Meet Natasha Aya Yamamura, Founder & CEO of Algae Scope
“Seaweed can heal our oceans and replace the chemicals destroying them.”
For Natasha, entrepreneurship is about turning overlooked potential into tangible impact. Through her company Algae Scope, she is transforming seaweed into industrial solutions that regenerate oceans, reduce carbon emissions, and replace toxic petrochemicals with sustainable alternatives.
“I started Algae Scope after seeing the lagoons of Venice,” she said. “Local people saw seaweed as waste, but I saw an opportunity to clean the water and create products that could change industries.”
The problem she refused to ignore
Natasha spent over 15 years in shipping, oil, and gas, witnessing the environmental damage caused by petrochemicals. She realised that industries urgently need alternatives that are sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective. “PFAS are everywhere, and the EU plans a full phase-out by 2030. Companies need solutions now,” she said.
“Industries need concrete products that address the root cause of their challenges.”
The moment it crystallised
One project in Taranto, southern Italy, changed everything. By growing seaweed alongside struggling mussel farms, her team cleaned the water while producing raw material for bioethanol and Algae Scope’s patented seaweed coating. “The seaweed grew 12–15% per day. We didn’t have to build anything new, and local fishermen were part of the solution,” she said.
Why Algae Scope is different
Natasha is targeting industrial applications, an area often ignored in the seaweed space. “Many companies focus on food or cosmetics, but we’re tackling the root cause of pollution and chemical dependence,” she explained.
Her approach combines traditional Japanese aquaculture with cutting-edge technology to produce a product that works in real-world industrial settings.
How she leads
Natasha’s leadership is shaped by her multinational background — Japanese, Egyptian, and Canadian-American — and by years of working across Europe. She brings a global perspective and a deep respect for collaboration. “I’m still learning and shaping my leadership style,” she says. Naturally reserved, she’s learned to step forward and be visible when it matters.
As a leader, she focuses on setting a clear vision and empowering her team to find their own path. “Often, they come up with ideas I couldn’t have imagined myself — and that’s what makes teamwork so exciting.”
What she’s building right now
Natasha is developing a water-resistant, fire-retardant bio-coating made entirely from seaweed. It replaces PFAS and can be produced at scale.
Her ongoing projects also focus on ocean regeneration and supporting local communities, demonstrating that industrial impact and ecological restoration can go hand in hand.
Founderland and finding her people
Being part of a community of women founders has helped Natasha navigate the unique challenges of building a start-up while managing family responsibilities. “Connecting with other founders who have young children makes you feel seen and normal again,” she said.
Her biggest challenge—and how she moved through it
Natasha faces complex technical and regulatory challenges daily. She manages by breaking tasks into bite-sized steps and focusing on what can be done today. “It helps me move forward without being overwhelmed,” she said.
Advice to her past self
Natasha has learned that being a founder isn’t as glamorous as it looks online. “People often think you can choose your own hours or have more flexibility—wrong,” she said. Much of her work involves difficult conversations, tight budgets, and complex decisions. Still, she sees value in every challenge. “I think it’s important to ask yourself: has this journey made your life more interesting? If the answer is yes, then you’re still on the right path.”
Who inspires her
She finds inspiration in the journeys of other founders. Listening to podcasts and hearing about others’ struggles and breakthroughs reminds her that everyone is learning and growing. “Many of my best ideas come from hearing different perspectives and stories” she said.
How she stays grounded
Natasha finds creativity and motivation by listening to the journeys of other founders. “There’s an incredible wealth of content out there—podcasts, YouTube channels, and real conversations within the start-up community,” she said. Hearing others share their experiences and breakthroughs reminds her that she’s not alone in facing challenges.
She also knows that resilience isn’t endless. “Motivation doesn’t last forever without rest,” she added. By pacing herself, taking breaks, and celebrating small wins, she keeps her energy steady and her perspective clear.
A mantra she lives by
“I’m focusing on doing what I can today.”
Follow Natasha’s Journey
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