Julia Collins (Planet FWD) - Opportunities in Climate Tech
May 17, 2023
46:47
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Quick takeaways
Accurate measurement is crucial in decarbonization strategies and traditional carbon accounting methods have limitations in providing precise data.
There are exciting opportunities and a need for diverse expertise in climate tech entrepreneurship, with a focus on finding the right capital strategy and aligning with investors who share the same values and vision.
Deep dives
Building Planet Forward: From Snack Brand to Climate Management Platform
Julia Collins, the founder and CEO of Planet Forward, shares the journey of her company and its mission to reduce carbon footprint. Initially inspired by her family's love of food and their commitment to service and equality, Julia set out to create sustainable consumer brands. She explains how Planet Forward evolved from a snack brand to a leading climate management platform for consumer companies. By leveraging data and software, Planet Forward helps companies understand and reduce their carbon footprint, focusing on the often neglected area of food systems. Julia also emphasizes the importance of focusing on problem-solving and finding the right capital strategy for your business, as well as being aware of and participating in the regulatory landscape.
The Value of Measurement in Decarbonization Strategies
In this segment, Julia Collins discusses the significance of measurement in decarbonization strategies. She explains the three different scopes of greenhouse gas emissions and the importance of accurate measurement in each scope. Julia highlights the limitations of traditional carbon accounting methods, which rely on broad averages and lack the granularity needed for effective decarbonization strategies. She explains how Planet Forward's technology offers a more efficient and rigorous approach to carbon accounting, empowering companies to develop effective decarbonization strategies by providing precise and transparent data. Julia emphasizes the need to measure before improving, as accurate measurement is crucial for successful decarbonization efforts.
The Urgency and Optimism of Addressing Climate Change
Climate change remains an urgent global challenge, with the need to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts becoming increasingly crucial. Julia Collins highlights the growing urgency of the climate crisis, as highlighted by reports from the IPCC. She discusses the risks associated with exceeding the 1.5-degree temperature rise and emphasizes the importance of accelerating decarbonization efforts across various sectors. Despite the alarming situation, Julia remains optimistic due to the significant interest and investment in climate tech. She urges more individuals to join the field, highlighting the exciting opportunities and the need for diverse expertise, particularly from engineering backgrounds, to drive innovation and change.
Navigating Funding and Scaling in Climate Tech Entrepreneurship
Julia Collins shares insights into funding and scaling in climate tech entrepreneurship. She advises entrepreneurs to consider the right capital strategy for their business, which may involve a combination of funding sources such as grants, revenue generation, and venture capital. Julia emphasizes the importance of aligning with investors who share the same values and vision. She suggests focusing on building a strong team, establishing a clear culture, and navigating the balance between product development, scaling, and maintaining organizational efficiency. Julia also discusses the potential role of M&A in scaling a business and the importance of selecting the right projects and partners when engaging in carbon offsetting.
Julia Collins is the founder and CEO of Planet FWD, which is empowering the next generation of sustainable consumer companies with its climate management platform. Planet FWD is focused on decarbonizing global supply chains with the belief that all organizations can achieve Net Zero. The platform is inspired by Planet FWD’s own snack brand, Moonshot, which launched in 2020 as the first climate-friendly snack brand. In this conversation with Mo-Yun Lei Fong, executive director of STVP, the Stanford Engineering Entrepreneurship Center, Collins explains the growing climate tech market — especially the areas of decarbonization and climate accounting — and shares advice for founders based on her experience as a serial entrepreneur.
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Stanford eCorner content is produced by the Stanford Technology Ventures Program. At STVP, we empower aspiring entrepreneurs to become global citizens who create and scale responsible innovations.
Support our mission of providing students and educators around the world with free access to Stanford University’s network of entrepreneurial thought leaders: https://ecorner.stanford.edu/give.
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