Eric Vanderson - Co-Founder, Taste Explorer-in-Chief

Eric is a biotech leader turned food science entrepreneur who’s passionate about helping families enjoy meals again. After 15+ years leading R&D groups at companies like Regeneron, Boehringer-Ingelheim, and Curia, Eric knows what it takes to turn scientific ideas into real-world solutions. He’s led major initiatives - including critical work during the pandemic enabling scale-up of the COVID-19 vaccines - and has built high-performing teams throughout his career.

Eric holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University (Materials Science & Engineering) and Ohio State University (MBA) - and had the idea for Taste Compass while doing his M.S. in Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University. Now, he’s on a mission to bring the science of taste into every home.

Andrew Ford – Co-Founder, Chief Technology Architect

Andrew is the tech wizard behind Taste Compass, with more than 20 years of experience building platforms that power better food experiences. He’s launched and sold multiple ventures, including CityEats, acquired by Food Network - where he led restaurant tech innovation. From hospitality platforms at Agilysys to his most recent venture, FlexBooker, Andrew has consistently delivered intuitive, scalable software that solves real problems.

With a background in Computer Science from the University of Central Florida and a deep appreciation for food culture, Andrew blends technical precision with an instinct for great user experiences. At Taste Compass, he’s building the digital engine that connects taste science with everyday eating.