AI Is Reshaping Sustainable Chemistry
Oct 1400:38:13Tap to summarizeComputation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude.In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe’s regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 – Clean chemistry = mission02:41 – From pharma to enzymes05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years07:03 – AI + physics workflow10:55 – Why cost always wins11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind14:52 – End-to-end solution model19:31 – First hits in 3 months23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision28:42 – Bio-melanin case study35:24 – Fundraising and futureUseful links: ZYMVOL website: https://zymvol.com/ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Transcribe →