Matthew is the Founder and CEO of Macro Oceans, a startup transforming seaweed into low-carbon chemicals for use in materials, cosmetics, food, and many other applications. Matthew is an experienced technology entrepreneur, having built and sold his first company, Yield Pop, to The Climate Corporation. He has more than a decade of experience in terrestrial agriculture and was the first business hire at Inari, a gene-editing technology company, where he helped raise over $100M in venture capital funding.
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[2:20] Matthew's ambitions and motivations at the outset of his career.
[3:55] Early career in terrestrial agriculture: Syngenta, Yield Pop, The Climate Corporation, Inari.
[7:30] Lessons in bringing technology to terrestrial agriculture.
[9:50] Main differences and similarities between land farming and ocean farming.
[13:25] Learning from other industries to innovate and solve problems in seaweed.
[14:44] The genesis of Macro Oceans and the consideration in starting the company.
[20:50] Macro Oceans business model and role in the industry.
[25:15] Product strategy, the importance of profitability and optimising unit economics.
[27:45] The role of technology in addressing some of the industry's pain point.
[32:00] The cosmetic industry as an interesting application for seaweed.
[34:00] Possible opportunities and challenges in developing nutraceuticals.
[35:10] The supply chain in the cosmetic industry, the importance of brands and storytelling.
[38:30] The trend of brands trying to simplify and “clean up” their labels.
[40:20] Adopting solutions from terrestrial agriculture that are missing in seaweed.
[43:15] Final thoughts
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Useful Links:
Matthew Perkins: LinkedIn
Macro Oceans: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Newsletter and email at [email protected]
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Get in touch on LinkedIn, Twitter, or by emailing me directly at [email protected] – Please send in your feedback: what do you want to hear more or less of? any suggestions? Would love to hear what you think!
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Seagriculture EU: 18 – 20 June 2024, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Embark on a journey that is truly one of a kind! Seagriculture EU 2024 is not just a conference, it is a unique experience – a limited edition. Join the exclusive site visit to Ocean Rainforest: It will be a full-day trip to explore their facilities, experience a scenic drive on the Faroe Islands and gain insights from captivating presentations.
Register until 1 December with Late Bird rates at www.seagriculture.eu
Seagriculture USA: 11 – 12 September 2024, Ketchikan, Alaska
Alaska's suitability for seaweed cultivation lies in its clean, cold, and nutrient-rich coastal waters, along with long daylight hours during the summer, making it an ideal environment for seaweed growth. On top of that Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world.
Register until 31 December with Early Bird rates at www.seagriculture-usa.com
About Seagriculture Conference: Seaweed cultivation in Europe and the US is showing promise in terms of growth, however challenges in regulations, cost, and market viability could affect the pace of this growth in the future. The Seagriculture conferences focus on addressing those challenges in the seaweed industry, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and emphasizing the importance of sustainable ractices, innovation, research, and regulatory adaptability for long-term success.