As part of the HBS Summer Fellows Program, the Social Enterprise Founder Forum is offered to students in the summer between their first and second year, supporting student founders in the development of their social impact startup. During the summer of 2024, ten student founders benefitted from social entrepreneurship workshops, peer-led founder circle sessions, as well as the insights and feedback from their cohort. We will be sharing experiences from a couple of our Founder Forum participants.
Tell us about your venture.
I’m the founder of SeaCycle, a startup specializing in sustainable next-gen polymer solutions. SeaCycle transforms food waste into eco-friendly polymers, challenging the conventional polymer sector that typically relies on hazardous chemicals and generates toxic byproducts. By using waste resources that would otherwise end up in landfills or combustion facilities, SeaCycle mitigates environmental harm and reduces carbon emissions. Our cost-efficient processes open new polymer applications in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture to bioplastics.
I am deeply committed to creating a significant environmental impact and firmly believe that cutting-edge technologies are essential for driving systematic change. Prior to attending Harvard Business School, I worked at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), focusing on impact investing. I guided companies away from traditional practices, promoting green, sustainable, responsible, and innovative projects across various countries. After dedicating my career to working with companies, improving their ESG standards, and financing climate-tech projects, I concluded that entrepreneurs and climate-tech startups are crucial for addressing one of today's most urgent problems: climate change. Determined to tackle this issue, I rolled up my sleeves and founded SeaCycle.
What is the focus of your work this summer?
This summer, my goal was to advance my startup, SeaCycle, by engaging with customers and industry experts, expanding my network within the US business landscape, refining our business model, and creating a strategic plan. In the process, I also deepened my expertise and gained a clearer understanding of my strengths and areas for growth.
What have you learned this summer?
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey, which validated my passion for building an impactful startup as my new career. My commitment to developing a startup that I can be proud of for its impact, culture, and mission has only strengthened. Interacting with potential customers and executives that are excited to collaborate with a young, passionate entrepreneur has fueled my enthusiasm and reinforced my dedication to this career path. This summer has been a crucial step in confirming my desire to continue building a meaningful and impactful enterprise.
How has the SE Founder Forum supported your work and learning?
The SE Founder Forum has been a transformative experience for my work and learning. It provided a secure and open environment where I could share my startup idea, progress, and the questions I was trying to answer. Hearing from like-minded fellow entrepreneurs on similar paths, sharing their experiences, and offering solutions was invaluable. The mentors and experts in the forum were incredible, providing guidance on important topics and answering our questions. Throughout the summer, I felt constantly supported by SEI, knowing there were always people who wanted me to succeed. Additionally, the Experimentation Fund provided to Founder Forum participants was incredibly helpful. It enabled us to develop our customer discovery and share our products with potential customers, marking a significant milestone for SeaCycle in building lasting relationships. This support has been fundamental in advancing my startup and reinforcing my commitment to this journey.
What's next?
The summer has profoundly influenced my thinking on future involvement in social enterprise. Having dedicated my career to impact investing, this summer presented an invaluable opportunity to create a similar impact as an entrepreneur. This experience marks the beginning of a long and impactful journey and was essential for my leadership development and learning path in the years to come.
How can someone learn more about your organization?
You can find out more about SeaCycle by visiting our Website and LinkedIn page.
