Gastón Paladini steps down as CEO of Moolec Science, and reflects on founding journey and legacy

Gastón Paladini, the Co-founder & CEO of Moolec Science, has stepped down from his role, marking the end of an era for the company he helped shape from its earliest days. In a deeply personal letter shared publicly, Paladini looked back on his journey with Moolec, tracing the arc from childhood dreams to fulfilling a global mission.

"Today I say goodbye to Moolec – and this is my story," he began. Born in 1981 into a family synonymous with Argentina's meat industry, Paladini recalled a youth defined by responsibility, curiosity, and the pull of legacy. His family name was a brand, tied to Paladini, the largest pork and meat processing company in Argentina. "To me, it was just my surname. But over time, I realized Paladini had become part of Argentina’s culture."

Despite those roots, his personal ambitions were shaped by two enduring wishes: to be recognized for something he created, and to leave a mark on the world.

“Today, after bringing Moolec Science to life as a founder, I can say I’ve fulfilled that first wish,” he wrote. “Because I do feel recognized – first and foremost by my wife and two kids. And that, by far, is the greatest gift life could ever give me."

Moolec Science, which began life during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, was built from Paladini’s home with just a phone, Zoom, Google, and LinkedIn. It has since evolved into a global leader in molecular farming – a technology platform that uses genetically engineered crops to grow animal proteins directly inside plants. Paladini and his team achieved what many considered impossible: producing over 20% animal protein (of total soluble proteins) inside a soybean.

"We created Piggy Sooy – a pink soybean that contains pork protein," Paladini wrote. “A combination of soy and pig, designed as an ingredient for sausages, burgers, nuggets – the foods we all actually eat. These products represent 70% of global meat consumption."

This innovation offers a practical way to reduce reliance on conventional meat, with its associated environmental toll. "It’s the same proteins from the same pigs my family has proudly and responsibly raised for generations... but now made through an alternative method that’s more sustainable and fully compatible with today’s food industry. This isn’t rebellion. It’s evolution."

Under Paladini’s leadership, Moolec became known not just for its technical achievements, but also for its values. "From the start, we were guided by a purpose bigger than any ego: to rethink how we produce animal protein. To put science at the service of food and fix a system that isn’t sustainable."

While Moolec was one of the first companies in molecular farming, Paladini emphasized that it was their sense of responsibility, not just timing, that earned them a leadership role. "We took the step forward. We took risks. We educated the industry. We launched a biotech project when many 'experts' told us what we wanted was impossible — some even laughed. We did it anyway, mission first, ambition second."

Paladini credited a wide network of people for Moolec's success: his co-founders Martín and Henk, teammates he lovingly calls 'Moolers', investors, scientists, board members, media, and even critics. "I think even our detractors recognized us when criticizing – and in some way, I’m grateful for that too."

In stepping down as CEO, Paladini leaves Moolec at a moment of transformation. The company recently entered a business combination agreement with Bioceres Group and other partners to expand its technological capabilities and global reach. Paladini will remain a shareholder and advisor.

"To all of you, I simply say thank you. Truly, thank you – endlessly. I learned something from each and every one of you."

He ended his farewell with a sense of fulfilment and a nod to the wishes that have guided him since childhood. “I leave knowing that maybe, just maybe, I’ve left a mark on the world. And that means my second childhood wish has come true. As for the third wish… I’ll keep it to myself. Because if you say it out loud, it won’t come true."

Moolec Science has not yet named a successor.