MEET THE TEAM BEHIND

Meet the Founders: The Beginning - A Beautiful Belief


ICON DNA was born from a simple yet profound idea: that nourishment can be beautiful, intelligent, and deeply connected to nature. At the heart of this idea is the belief that nature doesn’t simply provide ingredients — it encodes wisdom. And when that wisdom is cultivated with care, refined by science, and delivered with integrity, it becomes something extraordinary.

This is what we call the DNA of Nature:
A living blueprint of biological intelligence found in mushrooms, mirrored in the human body, and transformed into meaningful daily rituals of refinement through ICON DNA.

It is more than a supplement — it is a sensorial, intentional experience, designed to support long-term wellbeing while honoring the elegance of everyday rhythm.



ICON DNA is also guided

by a promise few can make:

The 0.01% Uniqueness Standard.



This means we belong to the rare fraction of brands that grow their own mushrooms, control every stage of formulation and delivery, and uphold origin as a non-negotiable foundation of trust.



Because true purity can’t be added later.
It must be designed into the DNA

from the very beginning.




The Visionary: Liga Zemture

At the heart of ICON DNA is Liga Zemture, a creative force known for her refined eye, intuitive strength, and ability to transform the everyday into something meaningful.

As Editor‑in‑Chief of a leading fashion magazine, Liga has spent years living at the intersection of beauty, intensity, and precision—constantly traveling, curating, and creating. In this rhythm, she discovered the need for slowness, clarity, and internal balance.

Her long‑standing interest in preventive wellness led her to seek out the cleanest, most effective ways to support vitality—while still embracing aesthetics and pleasure. Working with nutritionists, researchers, and health visionaries, she dreamed of a product that would offer true inner nourishment and design‑led intelligence.

That dream became ICON DNA.

 


The Architect: Ugis Zemturis

ICON DNA would not exist without the vision and structure brought by Ugis Zemturis, founder of IMPERIA ORGANIC, the company behind ICON DNA.

With over 25 years of experience in international banking, fintech, and corporate transformation across multiple countries, Uģis brings clarity, precision, and strategic structure to ICON DNA. A graduate of INSEAD who has collaborated on high‑impact initiatives alongside global firms such as McKinsey & Company, BCG, and Bain, he has led transformative projects within respected European institutions.

At IMPERIA ORGANIC, Uģis has reimagined circular systems by integrating biotechnology, biopharmacy, and regenerative design. His leadership ensures that ICON DNA is not only visionary but also grounded in scientific rigor and operational excellence, forming a refined ecosystem focused on longevity and sustainability.

 


Where Science and Sensibility Meet

Together, Liga and Ugis have built ICON DNA as a union of artistry and science, emotion and structure, intuition and exactness.

What began as a personal vision for elegant self‑care has evolved into a daily supplement born from rigor, design, and regenerative purpose.

 


The Grand Mycology Factory of Northern Europe

ICON DNA is developed in a restored 1871 residence located in a centuries-old park in Northern Europe. More than a facility, this site has been described by Vogue as “the world’s most unique mushroom factory.” It is a place where nature, technology, and timeless design coexist.

Within this space, we:

  • Cultivate our own Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms in a closed-loop, climate-controlled environment

  • Maintain full vertical integration from substrate to spore, extraction to encapsulation

  • Apply a proprietary multi-step extraction system to preserve potency and purity

  • Package each dose in lead-free crystal vessels, designed as permanent objects of beauty

  • Support our standards with third-party laboratory testing

ICON DNA upholds the 0.01% Uniqueness Standard:
A rare level of control, transparency, and ethical sourcing is found in only a fraction of supplement producers worldwide.

 


Academic Collaboration and Scientific Credibility

To ensure our formulas are as effective as they are elegant, ICON DNA is developed in close collaboration with researchers from the University of Latvia, including:

  • Dr. Maris Klavins — expert in environmental chemistry and bioactive compounds

  • Dr. Kristine Saleniece — specialist in biotechnology and nutrition

  • Dr. Jorens Kviesis — leading researcher in microbiology and functional foods

Together, we developed:

  • Advanced methods to maximize the concentration of functional compounds

  • Gentle extraction and preservation techniques to protect beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and natural vitamin D₂

  • Formulas that are both biologically intelligent and scientifically verifiable

Our research is supported by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), reinforcing our mission to merge academic depth with ethical innovation.

 


Who We Are

We are scientists and sensorialists, strategists and innovators.
At our core, and above all, we are true believers in preventive medicine. We believe that true wellness is not just functional, but intentional and pure.

We value:

  • Origin over outsourcing

  • Transparency over trend

  • Precision over promises

And we believe that the future of supplementation begins with what you allow into your body — consistently, quietly, and consciously.

 


Welcome to ICON DNA

A sanctuary of slowness. A system of integrity. A supplement redefined.

We’re honored to be part of your daily rhythm.




SCIENTISTS



Dr. Maris Klavins

Prof., Doctor Habilitatus in Chemistry, University of Latvia

“In our collaboration, the scientific research focused on understanding the molecular complexity of Pleurotus eryngii mushroom and determining how to preserve and concentrate its most valuable bioactive compounds. We studied the chemical structure of polysaccharides, phenolics, and naturally occurring antioxidants, and developed extraction strategies that optimize both purity and potency. The goal was not only to verify the presence of these compounds—but to ensure their full potential is captured and retained in the final formulation.”


Dr. Jorens Kviesis

Doctor of Chemistry, University of Latvia

"My role centered around the development of technologies aimed at maximizing the preservation and bioavailability of key bioactive compounds—such as ergothioneine, β-glucans, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds—naturally present in Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom). These compounds are known for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and potential neuroprotective properties.

The project involved a systematic investigation into how various post-harvest processing parameters—particularly thermal treatments, dehydration techniques (including freeze-drying, convective drying, and vacuum drying), and mechanical disruption—affect the structural integrity and bioactivity of these compounds. We employed techniques such as ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to monitor compound stability and molecular interactions throughout the processing stages.

A significant focus was placed on preserving the native conformation of β-glucans and minimizing the oxidative degradation of ergothioneine, which is thermolabile. Our findings led to the optimization of a low-temperature, multi-stage dehydration protocol that preserves cell wall structure and minimizes nutrient loss. Additionally, we implemented microencapsulation techniques for certain extracts to further protect sensitive compounds and enhance their gastrointestinal bioaccessibility.

The result is an integrated processing system that balances efficiency with compound integrity, enabling P. eryngii to retain its functional potential from cultivation through to its application in nutraceuticals, functional foods, or dietary supplements."


Dr. Kristine Saleniece

Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Latvia

“My research focused on the physiological effects of Pleurotus eryngii, a mushroom renowned for its unique bioactive components that confer significant health benefits to humans. This species is particularly rich in vitamin D2, beta-glucans, and essential amino acids. The synergistic interactions among these bioactive constituents contribute to the modulation of immune function and the promotion of gut microbiome health. The complex biochemical profile of Pleurotus eryngii underscores its potential as a functional food in supporting overall physiological well-being.”

SIA “IMPERIA ORGANIC“ has signed an agreement with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia to support the digitalisation of business processes. Agreement No. 17.2-5-L-2024/622. As a result, the online store mushdna.com was established. Funding: Recovery Fund.

SIA “IMPERIA ORGANIC“ has signed an agreement with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia to support the digitalisation of business processes. Agreement No. 17.2-5-L-2024/622. As a result, the online store mushdna.com was established. Funding: Recovery Fund.

SIA “IMPERIA ORGANIC“ has signed an agreement with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia to support the digitalisation of business processes. Agreement No. 17.2-5-L-2024/622. As a result, the online store mushdna.com was established. Funding: Recovery Fund.

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