Professor Gary Loake Shares Green Bioactives' Journey To Sustainable Plant-Based Solutions
Embarking on a journey to transform the landscape of sustainable plant-based solutions, Green Bioactives Ltd (GBL) emerged from my deep-rooted commitment to addressing the challenges in sourcing natural plant products economically and sustainably. As the founder of GBL, and a professor at the University of Edinburgh, I would like to share the story of our startup's inception, our expansion, and our vision to become a global leader in plant cell culture-derived natural products.
The Inception Of Green Bioactives:
My journey with GBL began during my time at the Institute for Molecular Plant Sciences, and the Centre for Engineering Biology at the University of Edinburgh. Recognising an unmet need for a more efficient and sustainable approach to sourcing natural plant products, I founded GBL in 2019 with the intent of bringing our innovative plant cell culture technology to commercial fruition.
Funding The Launch:
With a clear vision and the potential of our technology, GBL secured £180K in funding from Innovate UK (IUK) after participating in an ICURe workshop and presenting a successful pitch at the Institute of Directors in London. Additional support from friends, family, and a business loan provided the foundation for GBL to set up shop at the Roslin Innovation Centre (RIC), a prestigious hub for Scottish Biotechnology.
Despite facing travel restrictions due to the pandemic, GBL found its footing as customers sought out our innovative solutions. A pre-seed investment raise from High Net Worth (HNW) individuals in early 2022 extended our funding runway, paving the way for a successful Seed Round investment raise of approximately £3M later that year.
Expansion And Innovation At Pentland Science Park:
Our move to the Pentland Science Park (PSP) marked a pivotal moment in GBL's journey. Located just 400 meters from the RIC within the Midlothian Science Zone, this strategic relocation allowed us to expand our research and development (R&D) capabilities. We strengthened our team with key C-suite hires and enhanced our ability to generate key patent applications, develop in-house products, and engage in collaborative ventures with multinational companies.
First In-House Product And Future Vision:
In early 2024, GBL celebrated the launch of our first-house product (GBL Memory1), a testament to the dedication and talent of our exceptional team. As the Founder and CSO of GBL, it has been both a pleasure and a privilege to witness the growth of this company. Looking ahead, our vision is clear – to become the world's leading supplier of plant cell culture-derived natural products.
A Blossoming Future:
The journey of Green Bioactives is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. From the halls of academia to the forefront of sustainable solutions, GBL's story reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact on the planet. As we continue to grow and contribute to the future of reliable and sustainable natural products, I am confident that GBL's impact will be felt globally, reshaping the landscape of sustainable practices in industries that have traditionally relied on sources from our planet.
