Suggestions
Mark Busch
Corp Dev I Venture Partner
Mark Busch is a Venture Partner at Earth First Food Ventures (EFFV), a company that invests in the ecosystem for scaling Smart Proteins.4 His career has been diverse and multifaceted, spanning various industries and roles.
Professional Background
Mark Busch began his career in the NGO sector, focusing on business development and impact investing.1 He then transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching ventures in the hospitality and adventure tourism industries.1
Investment Experience
Busch has extensive experience in the investment world:
- He worked as an investor for multiple Venture Capital firms in both the US and Europe.1
- His investment focus areas included health-tech, life sciences, blockchain, and machine learning verticals.1
- He served as the SVP of Corporate Development and M&A for one of North America's largest publicly held retail and CPG cannabis operators.1
Alternative Protein Expertise
Since 2017, Mark has been actively involved in the alternative protein sector:
- He has served as an advisor and consultant for several alternative protein companies.1
- His expertise spans all three verticals of the industry: plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation.1
Education
Mark Busch holds impressive academic credentials:
- He earned an MA from the University of Denver.1
- He also obtained an MBA from IE Business School.1
- Additionally, he has an educational background from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.2
Current Role
As a Venture Partner at Earth First Food Ventures, Mark Busch has been in his position since July 2022.3 In this role, he likely leverages his extensive experience in venture capital, alternative proteins, and corporate development to support EFFV's mission of investing in smart protein technologies and companies.
Highlights
Looking for introductions to manufacturers:
Working with a founder who’s created a plant-based sanitizer/ antiseptic designed to be carried/applied in various delivery methods including gel, ointment, spray, impregnated wipes, soap, lotion, foam, etc. The patent focus is the blended essential oils/extracts in the herbal antiseptic. She’s looking for partnerships with manufacturers that can bring this to market either as a stand-alone product or as an ad-in to current products – CBD for example.
A plant-based sanitizer/ antiseptic is attractive for myriad reasons:
-
Emollient; moisturizes while providing a protective antiseptic barrier -
Alcohol free; will not strip the skin of beneficial oils, thereby preventing skin cracking and creating chapped, red, open ports of entry for the very pathogens being treated -
Reduces the risks that are frequently unaddressed, such as the absorption of ethanol into the user's system via the skin -
The use of alcohol and synthetic similar-base sanitizers kill all pathogens (including helpful bacteria) and evaporate. This results in clean but vulnerable skin, which requires more gel, and more damage.
