We’re excited to welcome Geoffrey Besnier to Alfred as a Non-Dilutive Funding & Grant Specialist. With a deep background in grant writing, financial planning, and startup strategy, Geoffrey adds valuable insight and hands-on experience to our mission of helping founders succeed on their own terms.

Background & Expertise

Geoffrey has spent the past eight years successfully helping early-stage ventures secure local, national, and EU-level grants, either as a founder or consultant. He is the co-founder and COO of CellX Biosolutions, an ETH Zurich spin-off that develops bacterial solutions to break down chemical waste.

Before founding CellX, Geoffrey supported over 200 projects as a startup coach at ETH Zurich’s Student Project House. His experience spans an impressive range of technologies, from AI platforms and bio-based materials to medtech and advanced batteries. Geoffrey’s career also includes leadership roles at Matrice in Paris, where he oversaw development, finance, and legal strategy, growing the organization with 100% non-dilutive funding.

Geoffrey holds Master’s degrees in European Public Affairs (Sciences Po Paris) and Private Law (Université Paris 8), with further education in corporate finance from ESCP Business School.

Role at Alfred

At Alfred, Geoffrey will:

• Support startups in identifying and applying for non-dilutive funding

• Advise on financial planning for grant-backed ventures

• Help spin-offs from universities or research centers navigate early-stage funding

• Provide guidance on market readiness and business model development

Geoffrey is passionate about helping innovators bring impactful ideas to market without giving up equity too early. We’re glad to have him on board.

Need help making grants work for your startup? Let’s talk.