Ben Ember
5.0
(5)
Studied at Stanford Graduate School of Business
Worked at Wild Microbes
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About Ben
I've worked in startup leadership for 10+ years and most recently cofounded Wild Microbes, based in SF. For WiMi, I raised $4m from angels, competitions, and top pre-seed investors, and secured a $250K contract with a corporate partner when we were pre-product. I have a strong network of investors and other founders whom I love connecting to new people, both from work and my time at Stanford GSB. As a mentor and advisor, I've worked with 15+ companies. I specialize in fundraising communication and strategy - let's make your pitch smooth and catchy. I've worked in climate, tech, synthetic biology, food, manufacturing, plastics, carbon, circular economy, and more.
Why do I coach?
I've now mentored and advised 15+ founders. I do it because I love the energy founders have and because I want to help them learn from real life experience. Sometimes as a founder it's just nice to have someone who's gone through it all to ask questions, someone who can be on your side.
Work Experience
Co founder
Wild Microbes
November 2021 - March 2024
Award-winning startup developing products in the bio economy. Using microbes to produce everything from proteins to sustainable polymers. Raised $4M and closed 6-figure sales as pre-seed company.
Founder
Ember global
October 2019 - Present
A mentor and advisor to >15 startups across climate, tech, and impact. Specializing in fundraising, scaling, commercial strategy. Worked in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Peru, Colombia, US, UK, Indonesia.
Director of Operations
Sanivation
June 2014 - January 2020
First employee of award-winning social enterprise. Held multiple executive leadership roles. Company voted “Top 10 most innovative company in Africa” by FastCo. Managed large teams (50 people), built 3 manufacturing plants, led B2B sales with international partners Won funding competitions and secured investment Commissioned project in Kakuma Refugee Camp
Education
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Master of Business Administration - MBA
2022
Stanford Biotech Group leadership. LowkeyNote Speaker. Dancer in the GSB Show. Clubs: Entrepreneurship, Business & Environment, Energy, and Africa Business. Startup Garage.
Emory University
Bachelor's Degree, Environmental Sciences
Happiness Club founder, Student Sustainability Forum, Environmental Action Club, Bhangra Dance Team, IM Soccer/Frisbee, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Ben has helped Leland clients get into Funguo Tanzania