From PhD student to CEO Revo Foods: Robin's remarkable entrepreneurial journey since completing the Global Food Venture Programme. Saving the marine ecosystem with plant-based alternative seafood
The Global Food Venture Programme (GFVP) is meant for PhDs who want to unlock their entrepreneurial potential and shape the future of our Food System.
Robin Simsa, from Austria, participated in GFVP in 2020 and is now CEO and co-founder of Revo Foods, a fast-growing company offering plant-based fish alternatives.
What motivated you to join the GFVP programme?
Robin: ‘I enrolled in the programme while I was still working on my PhD at biotech company VeriGraft, which is based in Sweden.
My research revolved around meat alternatives. At that time, I already had the concept of my current business in mind.
Through the Global Food Venture Programme, I wanted to delve deeper into entrepreneurship, gain insights into the business ecosystem, and understand the ways for securing funding in the food sector.’
Would you recommend the GFVP programme to other PhDs?
‘Absolutely, GFVP offers a platform to exchange ideas, to refine your concept and engage with a pan-European network.
It also encourages strategic and critical thinking in executing your business plan effectively.’
“GFVP encourages strategic and critical thinking in executing your business plan effectively.We @Revo Foods, are now a company with a team of 35 people, and we are selling our products in 20 countries across Europe. ”
How was your journey after the programme?
‘Immediately after the programme, we didn’t have funding yet.
The company was in its early stage, and we were basically operating from my kitchen.
Fast forward to early 2024, a lot has changed: we are now a company with a team of 35 people, and we are selling our products in 20 countries across Europe.
We’re very ambitious: we aim to scale up operations, augment our team, expand our market reach, and diversify our product line.’
How has GFVP supported your start-up and your path as an entrepreneur?
‘The programme provided invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals and facilitated connections with fellow entrepreneurs.
The specific focus on food startups was very useful in many ways.
It’s a strong community and you get to know other entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. These connections continue to be instrumental.
Every year, I make it a point to attend the EIT Food Venture Summit, a gathering that brings together impact-driven agrifood tech startups.’
Which impact do you wish to make with your own company?
‘The fishing and aquaculture industries are unsustainable and threaten the environment and biodiversity of our oceans.
Revo Foods aspires to provide a tasty, nutritious and sustainable alternative to conventional seafood.
With our plant-based products, we are helping reduce overfishing and relieve the pressure on the marine ecosystem.’
