Meet Natascha, storyteller, sustainability entrepreneur and co-founder of Abundance Gate, a company that builds ecosystems for biotech innovation. Natascha joined us for Leg 2 of our Round the World expedition. We have been catching up about the impact eXXpedition has had on her work post-voyage, and how she has been using her superpower to impact change.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I studied law and behavioural science, but have subsequently moved into the entrepreneurial space, specifically in relation to biotech.
I live in Austria, and am passionate about developing a holistic approach to address modern problems. The key to delivering more resilient futures, I believe, lies with system change. As an entrepreneur, I think I have a unique opportunity to help deliver these system shifts, as I am able to apply holistic thinking in order to break down a problem and generate solutions.
I am also an avid gender and water activist – without gender justice there can be no hope for either climate justice or water justice.
How did you end up joining an eXXpedition voyage?
I was always passionate and cautious about the environment growing up. I think my interest came from my mother – who was always devoted to living waste-free, whether that was attending farmer’s markets, composting organic waste or eating seasonal products.
When I heard Emily speak for the first time at a conference, I knew that eXXpedition was something I wanted to be involved with. Her story really stuck with – and I decided I wanted my own story to tell, just like Emily had. So, I decided to apply, and see where the adventure took me.
What did you learn on the voyage that most surprised you?
I think realising just how massive the ocean really is, and just how small we are in comparison. When you spend three weeks on a boat sailing without seeing anything, not a single thing, other than the ocean, the enormity of the natural world and its magic, really becomes obvious. We consider human species to be the “cleverest” on Earth, but for me, my eXXpediiton voyage confirmed just how clever nature is.
“We consider human species to be the “cleverest” on Earth, but for me, my eXXpedition voyage confirmed just how clever nature is.”
How would you describe your superpower?
To explore and learn about people, things, and places, without judgement. I love talking – and talking to a range of people – whether that’s a biotech scientist or a school child. As much as I love talking, listening is equally, if not more important. Everyone has something to contribute. There is always something to learn. Every conversation is a lesson. Everyone has their own wisdom. If you look at nature you will realise that this perfect ecosystem works, as there is mutualism. Every plant, tree and animal carries its own wisdom. One cannot exist without the other. I think this mindset keeps me inspired, but also allows me to inspire others.
“Everyone has something to contribute. There is always something to learn. Every conversation is a lesson.”
How has the voyage influenced your work since?
In 2021, I co-founded Abundance Gate. Our company addresses crucial gaps in the European innovation ecosystem by aligning facility services, academics, experts, corporations and investors to help biotech startups’ realise their highest potential in tackling some of the world’s most challenging problems. Abundance Gate focus on Life Sciences, Food Sciences as well as agricultural sciences. We offer lab and office spaces, shared infrastructure and equipment, mentors, industry advisors, funding opportunities and support to ensure the successful commercialisation of new technologies.
Whilst I am, by no means, a “biotech” expert, I think my holistic mindset, and my learnings from eXXpedition, allowed me to bring Abundance Gate alive. By bringing different perspectives and skillsets together – the driving force behind Abundance – we are helping startups, corporates and new technology leverage their potential to make a long term impact.
Beyond Abundance Gate, I have been reaching out to lots of my contacts to tell them my eXXpedition story, and help them discover what they can do to help.
I’ve been coordinating with eXXpedition Ambassador Marita Schmidt on a lot of projects. We took part in several interviews together, including a documentary about microplastics (23:02). I have also joined a number of networks. For example, I was invited to join Your 2040 – a network of interdisciplinary activists working to create change. This year’s theme to the annual conference was water, and I was interviewed as part of the discussions.
“Whilst I am, by no means, a “biotech” expert, I think my holistic mindset, and my learnings from eXXpedition, allowed me to bring Abundance Gate alive.”
I have also been busy writing and I really love it. I’ve published several articles – one considered the microplastics in cosmetics, one talking about the potential of the XX economy (stating how big the potential of empowering women is), talked about the patient ocean on a radio station, recorded different podcast episodes and more recently I wrote an article about corporate sustainability which is going to be published in a book.
What Keeps You Hopeful About The Future Of The Ocean?
Seeing all the action and impact of others around me keeps me hopeful. Young people are particularly inspiring, and seeing them come together to make a change also keeps me hopeful. I refer to myself as a stubborn optimist. I just can’t give up. The more women become leaders the more hopeful I get. There is no climate justice without gender justice.
Photo Credit: Nina Jirgensome
If You Could Give One Message To The World, What Would It Be?
Just do it. Use actions, not words. No matter how small the step may seem to you, you never know what butterfly effect your actions may have. Whilst that effect may not always be recognisable to you, you will impact someone, somewhere, and that is what matters.
This is reminiscent of Jane Goodhall, who reminds us to “act locally, think globally”. I think that quote is really powerful; Do your bit locally, and then we can work towards a better future, globally. 
“No matter how small the step may seem to you, you never know what butterfly effect your actions may have.”
Photo Credits: Erica Cirino, Nita Jigernsone, Sophie Dingwall, Emilie Boege Dresler, Natascha Glanzer-Fuerst
