Harnessing Pine Pollen’s Power to Transform Wellbeing

For EHF Fellow Carl Meyer, founder of Biogold, nature has always been a source of curiosity, inspiration, and opportunity.

A scientist with a background in biology and environmental science, and a CPD-certified health coach, Carl grew up with a connection to the natural world. This connection shaped his academic pursuits at Victoria University of Wellington, where he immersed himself in understanding ecosystems and the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and their environments.

It was during his university days that Carl’s entrepreneurial streak first emerged.

“Even as a student, I saw entrepreneurial opportunities. I created a business to help university students to buy and sell furniture and appliances, and to find flatmates. That was my first experience of creating and launching something from the ground up, scaling it, and eventually selling it. It taught me the possibilities of business and entrepreneurship.”

This early success sparked Carl’s desire to combine his scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision, culminating in the founding of Biogold - a company based in Whakatāne in Aotearoa NZ’s Bay of Plenty that is grounded in both innovation and a mission to improve people’s lives through natural solutions.

From Scientific Curiosity to Transforming Health

The seed for Biogold was planted during Carl’s time working for New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Tasked with exploring high-value export opportunities, Carl discovered an untapped potential in pine pollen, a natural resource derived from New Zealand’s extensive pine forests, which is often overlooked. Pine pollen’s centuries-old use in traditional medicine across Asia intrigued him, and he delved into its biochemical properties and health benefits.

Initially, Carl’s interest was driven by the broader benefits of creating a more sustainable export industry for Aotearoa NZ. But everything changed when Biogold’s prototype products reached the hands of customers.

“When I started getting feedback from our early customers - how pine pollen had improved their energy, immunity, and enhanced their quality of life - that was the tipping point for me. It became clear that this was not just about export. It became about serving others, improving their health and quality of life by unlocking the incredible energy in these trees and making this special herb accessible.”

Science-driven Innovation for Better Health

Biogold’s flagship product, a liquid pine pollen tincture, has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers for its ability to support testosterone levels, vitality, and healthy ageing. Carl’s dedication to rigorous scientific validation has been pivotal in building trust with his customers.

“There was a pivotal moment when I first tested New Zealand pine pollen for testosterone,” he recalls. “The scientist was sceptical, but when the results came back, he was amazed. That validation was a game-changer.”

Notably, New Zealand pine pollen stands out globally for its higher concentration of octacosanol, a molecule linked to physical performance, strength, and endurance, compared to pollen from overseas. This unique quality gives Biogold a distinct edge in the health supplement market. Recent testing conducted in collaboration with Insitugen Laboratory in Dunedin also demonstrated a 40% boost in testosterone levels in human cells, validating the potency of the product.

Biogold’s products are crafted from pollen harvested on forest-certified transitional organic land, ensuring pure air, soil, and sustainable practices, resonating with health-conscious consumers who value transparency and ethical production. Carl’s holistic approach to business reflects his respect for the environment and his belief in creating solutions that are good for people and the planet.

The company’s achievements have also gained recognition from the New Zealand Government. Support from MPI and Callaghan Innovation has provided funding and resources to help accelerate growth, positioning Biogold to scale its operations and expand into international markets.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

Building Biogold hasn’t been without its challenges.

“There’s so much to understand - from biochemistry to harvesting, manufacturing, marketing, and navigating regulations,” Carl admits. “There have been times when it felt overwhelming, but what keeps me going is the burning desire to see it through and the knowledge that I’m doing this for a purpose - to help people and share the healing potential of pine pollen.”

Carl’s journey demonstrates the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and building a strong team.

“Scaling a business is all about setting strong foundations and attracting the right talent. It’s also about deeply understanding your customers and how to help them.”

For new entrepreneurs aiming to bring innovative products to market, Carl stresses the need for unwavering commitment.

“Get the right help - surround yourself with the right people. And don’t go into business half-heartedly. You’ve got to have more than just an idea - you need drive, passion, grit, and determination to see it through in the long term. This has been a long-term project for me; I’ve been working on it for 6 years, and it still only feels like it’s at the beginning.”

Expanding a Global Vision for Natural Health

With Biogold’s growing success in Aotearoa NZ, Carl is now focused on expanding into international markets, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea, where there’s significant demand for science-backed natural health solutions. But scaling up to meet demand is no small feat.

“The biggest challenge has been around supply, scaling the harvesting and processing, and navigating distribution and regulations.”

Despite these complexities, Carl remains committed to his mission:

“This isn’t just about building a business. It’s about unlocking the potential of pine pollen to improve lives.”

Support from the Edmund Hillary Fellowship

Carl credits some of his progress and success to the mentorship and connections he’s gained through the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.

“It’s been excellent to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors who have already been very successful in a whole number of different disciplines. I’ve got some great friends and mentors within the Fellowship, who have helped me to check my thinking, to show me opportunities I didn’t see, to help and provide feedback, guidance and support. It’s been these mentoring connections that have helped the most. The right piece of advice from Fellows at the right time has completely changed the game for me.”

The Future of Biogold

Looking ahead, Carl envisions Biogold as a global leader in natural health, combining modern science with the 3000-year-old traditional use of pine pollen in herbal medicine for vitality and longevity, to create products that allow people to live healthier, more vibrant lives. As Biogold continues its expansion efforts, Carl’s entrepreneurial vision and persistence remain the driving forces behind the company’s global ambitions.

“Our mission is simple: to bring the best of nature and pine pollen to people around the globe in a way that’s sustainable, effective, and ethical,” he says. This dedication to doing business responsibly and with a purpose is helping position Biogold for success and to create a long-term, positive impact.

Carl adds:

“I’d love to encourage anyone interested in the product, the story, or the journey to reach out. Whether you want to work with us, collaborate, share unique perspectives, or offer advice, we’d love to connect. And if you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to try the product and experience its benefits firsthand.”

To learn more, explore Biogold, visit www.biogoldnz.com.

Carl is part of the Fellow group Iti Rearea, which had its Welcome Experience in 2022. Learn more about Carl via the Fellow Directory on our website.