Team

Why do we like this team?

The founding team comprises Ben Wilding (CEO), Laura van Marrewijk (CSO), and Ben Williams (CTO). The team brings together experience in business, machine learning, genetic engineering and biotechnology. The overall profile is well-rounded and suited to complete the initial phase of experiments and sign the first pilot contracts, with great potential to scale.

It really struck us that, in six months only, the company has achieved such a mature understanding of the market positioning and the road to commercialization. The team’s understanding of the key technical validations needed to not only be competitive but overtake the competition on both the pricing and chemical level is also remarkable.

Can this team scale with the company as it grows?

Despite the team being convincing, legacy players in the food industry might be difficult to approach nonetheless. Well-capitalised food startups might represent ideal initial partners. The choice of the right company to start the first pilot is going to be key. Success will build trust and make larger players more willing to engage. Ben has the ideal profile to deliver this.

On the scientific side, Laura's expertise will be key to overcoming the main hurdles to increasing the yield and producing the right compounds. The technical team will be expanded to include precision fermentation scientists. Ben's experience in ML will massively accelerate the process. Synergies with other companies in the Unruly portfolio on the bacteria engineering side will come in handy too.