Carel Smit

Background

About Carel Smit

I am an award-winning IP strategist, biosciences entrepreneur, and patent attorney with more than 20 years of experience in developing complex IP development, protection, licensing, and commercialisation strategies in the biosciences and resources sectors. A Cambridge alumnus and former S&P Global 100 IP counsel, I create investable IP strategies for public companies, research organisations, non-profits, and startups in Europe, the UK, Australia, and Africa. FWIW, I have 6 academic degrees, including 3 Master's degrees in science, IP, and business, respectively. My exclusive focus is on sustainability and "IP for a better world". I work closely with ventures that develop new technologies solving old problems - alt-proteins, bio-materials, medical devices, diagnostics, and synbio. I have a particular interest in sustainability issues in food, fashion and luxury goods, and my clients include product manufacturers engaging with global FMCG and luxury brands. Following a 16 year career in IP law firms, I held in-house IP and patent counsel roles in unlisted (Formo Bio GmbH) and listed entities (ASX:RIO and ASX:NEA) where I've developed IP strategies and intangible asset portfolios. I also have a proven track record in corporate strategy, venture creation, capital raising, BD, IP-based partnering and alliance structures, licensing, and IP monetisation. A keynote speaker and university lecturer on IP matters, my IP strategies have been featured by Forbes, Entrepreneur, ABC, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, WA Business News, Finweek, and the Australian government, amongst others. I have more than 15 years of Board experience both as founding director and as non-exec. I also serve as Director IP of Europe's hottest startup, Formo Bio and I am part-time IP counsel for two charitable research organisations in Australia. I have successfully founded or co-founded several award-winning companies in the fields of professional services, biosciences, and software. I am currently a non-executive director of Biotome (a diagnostics company), a partner in Nucleus Capital (Germany), and on the advisory board of Australian biopolymer startup ULUU. I have served on state committees of the Licensing Executives Society and IP Society of Australia & NZ. Africa remains close to my heart, and in 2005 I co-developed the first e-learning patent toolkit for inventors in Africa and in 2013 I climbed three mountains on three continents in three months to raise money and awareness for a women's clinic in Ethiopia.