Will offshore protein production be the next big thing?

What does your startup do? 

Alex: Our mission is to provide protein isolate and other ingredients from marine macroalgae for plant-based food manufacturing. We aim to move protein production offshore, producing food ingredients that require no pesticides or fertilisers. Since no land is needed, this is also not connected to deforestation.

Where did the idea for your company come from? 

Ivri: In the plant-based space, the soya sector, for example, is huge. However, there are many people who are allergic to soya or who do not want to eat soya products. We have several friends who are allergic to soya and who were looking for alternative solutions. This gave us the idea of creating Genesea in order to introduce a new type of protein to the market.

Tell us about your team. Why are you the right people for the project? 

Alex: Ivri Goren is the former VP of Tnuva and is a veteran of the food industry. He has spent several decades in the areas of management, marketing, and mergers and acquisitions. Professor Alexander Golberg is a world-recognised scientist in the field of bioprocess development and seaweed biorefineries. He has over 100 peer-reviewed papers and has secured two patents. I, meanwhile, am an expert in industrial seaweed farming. 

What are your favourite parts about building your business?

Alex: There are many parts of this journey that we enjoy. If I had to pick just a few, I would say the connections and interactions we’re having with people along the way – and also working on a project that’s based at sea. It’s also extremely motivating and rewarding to be building a company that is contributing to the wellbeing of people and the planet.