Dr. Dedual has a PhD in chemical & process engineering. As Co-Founder and CTO of Futurity Bio-Ventures he leads technical development, R&D and developing commercialisation strategies.

Over the last 8 years he has led the design, construction, commercialisation, operation, and commissioning of novel and licenced biorefining technologies. Dr. Dedual has over 4 years of experience in board and executive positions, developing commercialisation strategies, engaging with stakeholders and managing international and national relationships to add value to forestry.

He has a strong understanding of alignment with government initiatives and the requirements to achieve targets through the likes of; information transformation plans (ITP), emission reduction targets and biofuel mandates.

Jacob has a Masters in Applied Science with a background in product design and material science. As Co-Founder and CEO of FBV Jacob leads the development and implementation of overarching strategy and performance of the company. Jacob’s background and strong commercial intuition provides a unique and global understanding of the interaction of research and development, markets, people and capital investment. This experience has assisted to align FBV over the last 4 years to identify and validate technology, establish international demand for biorefinery products and progress towards commercial deployment of New Zealand’s first advanced biorefinery. Jacob has assisted with New Zealand Government consultation on the barriers and necessary foundations required to establish a thriving biomaterials sector. Jacob is driven to assist New Zealand to lead the transition toward net zero and protection of our natural environments.

Rupert has spent the last 7 years running his own private equity vehicle,Prospectors Ltd., carrying out property development projects, start-up and growth investment, as well as being an integral part of running his family office investments which span mostly agriculture and property. Rupert is passionate and hugely optimistic about New Zealand’s current position to be a leader on the world bio-economy stage given its relative nimbleness in its primary sectors as well as the large amount of advanced technologies now available around the world that can propel our primary industries forward.