Why Aquagga?

A "quagga" is an extinct relative of the African zebra. We are a "Zebra Company" with an explicit mission of positive social impact. Hence, we are "Aquagga" (Aqua in the name is a bonus).

Where Unicorn companies seek competition, Zebra companies seek cooperation. Where Unicorns hoard resources, Zebras share. We align with the Zebra ethos of creating a "more ethical and inclusive culture to counter existing startup and rat-race culture." We see a world of win-win opportunities, of sustainable prosperity, benefiting our shared communities and environment. 

Aquagga Inc. incorporated in 2019 as a for-profit public benefit corporation with a social and environmental impact provision. We have intentionally positioned ourselves at the intersection of public health and environmental justice, taking an exemplary leadership position in the Alaskan and Washingtonian startup communities, lifting others as we rise.
Aquagga's alignment with Un's SDGs

Changing the World Beyond PFAS Destruction.

6.3 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Aquagga helps eliminate the release of hazardous chemicals, safely treating wastewater.
12.4: Responsible Consumption and Protection
Aquagga helps achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals, reducing their release to air, soil, and water.

Meet The Aquagga Team

Our herd is 12 team-members strong and growing

Nigel Sharp

Co-Founder & CEO

Serial entrepreneur, technologist, and Techstars Alum, Nigel Sharp has held successive Entrepreneur in Residence roles at the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Alaska successfully spinning out CU Boulder IP previously attracting SBIR and Venture Capital through multiple rounds of funding.

Brian Pinkard, Ph.D.

Co-Founder & CTO

Dr. Brian Pinkard has previously spearheaded efforts at the University of Washington to develop mobile hydrothermal systems for the destruction of bulk chemical weapon stockpiles. Brian is a widely published expert in the field of hydrothermal processing.

Chris Woodruff

Co-Founder & COO

Chris Woodruff has a wide breadth of engineering experience spanning the aerospace, consumer electronics, and construction industries. His volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders piqued his interest in projects geared toward making a social and environmental impact.

Alex de Marne

Head of New Product Engineering

Alex de Marne began his engineering career at Boeing, where he working on designing detail parts and large assemblies for airplane interiors. Over his career, Alex has designed parts that are flying on airplanes around the world, optimized manufacturing systems, and developed electromechanical systems in lab and production environments.

Mike Czerski

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Mike is a mechanical engineer with a well-rounded technical background in aerospace and startup environments. He has worked on projects ranging from airplane hydraulics, to football helmet design, to consumer product design, and to the design of an experimental combustion reactor for studying particle formation in flames.

Cody Thomsen

Mechanical Engineer

Cody is a recent graduate from the University of Washington Mechanical Engineering program, currently working to complete his Master's while supporting Aquagga's technical development efforts

Hilary Joyner

Senior Marketing Director

Calvin Rhodes

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ariella Halevi

Mechanical Design Engineer

Somnath Mukherjee

Senior Controls Engineer

Gus Millevolte

Test Engineer

Quinn Huelsbeck

Operations Manager

Careers

Join our growing team of tomorrow-builders.

At Aquagga, we work together to make the world a cleaner place.