Mark joined our Executive Team in April 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience in scaling up chemical businesses to complement Cara’s research expertise and Bianca’s venture-building skills. Mark has 35+ years’ experience leading public and private companies in the specialty chemical sector. Prior to joining us, he managed a €130M company that manufactures active ingredients for generic pharmaceuticals, overseeing 850 employees across sites in North America and Europe. Mark’s leadership scaling up businesses are invaluable as we expand our global footprint.

As a co-inventor of the technology licensed by us, Cara leads our research and development efforts. She holds a BSc in Biotechnology (Victoria University) and a PhD in Molecular Biology (Monash University) and has 14+ years’ experience in crop sciences. Her cutting-edge work in source-sink relationships, drought tolerance, and yield improvement is highlighted through publications in high-impact journals (Nature, Plant Physiology). With her knowledge of plant biology and practical experience with translational research, Cara guides our in-house team and external contractors to achieve groundbreaking results.

Bianca drives the growth of our business through strategic partnerships with go-to-market channels. With 18+ years’ professional experience, she excels in securing funding for open innovation projects and new ventures across both industry and academia. Her educational background includes a degree in Biological Sciences (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul), an MSc in Environmental Management for Business (Cranfield University), and an MBA in Agribusiness (University of São Paulo). With this blend of expertise and experience she forges impactful collaborations to drive our commercialization efforts forward.

Andrew is a distinguished leader in venture capital, currently serving as the Head of Seed Investments at Future Planet Capital and as Fund Principal for the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund. This fund is dedicated to nurturing spin-outs from premier UK academic institutions. Andrew’s career began in research, business development, and leadership roles within the industry before transitioning into venture capital in 2002. His experience advising science- and technology-based ventures is invaluable to us.

Paul is the Founder and Managing Director of Regenerate Ventures, a fund focused on supporting very early-stage agri-tech ventures. Paul’s career began as an Officer in the Army, transitioned to a role at Goldman Sachs, and later led him to co-found three venture capital funds. In addition to his role at Regenerate Ventures, Paul is actively involved in managing his family’s 4,000-acre arable farm in Suffolk, UK. His first-hand experience and commitment to agricultural practice is invaluable in his advisory role with us.

Rob is the Director of Innovation and Commercialisation at Rothamsted Research, where he oversees the institute’s tech transfer activities and its involvement in SHAKE Climate Change, a seed fund for start-ups. Rob is a qualified accountant with extensive experience across business banking (Rothschild) and equity investment (CVC Capital Partners). His strong foundation in finance and contacts into the innovation ecosystem are invaluable in his advisory role with us.

Rob is a seasoned organic chemist with 10+ years’ experience in designing and developing synthesis routes for innovative active ingredients. His work in start-up environments has provided him with a practical understanding of chemical synthesis complexities and a talent for translating theoretical concepts into application. Rob’s contributions are integral to our mission of advancing the efficacy of crop biostimulants available to farmers. He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry (University of Warwick) and an MSc in Chemistry (University of Reading).

Maria has 16+ years’ experience in applying genetic, molecular, cellular, and physiological techniques to advance crop sciences. Her research has significantly contributed to the scientific understanding of cereal nitrogen use efficiency and grain quality. Maria holds an MSc in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering and a PhD in Plant Biotechnology and Cereal Chemistry (Budapest University of Technology and Economics). Her comprehensive set of research skills are crucial in advancing our pipeline of ideas from initial scoping studies to proof-of-concept and prototype evaluations.

Anthony is a highly skilled organic chemist with 7+ years’ experience in process chemistry within contract research organizations. His expertise is crucial for scaling up the synthesis routes for our active ingredients, ensuring both efficiency and quality in production. Anthony holds an MA in Chemistry and a BSc in Natural Sciences (Physical) (University of Cambridge). His solid educational foundation and hands-on industry experience make him an essential contributor to our efforts in pushing the boundaries of chemical innovation.