Experience

AQUA Cultured Foods

• United States
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• CEO & Co-Founder

  • Jul 2020 - Present

  Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food tech startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. We developed novel technology that produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As an R&D company with a focus on product commercialization, Aqua occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market as well as within the fermentation industry. Our… Show more Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food tech startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. We developed novel technology that produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As an R&D company with a focus on product commercialization, Aqua occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market as well as within the fermentation industry. Our mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feeding the world’s expanding population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. • Created the first whole muscle seafood alternative created through microbial fermentation. • Principal inventor of multiple patents • Created the version 1 prototype of the world’s first seafood alternatives created via microbial fermentation • Hired high profile team members and advisors • Raised the largest pre-seed round in the alternative seafood and fermentation industries of $2.3M with total funds raised to 8M as of April 2023 • Receiving the highest ever valuation for a seed company in the fermentation space • Alongside cofounder, developed commercialization strategy including LOIs from several high-profile international corporations • Managed public facing image and maintain continual presence in the media resulting in an increased ability to: attract key hires, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships Show less



World Business Chicago

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Industry Leadership Council: Member

  • Oct 2023 - Present



Northwestern University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Guest Lecturer: McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences & Pritzker School of Law

  • Jul 2022 - Present

  Chicago, Illinois, United States McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Master of Science in Energy & Sustainability Program (MSES) • Food Tech’s place sustainable feeding a growing global population Pitzker School of Law, Master of Science in Law Program • Technology positioning in the food tech/biotechnology industry



Nucleate

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Mentor: Entrepreneur Advisor

  • Dec 2021 - Present



University of Cambridge

• United Kingdom
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Lecture Facilitator: Policy & Entrepreneurship

  • Jan 2022 - May 2022

  • Effective Altruism program • Alternative Protein program



Sulpice

• CEO & Cofounder

  • Jun 2009 - 2019

  • Developed proprietary technology for the production of a soft centered, high protein snack ◦ Created novel manufacturing process technology integrating artisan techniques with high flow through automation processes • Executed the Go-to-Market plan for new product launches achieving growth of 5,000% • Oversaw corporate rebranding and packaging redesign; resulting in 3-4x lift in sales velocity and enhancing profitability 25% • Strengthened customer business through coordination… Show more • Developed proprietary technology for the production of a soft centered, high protein snack ◦ Created novel manufacturing process technology integrating artisan techniques with high flow through automation processes • Executed the Go-to-Market plan for new product launches achieving growth of 5,000% • Oversaw corporate rebranding and packaging redesign; resulting in 3-4x lift in sales velocity and enhancing profitability 25% • Strengthened customer business through coordination with product development, finance, supply chain, production and logistics • Shaped brand strategy for new product launches through the creation of best-in-class brand positioning and storytelling while staying within appropriate brand architecture and guardrails • Managed end-to-end commercialization process to bring new products to fruition ◦ Negotiated decreases in manufacturing costs resulting in 18.5% increase in margin ◦ Identified and nurtured new packaging supplier relationship to increase packaging quality, aesthetics and photo resonance while maintaining the 10% decrease in packaging costs • Sold new customers, managed brokers and distributors, maintained and developed regional chains and independents ◦ Achieved placement in 1,500 retailers for new product line less than 12 months from launch ◦ Achieved a multi-million dollar run rate within 12 months of the rebrand of new product line Show less



BMO Capital Markets

• Canada
• Investment Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Div BMO Harris

  • 2007 - 2009

  • Uncovered strategic market entry points to capture additional assets and to create upselling and cross selling opportunities • Facilitated the purchase and sale of fixed income securities via Bloomberg, TradeWeb and over the phone with traders



AKITA Fund I

• Managing Partner

  • Sep 2005 - Feb 2007

  -Developed a trading platform utilizing technical analysis of high volatility stocks -Created Buy/Sell guardrails based on market psychology -Managed investor relationships



Morgan Stanley

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Asset Manager

  • Jan 2004 - Mar 2005

  • Obtained >$1 million assets under management within first 12 months - out selling all other first year brokers in Chicago office • Personally invited to become the third member of the highest grossing team in the Midwest region • Created customized investment portfolios managing equities, fixed income securities, managed futures, hedge funds and alternative investments