Aki founded Save Da Sea Foods. SDS is a plant-based seafood company that is going to be the Beyond Meat of the ocean.

Her vision is to create a world where we no longer need to kill fish to enjoy seafood and help create a world where 100% of our seafood comes from plants.

And she is doing all of this with a toddler in tow!

What inspires you?

My 1 ½ year old son Hiro. He inspires me to be loving and more patient than I ever imagined I could possibly be.

What is Save Da Sea?

Save Da Sea Foods is a plant-based seafood company, our vision is to be the Beyond Meat for seafood. 

Why did you start SDSF?

I came up with the idea for Save Da Sea Foods while I was running my family’s Japanese restaurants. I had become vegan and was looking for seafood alternatives to serve our customers but wasn’t able to find any options, so I started developing recipes myself which lead to our first product to market which is a vegan smoked salmon made from carrots.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Everyday is a challenge, but it’s also what make it interesting. For every customer acquired or positive review around our product, there are a dozen setbacks and people saying no to you. Which is why it’s so important to celebrate every win.

How are you changing the world? 

I want to create a world where we no longer need to kill fish to enjoy seafood and help create a world where 100% of our seafood comes from plants. 

What is your superpower?

Delegating.

Favorite Quote?

I ask no favor for my sex. ... All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks. - Sarah Grimké

This is a quote I recently heard in a Massey lecture with Sally Armstrong, and as a female entrepreneur, it resonates with me. I have been fortunate enough to have received a tonne of support from other female entrepreneurs along my journey and wouldn’t be where I am today without these women. I want to make sure I pay it forward and pave the path for more female founders to be able to attract capital to build big, successful companies.