Meet the Team

Co-founder and CTO is an accomplished R&D engineer, has a distinguished track record in device ideation, modeling, prototyping, testing, and in-house and outsourcing manufacturing. He has a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University and a Master’s in Translational Medicine from UC Berkeley & UCSF. Demonstrating a sharp eye for detail and a fervent commitment to problem-solving, Romain’s professional journey has included a pivotal role in the development of various medical devices from conception through clinical trials. He is an enthusiastic cook and grower of edible plants. 

Co-founder and CEO, worked in technology with an emphasis on financial reporting and startups and has spent the last 12 years licensing her patents. Inspired by looking for internet tools that did not exist, Varda patented over a half dozen inventions. She then pursued a novel patent licensing model that resulted in nearly 400 companies acquiring a license to her inventions worldwide—including a significant number of the Fortune 100.  She spends a great deal of time with both outdoor and indoor plants and is fascinated with most things green. 

A multidisciplinary R&D engineer with experience ranging from consumer products to FDA Class III medical implants. He completed his PhD in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley, focusing on data science and algorithm design. He then contributed significantly to mechanical, electrical, and embedded system design and manufacturing. Albert currently has around 20 indoor plants that help bring a bit of nature inside and create a better environment for unwinding after work.

Jeff has practices in both the U.S. and Sweden, and clients worldwide. In addition to being the sole or co-inventor of 17 patents himself, Jeff has written hundreds of other issued patents. Jeff started the IP department at VMware and wrote the core patents for modern virtual machine technology. Additionally, he has written four patent applications for WaterWhen®, as well as the seven issued patents that were awarded to Varda. For decades he has kept at least one spring cactus that has grown from a cutting from the same spring cactus his grandmother had in her living room when he was a small child. His wife, Marisyl, grows plants as food and as a passion, especially different varieties of potatoes, and her beloved tulips.