Our client is an industrial biotechnology startup that’s developing new molecular toolkits and bioreactor hardware for microbe development. The company’s flagship microbial asset is being developed to rapidly ferment end-of-life tyres into high-value molecules and biomaterials.

In the near-term they are focused on developing precision-evolved microbes and manufacturing processes to capture end-of-life tyres as fermentation feedstocks and produce high-value molecules and biomaterials. In the longer-term they plan to horizontal scale-out of the core tech stack to build the world’s first evolutionary biofoundry: out-licensing precision-evolved microbial chassis into all biomanufacturing sectors. Their ambition is to scale into a vital technological foundation of a global circular biomanufacturing transition.

They now seek a Board Chair with proven experience in scaling microbial biomanufacturing processes out of the lab and into pilot-scale manufacturing and beyond, as well as a commercial track record of closing in- and out- licensing agreements, particularly focused on licensing of biological assets. Additionally, the candidate requires recent experience of raising private investment and scaling innovative teams and company culture. A network across US venture capital firms would be especially advantageous.

The team is currently pursuing seed investment and has two ongoing commercial partnerships with biomanufacturers in biomaterials/biochemicals sectors. The Chair will be remunerated with both cash and share options. Board meetings are quarterly, and the role is expected to require 1-2 days per month.