Carl was born in the Austrian Alps surrounded by biodynamic and organic smallholder farmers. At 15, he started studies in graphic design and communications, and later specialized in brand strategy. He then did a year of volunteer work with street kids in Ecuador, where he met his wife. Social and environmental impact guides his work, along with the belief that nature is the ultimate luxury. At 27, he co-founded To'ak, a sustainable luxury chocolate brand that works to preserve an ancient cacao variety in Ecuador. A few years later, he co-founded Xoca, an upcycled cacao-based CPG, and Orijin, which focuses on digital supply chain management and transparency.