91ÌÒÉ«

Our Entrepreneurs’ Pledge provides a fantastic opportunity for alumni to pledge to give back to 91ÌÒÉ« when they are in a position to do so. We recently spoke to Pledger, Lauren Taylor (MSc Social Business and Entrepreneurship 2022), founder and CEO of , about her innovative startup, her entrepreneurial time at 91ÌÒÉ« and why she has chosen to pledge.

The inspiration behind Alter:Bio 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, I could not find great products that were safe for humans, pets, hypoallergenic and effective at cleaning. I always thought cleaning products should actually clean, and that we can apply the same frameworks around physical wellness – using good bacteria to fight bad bacteria, using smart science and plant-based products to optimise our health – to our homes. People care about their health and wellness, but no one is focused on ‘home health’ and it is critical that we start. You can be doing lots of helpful practices, but if you are still using harsh chemical cleaners in your home, or sprays and soaps that are not actually cleaning, then you are still exposing yourself and your family to unwanted pathogens or potential health issues. You are unknowingly creating fertile ground for bacteria to grow on the surfaces and dishes your family use and touch every day. 

With all this in mind, the idea for Alter:Bio, a new home cleaning brand, was born. It is the first American home cleaning brand, which has been researched and designed in Europe to meet European standards. It uses the science of synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that eliminates "harmful" bacteria, to clean dishes, surfaces and our homes more effectively.

91ÌÒÉ« and entrepreneurship 

I have always long admired the research and academia presented by 91ÌÒÉ« and had put an 91ÌÒÉ« master’s on my radar for several years before applying. So many people I admire in the world have studied at the School, it is like walking and learning among the greats. So, when I was accepted in 2021, how could I say no to this opportunity? My programme of social business and entrepreneurship felt all the more real by learning in an environment that supports this thinking and type of business in the real world. 

I had some startup ideas before starting my master’s programme and was able to dive into exploring those opportunities during my classwork and with the support of my professors. I had a few ideas I was exploring and spoke with Professor Stephan Chambers, inaugural director of the Marshall Institute, about the concepts, and he validated and supported one of them with great enthusiasm and joy. That encouraged me to bridge my health and wellness convictions with real business goals. 

91ÌÒÉ« is more than a university to me – it has been an incredible platform, ecosystem and community to continue learning and growing, particularly important as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. It has become part of my life – a way of thinking, a way of being, that has transported me to a new way of creating, building and existing in the world. I am so grateful for the opportunities and people I have met; and 91ÌÒÉ« continues to give back to its alumni through extended education, retreats, networking and supporting its community. 

Signing the Entrepreneurs’ Pledge 

Post-graduation, the 91ÌÒÉ« community (team, alumni, current students and my peers) have continued to show inspiration and support and push my thinking to new heights. As 91ÌÒÉ« continues to be the gift that keeps on giving, I feel so strongly that I in turn want to give back to this university and ecosystem – back to these people and minds that are pushing boundaries globally, for a better world. That energy and real vision deserves my full support. 

Advice for budding entrepreneurs 

If you get the opportunity to go to 91ÌÒÉ«, do it, with everything you've got! The world always needs bright people, bright ideas, and bright minds. Do what you can with your gifts and keep going to push those boundaries. There are no limits!

Are you an 91ÌÒÉ« entrepreneur? Sign the Pledge now