Who we are

Our awesome crew

A bunch of enthusiasts sharing the same goal to make a positive impact on the world.

We have over 10 years of experience in the outdoor market, high-level engineering and composite materials from the automotive industry.

Sara Plaga
Sara Plaga

Co-Founder, CEO, CMO

Originally from Italy, I grew up with a passion for travel, inspired by my father—an airplane pilot and sailor—who took me around the world from an early age.

I studied Management for Arts, Culture, Media, and Entertainment at Bocconi University in Milan and spent several years working in product marketing for ZEISS. But having spent much of my childhood traveling in camper vans and boats, I realized I wanted to channel my professional experience into a project that not only embraced adventure but also helped protect the environment and build a better future for our daughters.

In 2021, with a newborn in my arms and another baby on the way, I co-founded Levante with Kim. At Levante, I lead product marketing, business development, and administration, while fostering relationships with project partners and expanding our network.

Today, we continue to travel the world with our three daughters by RV and sailboat, living our values, testing our innovations in real-world conditions, and working to create a more conscious, sustainable future.

Kim-Joar Myklebust
Kim-Joar Myklebust

Co-Founder, COO, CTO

Originally from Norway, I’ve always dreamed of moving to Italy to design cars.
That dream became reality when I met Sara in Denmark in 2010—I moved to Italy to study Design & Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, setting the foundation for my career in mechanical industrial design and high-performance composite materials.

I spent years working in the motorsport industry, notably with Dallara, Podium Engineering, Formula 1, and Formula 3, where I specialized in composite materials and product development.

My work with advanced composites in automotive and racing gave me deep expertise in creating lightweight, durable, and high-performance structures.

Over time, I realized I wanted to use my skills for something meaningful for the planet—to build technology that makes a real impact.

At Levante, I apply my experience in motorsport engineering and composite materials to develop cutting-edge solar panels, ensuring they are not only high-performing but also beautifully designed and built to last.

I am a proud husband to a wonderful life partner, an even prouder father of three daughters, and I love traveling, discovering the world, and spending time in nature with my family.

Dan & Kika
Dan & Kika

R&D consultants, design advisors and tester

Originally from Haiti and Canada, we, Dan and Kika, are international design consultants with extensive experience in the sailing industry.

We are also the creators of Sailing Uma, a globally recognized YouTube channel where we document our journey of exploration, innovation, and sustainable living at sea.

For years, we’ve been sailing around the world aboard UMA, our all-electric sailboat—more than just our home, it’s a real-world testing platform for cutting-edge gear and technologies.

Through R&D, design advising, testing, and promotion, we leverage our hands-on experience to push the boundaries of efficiency and sustainability.

That’s why we partnered with Levante to integrate their advanced solar panels, putting them to the test in off-grid, high-performance conditions.

Sailing is more than a way of life for us—it’s a mindset of adaptability, creativity, and engineering solutions that make a difference.

Through our work, we aim to inspire a future where design, technology, and sustainability go hand in hand.

Adit Poddar
Adit Poddar

Communication and Brand Designer

Originally from India, I am product and visual designer.
I live and work in Milan where I studied design at Politecnico di Milano.
Cycling, fashion, magazines and Chinese food are among my favourite things.

At Levante, I create material for external communications, ranging from the website to brochures, and visual brand identity.
Paulien Van Amerongen
Paulien Van Amerongen

Project manager

Originally from the Netherlands, I moved to Puglia in 2024 after exploring more of Europe in a camper for one year with my family and our great Golden Retriever Nola.

I studied social sciences and I am specialised in service design thinking, inclusion and co-creation. I love to explore people’s needs, talents and dreams. At Accenture I have learned some proper project management, I have worked as an hr consultant for start-ups and co-founded a service design company for social issues.

My ‘hungry curiosity’ makes me an easy adapter in many fields of business. My down to earth mentality makes me enjoy life, also when stress is around the corner.

At Levante I will make sure that projects meet deadlines, information is flowing, issues are adressed and expectations are met. Don’t hesitate to contact me to explore together how Levante can be of help for you!

Perla Shaar
Perla Shaar

Mechanical Design Engineer

Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—and why they work the way they do. This curiosity led me to earn a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut in 2020.
After several years in product design research, I realized I wanted to deepen my understanding of user experience and design to complement my mechanical skill set, which drove me to pursue a Master’s in Design and Engineering at Politecnico di Milano.
Now, as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Levante, I am dedicated to creating products that are both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.
I believe that as engineers and problem-solvers, we have a responsibility to design with respect for our environment and a commitment to protecting it for future generations.
Uzay Alp Berksoy
Uzay Alp Berksoy

Mechanical Design Engineer

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, a childhood passion for race car engineering ignited my journey. I came to Italy to study at the esteemed Politecnico di Torino, earning a degree in Automotive Engineering. Fueled by a desire to delve deeper, I pursued a Master's in Motorsport Engineering at Oxford.

Along with my efforts in the high-performance super sports car industry, I found a new challenge at Levante.

I'm thrilled to leverage my expertise in cutting-edge hypercar technology to contribute to the design of the world's most high quality solar panels. It's a different kind of speed, but the drive to push boundaries remains the same.

Håvard Vika
Håvard Vika

Energy & electronics consultant

Originally from Norway, I am a sailor, teacher, consultant, and engineer with a deep passion for renewable energy and life at sea.

I hold an MSc in Electric Power Engineering from NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and teach at a vocational school in Norway, specializing in electric machinery, power grids, and renewable energy.

My work bridges theory and real-world application, combining technical expertise with hands-on experience. Whether in the classroom or on the water, I’m always exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Hannah Curtis
Hannah Curtis

Board Observer & Advisor

A seasoned product leader with over a decade of experience spanning healthcare analytics, financial services, geospatial technology, and blockchain infrastructure.

Proven track record of scaling companies from early-stage startups through periods of hyper-growth, with expertise in both technical implementation and strategic leadership.

Successfully led teams at organizations ranging from emerging startups to global enterprises.

Technical background in data analytics and blockchain systems, with a passion for building sustainable, user-friendly platforms that foster community engagement and drive meaningful adoption.

Fabio De Martino
Fabio De Martino

Advisory board member, Business developer

Chief Innovation Officer & Business Developer Manager for Pini Group. Father of three.

Stefania Ingannamorte
Stefania Ingannamorte

Strategy & Finance Advisor

I graduated in Design, Business Economics and Finance and have been working for multinationals in USA and Ireland.

I am in the startup world for many years as an entrepreneur (head Webidoo group, CEO of SF srl, cofounder of Indi srl) and advisor supporting startuppers.

I am a PhD student in Fintech, Crypto, NFT and Metaverse.

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