GOA Ventures

GOA Ventures is a young company focused on developing breakthrough technology for the valorization of macroalgae (seaweed). Their mission is to upscale seaweed to create a positive environmental impact by providing new functional proteins and alternative energy sources, aiming to be the leading scalable solution for sustainable seaweed valorization. GOA Ventures is committed to enhancing the social, environmental, and economic potential of the seaweed community, believing that seaweed is crucial for a sustainable future. They strive to replace polluting industries, support coastal communities, and protect the earth and oceans, inspiring change and recognizing the vast untapped potential of this resource. The company emphasizes collaboration and education, empowering local communities and partners within the seaweed sector while sharing expertise to promote understanding of seaweed's benefits. GOA Ventures aims to establish processing facilities in areas where seaweed is abundant, reducing logistics and ensuring access to high-quality biomass, thus fostering local prosperity. The leadership team includes the CEO, a former brain cancer researcher with a strong background in commercial biotech, who is passionate about ecology and sustainability. The Head of North American Operations has experience with governments and international organizations, holding a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and training in Sustainability Leadership from Harvard. Additionally, the biotech laboratory is led by a cum laude graduate with a master's in Molecular Life Sciences, who focuses on characterizing seaweed components and optimizing biorefinery technology. Other key team members include a scale-up expert with extensive experience in manufacturing and R&D, a biotechnologist and technician dedicated to advancing nature-based solutions, and an MSc Biotechnology student working on optimizing processing methods for seaweed compounds. Pierre Erwes, an oceanographer with vast experience in marine bioresources, supports the company through his network in the blue economy, while Wim Hilbrands provides strategic guidance from his roles in the biotech and nutrition industries. GOA Ventures BV was registered in December 2016 in the Netherlands and operates as a venture capital-backed company, with long-term investment support from Paris-based Seventure Partners.