Investing in Regenerative Future: A Conversation with Michael Smith

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 funding.

Michael reveals how Regeneration.VC applies a rigorous, nature-first approach to funding innovation:

• The CRISP Measurement System: Learn about the Circular Regenerative Investment Sustainability Protocol (CRISP), the firm's proprietary method for ensuring that investments actively contribute to environmental healing and, critically, "do no harm." Michael explains how this system uses strict negative screens to avoid environmentally destructive practices from the start.

• The Toxics Challenge: Michael details the urgent, often-overlooked threat of toxic materials in consumer products, especially in industries like apparel manufacturing, and how Regeneration.VC targets companies dedicated to eliminating these harmful chemicals from our planet and our lives.

• Success in Circularity: Discover compelling case studies, including an investment in a company that transforms waste from the seafood industry into a compostable, soil-enriching alternative to Styrofoam.

• Impact vs. Returns: Michael shares his personal journey to impact investing and provides insight into the challenges and opportunities of aligning financial goals with a desire to contribute positively to the planet.

This conversation offers a deep dive into how strategic capital can move beyond mere sustainability and actively drive a regenerative future.

Takeaways

Investing with nature in mind is crucial for sustainability.

The CRISP measurement system helps ensure no harm is done.

Impact investing can yield profitable returns while doing good.

Reducing waste and increasing efficiency is key to circularity.

Toxics in consumer products are a growing concern.

Carbon markets are evolving, but challenges remain.

Voluntary carbon markets show promise for innovation.

Mycelium packaging startups face scalability challenges.

Optimism is growing in the nature technology sector.

Innovative business models can drive positive change for the planet.

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