The NatureBacked Podcast

With Mats Larsson, founder of the Global Energy Transformation Institute (GETI), we delve into the critical challenges and promising opportunities shaping the continent's path towards a sustainable future. Our conversation explores the strategic imperative for Europe to bolster its domestic battery and electric vehicle economy, examining the lessons learned from past initiatives and the potential...

In this episode of NatureBacked, we sit down with Jessica Burley from Planet A Ventures, a European VC fund with €160 million in dedicated capital, pursuing a science-first approach to impact investing. Planet A is rewriting the playbook by giving its in-house science team veto power on investment decisions, ensuring every portfolio company addresses the world's critical planetary boundaries—not j...

The U.S. climate landscape has shifted dramatically from passing historic legislation to facing a "full-frontal attack" on clean energy policy. As federal rules are scaled back and agencies are hollowed out, how do climate organizations and green tech companies survive—and even thrive—in such an environment? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communications, a Washingto...

What if the millions of idle oil wells scattered across North America weren't just environmental liabilities, but the key to stabilizing energy grid? In this episode, we sit down with Kemp Gregory, CEO and co-founder of Renewell Energy, to discuss how his team is repurposing fossil-fuel infrastructure for the renewable energy age. By using fundamental physics and the massive depth of existing well...

In a climate-aware world, can venture capital truly be a force for good? Join us as we speak with Michael Smith, co-founder of Regeneration. VC, a firm dedicated to reshaping consumer value chains through the lens of environmental regeneration. While the firm is known for its strategic advisor Leonardo DiCaprio, the real stars of this show are the revolutionary businesses Michael and his team are...

RAMO Earth's Matthew Jordan joins the NatureBacked podcast to discuss the mission behind his platform, NatureOS—an operating system designed to enable nature-based solutions and help conservation projects thrive. In a voluntary carbon market that is often described as "fragmented" and "confused," Matthew shares his journey from hands-on conservation work in Mozambique to building technological too...

The episode features Doug Willmore, CEO of World Tree, a company focused on nature-based investment. With a four-decade career in finance and city management, Willmore now centers his work on environmental solutions. World Tree's model aims to integrate climate solutions with an investor-focused approach. The episode explores World Tree's agroforestry model and its collaboration with 375 small far...

Summary In this episode 135, Mari Granström discussed her company, Origin by Ocean, which focuses on producing bio-based and biodegradable chemicals from invasive seaweeds. She shares her journey from a background in the chemical industry to developing sustainable solutions using seaweed, particularly in the Caribbean. The discussion covers the challenges of building a supply chain, product develo...

Join us as we explore the journey towards creating a sustainable banking network. This episode dives into the challenges financial institutions face and the innovative strategies they employ to promote eco-friendly practices. Key Topics: Understanding the environmental impact of traditional banking Strategies for implementing green banking solutions Insights from industry leaders on sustainable fi...

What happens when a lifelong passion for the ocean meets the world of high finance? You get Ocean Ledger. Paige, a marine biologist by heart who (surprisingly) transitioned to banking and consulting, shares the serendipitous journey that led her to co-found a company on a mission to change how we understand and manage coastal risks. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as Paige shows why oc...

Sydney Rodman, founder of Green Revival, reveals how the invasive species can be transformed into valuable resources like hydrogen and sustainable construction materials. We'll uncover the challenges of biomass procurement, the science of gasification, and Green Revival's vision for a future where waste becomes a cornerstone of the bioeconomy. Key topics include: * Gasification Process: This is th...

In this insightful discussion, Tarmo talks with Owen Barrett, the entrepreneur behind Shine, a solar startup revolutionizing the multi-family real estate industry. Owen shares his 8-year journey from finance to becoming "hyper-obsessed" with decarbonizing apartment buildings, ultimately launching Shine in 2023. Discover the unique challenges of bringing solar to multi-family properties and how Shi...

In this episode of the NatureBacked, we spoke with Johan Attby and Rebecka Löthman Ryda from the Norrsken's Accelerator.  We delved into Norrsken’s mission to foster impact-driven entrepreneurship, exploring innovative solutions for sustainability and resilience.  With their unique perspectives on nurturing early-stage startups, Rebecka and Johan shared insights about their investment strategies a...

In this episode of the NatureBacked podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution in our oceans. Join us as we welcome Boyan Slat, the founder of The Ocean Cleanup, a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to ridding the world's oceans of plastic. Boyan shares his vision and the innovative technologies being employed to tac...

In this conversation, Sophie Dembinski discusses Ecosia, a search engine dedicated to environmental sustainability and reforestation. She explains the company's mission to plant trees and combat climate change by allocating 100% of its profits to these efforts. Sophie elaborates on Ecosia's unique business model, its challenges in competing with larger search engines, and the importance of ethical...

John Brenard shares the origin story of Southview Timberland Investments, detailing his transition from finance to timberland investing. He discusses the advantages of investing in timberland, particularly in the Southeast US, where the market is robust and diverse. The conversation covers the various products derived from timber, the investment opportunities available, and the benefits of direct...

The episode brings two distinct but interconnected perspectives on the green transition: harnessing the immense power of our oceans and transforming established energy giants from within. Get ready for insights into offshore wind development and the complex journey of greening a legacy fossil fuel company. The NatureBacked podcast, direct from the vibrant atmosphere of Impact Day 2024, was hosted...

What does it take to secure climate tech investment now? Is the era of software-only solutions over? Tarmo Virki probes Kavita Patel and Logan Grizzel from climate investors MUUS Climate Partners on the tough questions facing the sector. They discuss the undeniable need for physical infrastructure, the growing importance of grid tech and resilience, and why a laser focus on customer needs and busi...

Can packaging be both beautiful and environmentally responsible? This week on NatureBacked, we explore this critical question with eco-packaging expert Elizabeth Corbett. From navigating the maze of recycling systems to turning ocean waste into valuable resources, Elizabeth reveals the secrets to smarter, greener packaging. Join us for a fascinating conversation that will change how you see the pr...

Did you know that most sunflower seeds end up as oil or animal feed? Our guest is challenging the centuries-old status quo of sunflower seed usage.  Join us as we speak with Dmitri Eivin, the co-founder and CEO of Sunfly. The episode was recorded live at Impact Day 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia. While over 95% of sunflower seeds are traditionally relegated to oil and animal feed, Sunfly is pioneering a...

Francisco Roque De Pinho, co-founder of the Land Group, discusses in this episode the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture in South America and beyond. He shares insights into the practices that make agriculture more sustainable, the challenges faced in implementing these practices, and the importance of capital in driving change.  The discussion also touches on the role of carbon...

Anthony Milewski discusses the global energy transition with host Tarmo Virki, emphasizing the shift from coal to cleaner energy sources like nuclear and renewables. He highlights the importance of critical minerals in sustainable energy and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their sourcing. The discussion also touches on consumer responsibility and the environmental impact of electric vehicles, urg...

Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical discusses the innovative approaches to vertical farming, emphasizing the ease of use and productivity of their systems. He shares insights into the sustainability of hydroponics, the challenges faced by startups in the agricultural sector, and the growth of the consumer market for indoor farming solutions. Tidd also highlights future milestones for...

In this conversation, Jojo Mehta, the head of Stop Ecocide International, discusses the concept of ecocide, its definition, and the importance of criminalizing severe environmental harm. She shares her journey into environmental advocacy, the global legislative progress, and the role of international law in addressing ecocide. The discussion highlights the cultural shifts needed to recognize the s...

Ramanan Raghavendran, founder of a venture capital firm Amasia, outlines their investment thesis, which emphasizes behavior change and the circular economy, and shares insights on the challenges facing clean tech and sustainability startups. Ramanan also highlights the importance of consumer behavior in driving sustainable choices and offers advice for navigating the investment landscape in the co...