Our team.
The first line team.
The team leading Asteasier’s operations, research, and business development — combining scientific excellence with strategic vision.
Beyond his role as CEO and co-founder of Asteasier, Federico is an Academic Researcher at the Department of Biotechnology of the University of Verona, Italy.
His research focuses on metabolic engineering and optimization of microalgae to enhance the production of high-value carotenoids and other bioactive metabolites for applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and sustainable biotechnology. He has contributed to major European projects, including ERC, ERC Proof of Concept, and an EIC Transition, developing engineered microalgal strains, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing pipelines, and scalable bioproduction platforms.
Federico has authored publications in leading scientific journals and presented his work at international conferences, contributing to the advancement of microalgal biotechnology and its industrial applications. He is an active member of AISAM (Italian Association for the Study and Application of Microalgae) and SIBV (Italian Society of Plant Biology), reflecting his engagement with the scientific community and commitment to advancing innovation in biotechnology.
Andrea Russo
CFO
BIO
Andrea Russo obtained a three-year degree in legal services sciences, a master’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in business administration, a PhD in business administration, and a master’s degree in business crisis management. Andrea Russo works as a consultant for all economic-legal aspects and in business management, he is also an entrepreneur and innovation manager. Founder of ALGAE SPA in 2018, he conceived a highly innovative ex novo process of continuous intensive cultivation of microalgae.
Nico Betterle
COO
BIO
Nico Betterle is a researcher at the the University of Verona. His studies and interests are focused on the production of high added-value molecules in microalgae and plants grown in indoor controlled systems. Nico was a Project Scientist at University of California Berkeley (> 4 years). He holds a degree in Agro-Industrial Biotechnology (2007) and a PhD in Industrial and Environmental Molecular Biotechnology (2011) at UniVr.
Cristiano Panfili
Head of Business Developer
BIO
Cristiano is a Partner of Day One, Looking For Value, WebMagistri and A18, operating across innovation, advisory, communication and business coaching. He holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, a Master’s degree in Economics and Business from LUISS University in Rome, and a Law degree from Sapienza University of Rome.He has built an international professional profile, starting with his experience in Australia as Marketing Manager at Pirelli. He later strengthened his consulting background in Accenture and KPMG, contributing to projects in multiple industries. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Business Analyst for Renault and UniCredit, focusing on SMEs and supporting startup development, funding and organizational processes.Fluent in English and French and proficient in Spanish, Cristiano combines strong leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills with excellent communication abilities and a consistent commitment to professional ethics.
Lorenzo Sbizzera
Business Developer
BIO
Francesca Petrucci
Business Developer
BIO
Francesca Petrucci is a Venture Builder and Startup Coach with a strong focus on guiding early-stage startups from concept to investable business. At Day One, Francesca supports founders in developing pitch decks and business plans, conducts market and competitor analyses, prepares due-diligence documentation and defines strategic frameworks, organizational structures and user-centered processes rooted in design. She holds an MBA and operates within the Italian innovation ecosystem with a strong orientation toward entrepreneurship and growth.
Tea Miotti
PhD Student
BIO
Tea Miotti is a PhD candidate in Biotechnology at the University of Verona, focusing on microalgal metabolic engineering and the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions. Her research explores the potential of microalgae to advance environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on waste-stream valorization and the development of high-value bioproducts.
Edoardo Ceschi
PhD Student
BIO
Edoardo Ceschi is a PhD candidate in Biotechnology at the University of Verona, specializing in microalgae biotechnology. His research focuses on developing innovative biotechnological strategies for biomolecule production in photosynthetic hosts, with experience in strain engineering, molecular biology, and pilot-scale photobioreactor cultivation. Passionate about applied research and innovation, he aims to contribute to the development of scalable solutions at the interface between biotechnology and industry.
Founders.
Discover the founders of Asteasier, the visionary minds behind our innovative approach to microalgae biotechnology. Their experience in science and business laid the foundation for the company and continues to guide its strategic direction.
Federico Perozeni
Researcher – Expert in advanced biotechnology and microalgae strain development
BIO
Beyond his role as CEO and co-founder of Asteasier, Federico is an Academic Researcher at the Department of Biotechnology of the University of Verona, Italy.
His research focuses on metabolic engineering and optimization of microalgae to enhance the production of high-value carotenoids and other bioactive metabolites for applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and sustainable biotechnology. He has contributed to major European projects, including ERC, ERC Proof of Concept, and an EIC Transition, developing engineered microalgal strains, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing pipelines, and scalable bioproduction platforms.
Federico has authored publications in leading scientific journals and presented his work at international conferences, contributing to the advancement of microalgal biotechnology and its industrial applications. He is an active member of AISAM (Italian Association for the Study and Application of Microalgae) and SIBV (Italian Society of Plant Biology), reflecting his engagement with the scientific community and commitment to advancing innovation in biotechnology.
Andrea Russo
Microalgae plant engineer
BIO
Andrea Russo obtained a three-year degree in legal services sciences, a master’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in business administration, a PhD in business administration, and a master’s degree in business crisis management. Andrea Russo works as a consultant for all economic-legal aspects and in business management, he is also an entrepreneur and innovation manager. Founder of ALGAE SPA in 2018, he conceived a highly innovative ex novo process of continuous intensive cultivation of microalgae.
Nico Betterle
Researcher – Expert in biotechnology and microalgae cultivation
BIO
Nico Betterle is a researcher at the the University of Verona. His studies and interests are focused on the production of high added-value molecules in microalgae and plants grown in indoor controlled systems. Nico was a Project Scientist at University of California Berkeley (> 4 years). He holds a degree in Agro-Industrial Biotechnology (2007) and a PhD in Industrial and Environmental Molecular Biotechnology (2011) at UniVr.
Matteo Ballottari
Full Professor – Expert in biotechnology and microalgae metabolism
BIO
Paolo De Stefanis
Tech Transfer & Business Development
BIO
Lorenzo Sbizzera
Innovation Manager
BIO
Francesca Petrucci
Venture Builder – Business Developer
BIO
Francesca Petrucci is a Venture Builder and Startup Coach with a strong focus on guiding early-stage startups from concept to investable business. At Day One, Francesca supports founders in developing pitch decks and business plans, conducts market and competitor analyses, prepares due-diligence documentation and defines strategic frameworks, organizational structures and user-centered processes rooted in design. She holds an MBA and operates within the Italian innovation ecosystem with a strong orientation toward entrepreneurship and growth.