Code & Caviar – New Zealand Entrepreneur Magazine

of Founder’s Focus Introducing entrepreneurs and innovators working on next-generation start-ups, social enterprises, and small businesses.

at a glance

Founders: Ralph Chris & Lukas Trasewski

work: Code & Caviar

Established: 2021

Headquarters: Manawatu

Could you tell us a little bit about your business?

Code and Caviar is a cutting-edge precision aquaculture startup that revolutionized the mussel farming industry with its innovative management platform, the Mussel App. Our solutions provide real-time, reliable information and recommendations to address the operational and environmental challenges of your industry through the use of AI and other advanced technologies. Starting in New Zealand, the Mussel App is set to change the landscape of the industry by significantly reducing costs and driving growth in aquaculture.

Code and Caviar’s mission is to leverage advanced technology and data from multiple sources to power the growth of the global blue economy across multiple species.

What is the background of your business idea?

After years of successfully running my first startup, FutureLab, and building numerous solutions for other businesses, I had the urge to do something different. Something that changes the world. We happened to be involved in an aquaculture project and learned about the wonders of shellfish and how hard it takes to grow them.

Armed with our R&D and IT experience, we partnered with farmers to solve their problems by simply asking how technology could help them. It was incredibly fun and you can imagine how excited I was about my first boat trip. An IT guy in rubber boots walks the deck of a boat in a rigged seal watching him in one of the most difficult farming operations that takes place miles offshore. It was love at first sight, or rather love after the first bout of nausea!

What programs, learning, and teaching have helped you so far?

• We have received tremendous support from the local community and industry and have successfully completed two programs: the Sprout Accelerator and the Ministries of Awesome Founder Program.
• We also spoke with a number of individual investors, who provided us with valuable insights. Even if you haven’t raised any money, it’s a good idea to schedule a meeting with your investors. This world was so unfamiliar to us that it was helpful to receive feedback. And regular office hours with Awesome Province investors have been invaluable. Thick skin is essential as you will hear a lot of feedback, some of which may be unfavorable. However, it’s all a learning experience. We treat feedback the same way we treat our products. Repeat feedback, fix what needs fixing, and ask for more feedback.
• Hiring an industry advisor was also very important and helped our advisor, Eitan Sessler, navigate the aquaculture industry. We have vast experience in R&D, science and software, but we needed more insight from aquaculture itself.
• Finally, it’s important to support the industry. Even if you have years of industry experience and important connections, nothing gives our startups a significant advantage than sitting with different industry players and just listening to them. is not. Ultimately, we’re trying to solve problems for hundreds, even hundreds of thousands of clients, and only after hours of talking can we come up with a scalable solution that works.

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