Biography of Ryan Bethencourt: Co-founder and CEO of Wild Earth -Entrepreneur
Biography of Ryan Bethencourt:
Ryan Bethencourt is an accomplished scientist, entrepreneur,
and advocate for sustainable living. Born on March 18, 1979, in Miami, Florida,
he has dedicated his career to advancing biotechnology and cruelty-free
innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of Wild Earth, Ryan is on a mission to
revolutionize the pet food industry by offering sustainable, plant-based
alternatives that promote health and reduce environmental impact. His work is a
testament to his belief in creating solutions that positively influence the
lives of people, animals, and the planet.
Redefining Pet Nutrition with Wild Earth
Wild Earth, founded in 2017, is Ryan’s groundbreaking
venture focused on developing plant-based, cruelty-free pet food. Under his
leadership, the company challenges the conventional reliance on animal-based
ingredients, providing high-quality nutrition for pets while addressing
sustainability concerns. Wild Earth’s innovative products reflect Ryan’s vision
of a better future for the pet food industry, aligning with his broader goal of
combating climate change and promoting ethical practices.
Championing Early-Stage Innovation
Beyond his role at Wild Earth, Ryan has made significant
contributions as a venture capitalist and advisor. As a Partner at Babel
Ventures, he focuses on early-stage investments in biotech companies,
supporting emerging innovations in fields like food technology, cellular
agriculture, and sustainability. His work in venture capital demonstrates his
commitment to empowering visionary entrepreneurs who share his passion for
transforming industries through science.
Pioneering Biotech Acceleration at IndieBio
Ryan co-founded IndieBio, a renowned biology accelerator and
early-stage seed fund, where he served as Program Director. At IndieBio, he
mentored startups in developing transformative technologies in biotechnology.
His efforts at IndieBio have helped launch and scale numerous companies that
aim to solve critical global challenges in health, agriculture, and the
environment.
A Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Journey
Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey spans a wide range of
ventures. He co-founded Berkeley Biolabs, a biotech accelerator, and Halpin
Neurosciences, a company dedicated to developing therapies for ALS. He also
played a pivotal role in establishing Counter Culture Labs, a nonprofit
organization that supports citizen science projects, and Sudo Room, a
hackerspace fostering open innovation in Oakland, California.
Biography of Ryan Bethencourt: Co-founder and CEO of Wild Earth -Entrepreneur# startup#pet food with plant-based alternatives#age#net worth#investor
Educational Foundations in Bioscience and Business
Ryan’s academic background laid the groundwork for his
multifaceted career. He earned a Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise (MBE) from
the University of Cambridge, a program blending biotechnology, business, and
ethics in collaboration with Harvard and MIT. Additionally, he pursued a
certificate in Project Management for Biopharmaceuticals at the University of
California, Berkeley, equipping him with the skills to bridge science and
industry.
Advancing Global Sustainability
A passionate advocate for sustainability, Ryan has
consistently worked on projects that promote ethical and environmentally
friendly solutions. From leading life sciences at the XPRIZE Foundation to
supporting alternative protein innovation at The Good Food Institute, he has
contributed to initiatives that address pressing global issues. His efforts
underscore his dedication to creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
Investment Portfolio and Impact
Ryan has an impressive track record as an investor, having
backed over 180 companies focused on the future of food, biotechnology, and
technology. His investments reflect his commitment to driving change in
industries that intersect with his values, particularly in plant-based and
cellular agriculture. Through Sustainable Food Ventures, he continues to
support founders dedicated to creating positive environmental and social
impact.
Redefining Wealth with UMANA
As a founding family member of UMANA, a multi-family office,
Ryan collaborates with high-net-worth individuals to redefine the concept of
wealth. UMANA’s mission is to integrate financial success with social
consciousness, forming a community of influential individuals who prioritize
ethical and sustainable practices in their ventures and investments.
Bridging Science, Business, and Ethics
Ryan’s career has been characterized by his ability to
integrate science, business acumen, and ethical considerations. He has
demonstrated how biotechnology can be harnessed to address global challenges
while maintaining a strong moral compass. This unique blend of skills has made
him a leader in both the entrepreneurial and scientific communities.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Ryan is not only a pioneer in his field but also a mentor
and inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists. His work at various
accelerators and as a speaker at global forums highlights his dedication to
sharing knowledge and empowering others to drive meaningful change. He believes
in the power of collaboration and the importance of fostering a community of
like-minded individuals.
A Legacy of Compassionate Innovation
Throughout his career, Ryan Bethencourt has remained
steadfast in his commitment to compassionate innovation. As a vegan, he
embodies the principles he advocates, striving to create products and solutions
that are cruelty-free and sustainable. His legacy serves as a beacon for those
seeking to make a difference in the world through science, entrepreneurship,
and ethical leadership.
Timeline for story
1979: Born on March 18 in Miami, Florida.
2017: Co-founded Wild Earth to revolutionize pet food with
plant-based alternatives.
2017: Partnered with Babel Ventures to invest in early-stage
biotech companies.
2014: Co-founded IndieBio to mentor biotech startups
tackling global challenges.
2013: Co-founded Berkeley Biolabs, a biotech accelerator.
2013: Co-founded Counter Culture Labs to support citizen
science projects.
2008: Completed Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise at the
University of Cambridge.
2020: Founded Sustainable Food Ventures to back plant-based
and cellular agriculture startups.
2023: Continued advancing biotech innovation,
sustainability, and ethical entrepreneurship.
