E57 #StartupStory "Succession planning: Passing on the CEO baton in Algiecel" with Susanne Palsten Buchardt & Henrik Busch-Larsen

Guests: Susanne Palsten Buchardt (Incoming CEO) & Henrik Busch‑Larsen (Founder, former CEO at Algiecel)Episode in a TweetWhen a founder steps aside, how do you keep the vision alive? Hear how Algiecel is turning a CEO hand‑over into rocket fuel for growth — while scaling microalgae tech that captures CO₂ and feeds the world.What You’ll LearnHow Algiecel’s photo‑bioreactor technology converts industrial CO₂ into high‑value microalgae ingredients.The behind‑the‑scenes playbook for planning a smooth CEO succession.Why trust, transparent communication, and role clarity made the hand‑over a win‑win.Susanne’s journey from strategy consultant to CCO to CEO—and Henrik’s new focus on partnerships & investment.Actionable advice for founders preparing their own succession road‑map.00:00 Intro – Welcome & episode set‑up02:04 Algiecel’s Mission & Tech – Microalgae, CO₂ utilisation, and photo‑bioreactors04:45 Origin Story – Henrik’s eco‑vision and the company’s early pivots09:08 Why Succession & Why Now? – Spotting the right moment for change12:56 From CCO to CEO – Susanne’s growth path and leadership style16:05 Building the Dream Team – Diversity, healthy debate, and shared values 21:10 Board & Investor Alignment – Governance during leadership change 22:40 Redefining Roles – Henrik’s shift to partnerships & thought leadership 25:02 Stakeholder Communications – Keeping customers & partners in the loop30:12 Founders’ Advice – Mentorship, self‑awareness, and planning ahead36:47 Future Road‑map – Scaling tech, funding, and global impact38:50 Lightning Round & Wrap‑up – Quick takes and final thoughtsResource Mentioned:Unibio – Single‑cell protein pioneers BioInnovation Institute (BII) – Life‑science venture labIdeas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)Join Our Life Science Talent EcosystemWe want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach