The people behind the process.

Rick Shang founded Vulpes in 2018. His background combines entrepreneurship, research, and product development, including leading a machine-learning product initiative for mining and quarry operations. He brings experience building organizations, identifying customer needs, and coordinating technical teams, supported by a Ph.D. in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.

Dan Yu is a chemical engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur who built a chemical development and manufacturing business spanning four factories and two laboratories. A Vulpes co-founder, he leads research into novel manufacturing processes, including Carbon Black Acid and L-glufosinate, bringing decades of experience translating chemical innovation into industrial production.

Greg Shapiro brings decades of leadership in industrial operations. He co-owned Shapiro Brothers and later served as Vice President of Operations at PSC Metals, overseeing production, company integration, environmental compliance, and capital planning. A chemical engineer with an Executive MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, he brings technical depth and business discipline to Vulpes.

Mayank Shashtri brings four decades of research and technology-transfer experience in synthetic organic chemistry. He has developed approximately 100 products spanning specialty chemicals, organoselenium reagents, and pharmaceutical active ingredients, and transferred API processes into regular production. His patent contributions and peer-reviewed research reflect a sustained focus on turning laboratory chemistry into practical manufacturing.