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
Keeping It Fresh: Extending Fresh Produce Shelf Life with Moody Soliman, CEO of Ryp Labs
Jul 2, 202400:44:33Tap to summarizeHow can we tackle the urgent challenge of global food waste, where every minute, we waste enough food to feed over one million people. Tune in to this episode of Leaders on a Mission with Moody Soliman, CEO of Ryp Labs for an inspiring conversation on innovation and sustainability in the fight against food waste.Moody explains how Ryp Labs is addressing this colossal issue with a simple yet powerful solution: a natural, food-grade bioactive sticker. This sticker can be applied anywhere along the supply chain, extending the shelf life of fresh produce without interfering with its natural ripening process. Whether it's blueberries or strawberries, Ryp Labs' technology ensures that one sticker can protect an entire container of fruit, making it a versatile and scalable solution.Moody also shares insights on the importance of choosing the right investors and exploring diverse funding sources to maintain leverage and freedom in their mission.#FoodWaste# Innovation #Sustainability #Leadership #PodcastInterviewTimestamps:01:49 Introduction to Moody Solomon, CEO of Ripe Labs06:40 Reducing waste with a new technology11:31 Key milestones and challenges so far15:08 Belgium facilities and communication challenges18:43 Developing new technology with the right people and mindset23:05 How does this new technology work?26:03 The efficiency and advantages of this new technology30:45 The vision of the company33:39 Who are the customers of this technology?35:50 Fundraising strategies - timing and investor selection42:01 Building a culture of passion and drive
Transcribe →Zeroing In: Superbrewed Foods Path from CO2 Emissions to Protein Pioneers with CEO Bryan Tracy
Jun 25, 202400:37:51Tap to summarizeHave you ever imagined that bacteria could revolutionize the protein in your next burger? This may soon be a reality thanks to one pioneering start-up.In this episode, meet Bryan Tracy – the CEO of Superbrewed Food and an entrepreneur developing the world's first commercial bacterial food ingredient. Through fermentation, his company cultivates microbes into a protein-packed biomass. Through fermentation, Brian cultivates microbes into an 85% protein-rich biomass. But the journey from lab to grocery stores has not been easyHear how Brian overcame regulatory hurdles to gain FDA approval for this unprecedented ingredient. Discover the challenges of partnering with big food brands and finicky investors.Now, Bryan is partnering with leading food companies to incorporate his microbial macronutrient into everyday products. Soon, you might find it enhancing your snacks, beverages, and meat alternatives.Tune in to discover how one entrepreneur is on a mission to turn microbes into a mainstream nutrition source. Explore Bryan's ambitious vision to produce this sustainable protein on a global, industrial scale. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on Leaders on a Mission.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:24 Bryan’s professional journey05:39 Making a microorganism a valuable product09:12 Selling bacteria biomass as a nutritional food ingredient11:05 Superbrewed Food and its vision14:51 The challenge of developing a market for a product18:01 Postbiotic cultured protein as macronutrient ingredient21:06 How can postbiotic cultured protein be used?22:42 Partnerships to bring the product to the market26:51 Challenges in partnering with big corporations and investors30:52 Innovation and growth in the food industry35:28 Plans for the next 10 years
Transcribe →Cementing a Greener Future: Carbon Upcycling's Vision for Low-Carbon Industry with CEO Apoorv Sinha
Jun 18, 202400:38:34Tap to summarizeThe cement industry is responsible for a staggering 8% of global CO2 emissions, heavily relying on coal furnaces for production. Most see this as a daunting problem, but Carbon Upcycling views it as a groundbreaking opportunity. This innovative climate startup is turning emissions into the raw materials of the future.In this episode, we sit down with Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling, to delve into the urgent issues his company is tackling. Learn how Apoorv transitioned from an engineering graduate to a pioneering leader in the fight against cement's substantial carbon footprint. Discover their groundbreaking process of capturing CO2 from smokestacks and transforming it into eco-friendly building materials.Explore how Carbon Upcycling is scaling its carbon capture technology from the laboratory to commercial plants, and how they're now setting their sights on revolutionizing the entire cement industry through electrification.Tune in to understand their vision of converting emissions from a liability into a sustainable asset. If Carbon Upcycling succeeds, it could pave the way for heavy industries to operate in a low-carbon world, showcasing a transformative approach to tackling climate change. Timestamps:01:03 Introduction to Apoorv Sinha01:48 Aproov Sinha’s background03:07 Motivation to work in sustainability05:00 Entrepreneurship and Carbon Upcycling09:08 Technology that sequesters industrial CO213:17 Carbon Upcycle’s key goals and milestones16:32 Scaling up carbon capture technology21:16 Decarbonizing cement industry25:10 The performance of carbon upcycled materials30:07 Challenges in scaling carbon utilization projects35:17 Company’s vision and culture38:50 An advice to a climate tech start-up CEO
Transcribe →Ending the PFAS Contamination Crisis & Improving Global Water Quality with Nigel Sharp CEO - Aquagga
Jun 11, 202400:38:31Tap to summarizeNigel Sharp, a serial entrepreneur with a social conscience created Aquagga to solve a great contamination issue. PFAS ( (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are highly toxic man-made “forever” chemicals that have migrated into the air, soil, and water. Today, nearly all Americans have PFAS in their blood, with over 200 million people potentially drinking PFAS-impacted water Nigel’s small team is battling PFAS - "forever chemicals" contaminating communities everywhere. Tune in to hear how their pressure-cooker technology is destroying PFAS at an industrial scale, completing the largest treatment project to date. From early milestones to partnerships with the EPA and DOD, discover Aquagga's story of innovation against all odds. Uncover how they're scaling up to remediate pollution and protect billions from this trillion-dollar contamination crisis. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:34 Nigel’s career development03:21 A trip to Armenia and TUMO project06:00 Building businesses to make an impact07:26 The beginnings of Aquagga10:50 PFAs chemicals, their dangers, and global impact16:48 Legal actions against corporations18:54 Developing technology that destroys PFAS23:31 Scaling as a company – key milestones29:00 The biggest challenges as a CEO33:36 The most liked and disliked parts of being CEO36:47 The impact in the next 10 years
Transcribe →Brewing Up the Future of Food with David Henstrom, the CEO of Unibio
May 28, 202400:36:54Tap to summarizeThrough a pioneering process of microbial fermentation, David Henstrom and Unibio are harnessing the power of nature's alchemists - microbes - to produce protein. No land needed, their breakthrough technology utilizes methane in a novel "gas-liquid brewing" approach. But scaling challenges loom large. Hear how David overcame the valley of death after 27 years as a biotech intrapreneur. Discover his journey of commercializing this planet-friendly nutrition source through global partnerships. Learn how Unibio plans to transform the future of food production through its boundless microbial protein. Tune in now! Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:19 The main forces that shaped David04:08 David’s career path and 27 years in Cargill10:32 Unibio and finding the boundless source of protein13:40 The challenges and future goals of the company16:13 The importance of aquaculture18:44 The process of fermentation and growing of protein20:05 The journey from Cargill to Unibio25:59 The future of precision fermentation technology28:11 Cultural aspects of working in a Danish company30:08 A mission-driven company requires passion31:56 How to create a great company culture
Transcribe →Boosting GLP-1: Supergut's Approach to Appetite Control and Weight Management, with CEO and Founder, Marc Washington
May 14, 202400:38:45Tap to summarizeMarc Washington, a health entrepreneur, was inspired by his sister's tragic passing to help others live healthier. Now, his startup Supergut is riding the wave of interest in appetite control to promote natural solutions.You'll discover how Supergut has evolved its vision from gut health to leveraging the "Ozempic conversation". Learn how the founder reinvented operations to break even after a difficult period. Find out their plans to raise capital and expand distribution nationwide.Gain insights into iterating a company's focus and products for increased accessibility. Get a behind-the-scenes look at iterating, fundraising, and honoring a legacy at this health startup striving to transform lives.Tune in now!Timestamps:04:27 Marc Washington’s story11:02 Entrepreneurship, experience, and resilience14:20 Starting a company and rebranding it19:26 Decision-making as an entrepreneur24:21 SuperGut and its prebiotic products26:39 GLP-1 hunger resisting, insulin response hormone31:47 Where to buy?33:28 Company’s vision and aspirations37:16 Scaling and growth of the company41:44 Building a team and creating a company culture
Transcribe →Transforming Food Systems: Innovation for a Sustainable Future with Scott May, Head of MISTA
May 7, 202400:36:17Tap to summarizeOur guest today is Scott May, the Head of MISTA, a unique innovation platform bringing food companies and the startup ecosystem together. Scott has seen the challenges in our food system up close and is on a mission to transform how we eat and farm. After discovering his passion for food science, he has dedicated his career to innovating sustainable solutions as a food tech pioneer.Hear Scott's inspiring journey - from his early days in university to founding innovation hub MISTA. Discover the model he's developed to help startups and big companies collaborate on tackling issues like health, environment, and affordability.You will learn:Scott's journey from chemical engineering to founding MISTA and his mission to transform our food system through science and sustainability.How MISTA helps startups commercialize new technologies by connecting them with big companies and spinning off new ventures.Practical tips for food entrepreneurs on navigating industry challenges with resilience and self-care.Don't miss Scott's predictions on what's ahead in 2024 either. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of food.Timestamps:04:21 Introduction to Scott May05:35 What fuels Scott’s passion?07:00 Working for Givaudan, a global leader in flavors and fragrancies09:07 The launch of MISTA, an innovation platform for the food industry13:31 What’s wrong with our food system?15:47 Plant-based food innovation and evolution21:31 Attracting consumers and engaging with younger generations24:17 Regenerative Innovation in MISTA29:53 The strategic membership model of MISTA32:26 Spinning off new brands outside the corporate structure35:02 Communicating with the market37:24 The advice to startups for 202440:56 Mental health and burnout44:51 Predictions for 2024
Transcribe →Developing Novel Biomolecules to Replace Toxic Petrochemicals with Mitchell Duffy, CEO & Co-founder of Cambrium
Apr 30, 202400:39:26Tap to summarizeCambrium CEO Mitchell Duffy is on a mission to reduce our dependence on petrochemicals and animal-derived products through the power of biology. In this episode, Mitchell discusses his journey from PhD researcher to entrepreneur, and his vision to create sustainable innovation by creating biobased high performance molecules Learn how Cambrium produces sustainable vegan collagen at scale to replace animal byproducts. Also, discover their plans to design revolutionary new biomaterials that outperform existing chemicals.For anyone interested in the potential of biotech and synthetic biology to solve our biggest environmental problems, this interview provides an inspiring look inside one startup's work to create a truly circular economy through the most advanced manufacturing process on Earth - biology.Timestamps:09:16 Introduction to Mitchell Duffy and Cambrium10:23 Mitchell’s major influences13:04 Career path in science and entrepreneurship16:28 Cambrium and the problems it wants to solve18:31 Reducing waste material in the meat industry20:50 PhD work on collagen and production of vegan collagen29:03 Investors and growth of a company31:12 The mission, vision, and scaling39:22 Company culture and team integration42:09 Startup ecosystem in Europe44:37 Communication and the reality of remote work49:45 The benefits of mentors and advisors51:15 Mitchell’s wildest hopes and dreams
Transcribe →Navigating the Path of Innovation: Insights from Johan Cardoen on a Career in Ag Biotech
Apr 23, 202400:34:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we have an interesting conversation with Johan Cardoen, a Biotech executive who started his career in 1988, with Plant Genetic Systems which was the first biotech company in Belgium. Since then, he played a very important role in the growth and the evolution of the Belgium biotech ecosystem.Johan Cardoen shares how he grew Crop Design into an acquisition target through strategic deal-making. Tune in to hear how he led a young startup through an acquisition process in just 10 weeks after creating multiple exit options. Get insider tips for navigating challenges in sustainable agriculture commercialization.Learn how regulatory hurdles stifle innovation and what it takes to succeed as an ag-tech entrepreneur. Discover the untapped potential of biologicals and new breeding technologies to build a resilient food system.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:31 Highlights of Johan Cardoen’s career06:41 Creating options for a company's exit strategy11:46 VIB's role in developing Belgium's life science ecosystem18:51 Agriculture vs. Non-agriculture in VIB22:38 The greatest need for agriculture innovation25:53 The challenges of innovative start-ups28:57 Regulatory challenges and European debates31:59 A message for start-up companies
Transcribe →Revolutionizing Carbon Removal with Carbo Culture Co-founder & CEO Henrietta Moon
Apr 16, 202400:30:45Tap to summarizeToday, I sit down with the one and only Henrietta Moon, CEO and Co-founder of Carbo Culture, a climate technology company pioneering for scalable biochar carbon removal solution.Henrietta’s passion for the environment was ignited during her time as a scout and sailing trips, witnessing the deterioration of natural environments. Originally on track for international relations, she found herself drawn to entrepreneurship, co-founding Carbo Culture after participating in NASA's Singularity University program.With a team of passionate individuals, Carbo Culture fosters a culture of trust, independence, and innovation. Having recently closed a Series A round of funding, the company prepares for expansion while staying true to its mission of making a tangible impact on climate change. Henrietta’s dream? To witness Carbo Culture’s pivotal role in reshaping the carbon management landscape.Let’s build the future we want to live in. Tune in for the full conversation!What you’ll get out of this episode:● Learn how biochar technology offers a powerful solution for carbon removal, contributing to global climate efforts.● Henrietta's journey from a background in international relations to becoming a leader in climate technology entrepreneurship.● Explore Carbo Culture's mission to achieve gigaton-scale carbon removal and revolutionize the carbon management landscape.● Gain insights into the innovative technology behind Carbo Culture's biochar carbon removal process and its potential impact.● Learn how biochar technology offers a powerful solution for carbon removal, contributing to global climate efforts.● Henrietta's journey from a background in international relations to becoming a leader in climate technology entrepreneurship.● Explore Carbo Culture's mission to achieve gigaton-scale carbon removal and revolutionize the carbon management landscape.● Gain insights into the innovative technology behind Carbo Culture's biochar carbon removal process and its potential impact.Learn more about Carbo Culture: Website: https://carboculture.com/LinkedIn: Carbo CultureX: @carbocultureConnect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: Henrietta MoonX: @PiaHenriettaMInstagram: piahenriettamoonFollow us for more riveting conversations like this: Simon Leich LinkedIn | Simon LeichCS Partners Website | www.cs-partners.netApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.00:00 - Introduction02:01 - Henrietta's background and influences leading to her role in Carbo Culture04:48 - Early days of the startup ecosystem in Finland05:52 - Meeting the co-founder and the inception of Carbo Culture07:24 - Starting Carbo Culture in late 2016 and the journey since then09:53 - Research origins and scaling up of the technology13:10 - Carbo Culture's vision and mission for carbon removal16:28 - Funding and partnerships for deploying Carbo Culture facilities16:51 - Potential for carbon credits and marketplace development17:10 - Business model and revenue streams for Carbo Culture18:03 - Potential regulatory changes in carbon removal markets19:29 - Benefits and applications of biochar in soil improvement21:51 -&
Transcribe →