We are on a mission to expand supply & demand for macroalgae-based solutions

Monique has been working in the algae sector for 15 years. After a PhD in wastewater treatment bioprocessing, Monique started working on microalgae biomass for environmental applications in France and Japan (bioenergy, bioremediation) before shifting to R&D project management and coordination for algae based projects at a French national and European level (IDEALG, GENIALG, SPIRALG, EU4Algae). Jointly, Monique has been involved in the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA) for the last 4 years. 

Monique lives on the wild North West Coast of France and enjoys life by the ocean with her family, of which 3 energetic little girls and a robust dog.

Phycologist by training, Dr. Simona Augyte received her PhD from the University of Connecticut where she domesticated a new kelp species for aquaculture. She holds a MSc and BS from Cal Poly Humboldt where she researched marine conservation and biodiversity. Bridging the academic and industry sectors, Simona has overseen R&D projects focused on climate change mitigation, as well as renewable energy and aquaculture development. She has technical expertise in macroalgal breeding, cultivation, genetics, and market development in both cold temperate and tropical coastal regions. In her free time, Simona enjoys practicing hula, hiking with her dogs, playing in the ocean, and spending time with family.

I am a French phycologist working on the metabolomic composition and the ecophysiology of seaweed. More particularly, I am focusing on the optimisation of the macroalgal biomass in a valorisation perspective. I pay particular attention to the preservation of macroalgal biomass, using sustainable and environmentally-friendly extraction protocols, and taking into consideration the potential impacts of global change. Before to join Marine Biologics, I did a master’s degree in Biotechnological valorisation of marine resources at the University of Western Brittany (France), followed by a PhD intitled « Ecological and metabolomic responses to environmental constraints of brown and red macroalgae from the intertidal zone” at the Laboratory of Environmental Sciences (LEMAR, Brest, France). I also worked at the University of Galway (Ireland) for 3 years, where I carried out cultivation experiments to assess the seasonal effects of increasing temperature on the composition and the productivity of Irish macroalgae, in the context of a macroalgal biorefinery project.

I am a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record building technology companies. I’ve scaled two successful businesses from 3 employees to over 300. Most recently, I helped to form and launch Ripple Inc, one of the largest blockchain companies globally. Prior to Ripple, I was the first employee at Jumio, Inc., an Andreessen Horowitz-backed business, selling online identity software solutions. My core business expertise centers around sales, partnerships, acquisitions, operations, and fundraising. I’ve raised over $100M in early stage financing from some of the highest performing VC funds in Silicon Valley.  After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I started my career at a technology and media investment fund before working in the business development group at Universal Music Group, where I co-designed the first streaming media deals.  My next career chapter is dedicated to alleviating the impact of climate change through the proliferation of biomass in global supply chains.

Outside of work, I am probably first and foremost a fanatical surfer, frothing for waves at all times. Otherwise you can find me on two wheels, usually on a road bike.

Ke is an MBA graduate from the INSEAD & Wharton program, boasting six years of professional tenure at ADM, a titan in the global Agri-Food landscape. With a Master's degree in Accounting and dual bases in the US and China, Ke spearheads critical functions such as M&A, JV partnerships, and strategic investments within the ingredients sector.

I have 20 years of experience executing go-to-market initiatives and strategies in ingredient biotech start-ups (Solazyme, Evolva, Sweegen) and established corporations (Cargill). During my career I have launched a wide variety of new-to-the-world products and technologies in oils, nutraceuticals, sweeteners, flavors, fragrances, personal care and protection. My commercial expertise spans marketing, sales, product management; partnerships between start-up ventures and large companies; sustainability, carbon footprint and life cycle assessment; and execution of government funded development projects. I received my MBA from Harvard Business School and BA from University of Virginia.

I live near San Francisco where I love to spend time outdoors and with my family.

With over 20 years of experience in food R&D and hospitality, Anisha is inspired to bridge the gap between human emotion and emerging food technology through innovative product design. She dreams big by systems thinking to catalyze change. She ispassionate about the intersection of entrepreneurship, prototype development, and immersive sensory experience to transform the way we eat. Reach out to build together!