Meet the viride Team

Who we are

founders

Stefan Schmid

Stefan Schmid

Co-Founder, Business Development

Stefan is responsible for the sales of our products as well as raising capital to finance Viride’s further growth. 

In recent years, he worked as a strategy consultant in the financial industry and as an innovator for building digital business models. He now uses his background in econometrics to solve financial issues in Viride’s ecological business field.     

David Plischke

David Plischke

Co-Founder, R&D and Operations

David is mostly based in Morocco, where he drives R&D and sets up production operations.

He is a physicist and business graduate and, in addition to his scientific background, has gained many years of experience in the automotive industry as a strategy consultant, working on CO2 and alternative fuels. He sees algae as a solution not only to problems of his former industry but to almost every other industry as well.

Who we are

The team

Meet the team! As a startup, we are growing steadily. Since our operations are located in the south of Morocco, this is where most of our team is based. 
Fatima Zohra

Fatima Zohra

Laboratory Assistant, Morocco

I’m Fatima Zohra, a Laboratory research assistant and a chemist who recently majored in chemical bioactives molecules. I’m fueled by my passion for studying the world of algae as a promising future and my academic and scientific research experience have prepared me well to add a significant value.

Nico

Nico

Installation Manager, Morocco

When Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. Born and raised on the Italian coast, I moved here in 2014 driven by a passion for Dakhla and its amazing nature. I’m a curious guy, keen on new challenges, and with a strong problem-solving attitude. Happy and proud to be part of this incredible team since the very beginning!

Sarra

Sarra

Laboratory Assistant, Morocco

Hi, I’m Sarra, and I work at VIRIDE Maroc as an assistant laboratory in the manufacturing of microalgae. Being a fan of microalgae, I take pleasure in every step of their production. I have a research experience as PhD student in Morocco and research internship abroad.

Lahcen

Lahcen

Installation Assistant, Morocco

In my role, I am responsible for the expansion of our production facility as well as tasks related to the monitoring of water quality. Working in a young company specializing in algae production allows me to combine my passion for the ocean and living systems. I joined Viride in January 2023 and appreciate the collaborative spirit of our diverse team.

Iqbal

Iqbal

Back-office and IT, Morocco

I am responsible for all issues beyond the physical production of algae. I take care of the bookkeeping, organize transport and the import of machines. Since I like software programming, I also take care of our IT. I have been part of the team since December 2023 and I am happy that our team is developing so dynamically.

Eli

Eli

Installation Assistant, Morocco

I have the power to take care of a lot of the heavy work on the algae farm. This includes maintaining the tanks and the technology, but also harvesting and moving the biomass. And, of course, I love welding: our solar panels, thin-film constructions and battery stands are all welded by me. I can put my skills to good use at VIRIDE.

Michel

Michel

Installation Assistant, Morocco

I am responsible for maintaining our production facility and for tasks related to monitoring water quality. I am glad that there is a German startup with good jobs here in the city through Viride. I am very happy to be part of the team.

Othman

Othman

Installation Assistant, Morocco

I am part of the cultivation team at Viride. I take care of the ponds, operate the pumps, maintain the site and help with the harvest. I am happy to join the team!

Ismail

Ismail

Installation Assistant, Morocco

I am part of the cultivation team at Viride. I take care of the ponds, operate the pumps, maintain the site and help with the harvest. I also have some manual skills from previous jobs that I can put to good use on the algae farm.

Besides our core team we collaborate with a whole range of great individuals from local Moroccan companies that help us to build the algae production that we strive for. This includes Michael and Michael from ProTerra’s sustainable aquaculture who we collaborate with on a daily basis. This also includes Pascal who is a genious in organizing materials and who knows how to build from scratch when all you see is sand dunes. And there is Victor who dances with his dredger – you won’t find a better machine operator! Not to forget Freya with all her talent (operating the BBQ and cooking tagine is only the start). And the list goes on … Being part of a great community of people is indeed essential!