In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Justin Kolbeck, co-founder and CEO of Wild Type, to explore how cellular agriculture is reshaping the future of seafood. From cultivated salmon fillets to rethinking America’s reliance on imports, Justin shares how Wild Type is pioneering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable approach to what ends up on our plates.

He reflects on the challenges of building a science-driven startup, from early experiments to gaining validation through chef tastings, and opens up about navigating the realities of fundraising in a capital-intensive industry. Justin also dives into the balance between product perfection and market readiness, the importance of authenticity with investors, and why dilution can sometimes be the right trade-off for growth.

Whether you’re interested in food tech, sustainability, or the entrepreneurial grit behind bringing revolutionary products to market, this episode offers an inside look at the future of seafood—and the bold vision driving it forward.

Let’s keep building… 

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