The NatureBacked Podcast

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 oceans and the financial industry, far from being distant concepts, are intricately linked, especially when assessing global assets and exposures. Key topics covered: Origin of Ocean Ledger: Started from Paige's marine biology background, desire to work in ocean space beyond pure science, and serendipitous discovery of her co-founder's satellite mapping research after her time in banking. Ocean & Banking Connection: Despite seeming disparate, Paige argues they're highly overlapped, as 70% of the world is ocean, impacting global assets and financial exposure. Current Stage & Funding: Spun out 1.5 years ago, raised first venture funding in January, and are launching their first product for the financial services industry, starting with insurance. B2B Sales Challenges: Acknowledged the slow pace of B2B sales in finance/insurance and strategies to de-risk (relationships, industry presence, focused product development, strategic opportunistic revenue). Ocean Ledger's Product: Offers a software/dashboard for hazard assessment of storm surge and erosion, providing historical insight, quantifying existing defenses, and analyzing coastline changes for risk pricing and vulnerability assessment. Target Markets: The initial focus will be on the US due to its high concentration of risk, with plans to expand to the Caribbean and Australia, where natural defenses are crucial. Storm Surge Analysis: Explained that their USP is not just the physics model, but how the seabed depth, natural features (mangroves, rocks), and historical shoreline changes (erosion, beach nourishment) influence storm surge damage. Satellite Monitoring: Utilizes satellite monitoring, capable of updating data every six days (though not always needed), providing high-frequency updates on coastline changes. Long-Term Vision: Aims to be world-class in risk management for businesses and governments, bridging the gap between insurance/broking and insured clients (ports, developers) to unlock funding for exposure reduction through natural or built defenses. Paige's Personal Connection: Reiterated her deep connection to the ocean, though she admitted it had been a few months since her last swim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the thermal method for converting biomass into usable products, focusing on its scalability and applications in energy production. * Invasive Species Crisis: This chapter explores the ecological impact of invasive plants, with some states reporting up to 43% of their flora being invasive species. Discussions cover removal strategies, including manual extraction versus chemical methods. * Community Engagement: The importance of local efforts and volunteer initiatives in managing invasive species and fostering awareness about environmental impacts. * Business Challenges: Insights into the logistical hurdles of managing biomass supply chains and the nuances of negotiating with larger companies in the industry. * Future Vision: Sydney's aspirations for Green Revival are to bridge the gap between waste management and bio-economy producers over the next few years. This conversation aims to highlight how innovative approaches to biomass can mitigate environmental issues and create economic opportunities in the burgeoning bioeconomy. The episode was recorded live in October 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Shine's specialized, turnkey approach is finally cracking the code. From a projected $7 million in revenue this year (up from $500,000 only last year!) and nearly 2,000 units decarbonized, Shine is demonstrating that impact and profit can go hand-in-hand. Join us to understand how innovation, persistence, and a deep understanding of market needs are driving the adoption of solar in an often-overlooked sector. Follow The NatureBacked on social media for more:  > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com › @naturebacked > LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naturebackedmedia/ > TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@naturebacked/ Subscribe to NatureBacked newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and how they aim to make a meaningful difference in the world. The episode was recorded on stage at Latitude59 in Tallinn. Norrsken is also part of the new Kasvuhoone (in English, greenhouse) initiative to create the largest incubator for future-oriented businesses. Join us for a stimulating discussion highlighting the importance of combining business acumen with environmental responsibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 tackle this global crisis. Discover how The Ocean Cleanup aims not just to clean up existing waste but also to prevent future plastic from entering our oceans. With a mission that is bold enough to ultimately put themselves out of "business", Boyan discusses the organization's journey, the challenges faced, and the advancements in technology that make this ambitious goal achievable. The episode was recorded on sidelines of Latitude59 conference in May 2025 in Tallinn. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the potential solutions to a cleaner, healthier planet. Tune in to learn how each of us can play a role in this vital mission! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices in the digital realm. "We need to take action online," Dembinski said. "Action is the antidote to despair."The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the search market and Ecosia's future growth plans.Takeaways Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees. The company dedicates 100% of its profits to climate action. Ecosia operates as a for-profit company but gives all profits away. The search engine relies on advertising revenue to fund its initiatives. Ecosia focuses on biodiversity hotspots for tree planting. AI is disrupting the search engine market significantly. Ecosia aims to provide users with ethical digital choices. The company maintains high standards for tree planting projects. Ecosia is 200% carbon positive, using solar power for its servers. The future growth of Ecosia involves reaching new audiences and combating misinformation. titlesSound Bite Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ownership of timberland. John also addresses the risks associated with climate change and biodiversity, emphasizing the sustainability of timberland investments, which could be seen as an inflation hedge. "The trees are steady growing, like clockwork," he said. He concludes by outlining the current investment opportunities and the positive outlook for the timber industry in the US economy. Takeaways Southview Timberland Investments was founded to offer timberland investment opportunities. The Southeast US region is the largest timber producer in North America. Timberland investments provide a hedge against inflation. Investing in timberland allows for direct control over assets. The timber industry is evolving with new technologies and products. Cash flow can be generated from timberland investments through various means. Sustainable practices are integral to timberland management. The timberland asset class is less volatile than public markets. Investors can access timberland through various investment vehicles. The current political climate is favorable for the timber industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 by Fiona Alston, who dives deep into the critical shifts shaping our energy landscape. First, Fiona speaks with Charles Ogilvie, Executive Director of Ocean Energy Pathway. Charles sheds light on the burgeoning world of offshore wind energy, explaining why the seas offer superior wind quality allowing for colossal turbines, and how his organization helps governments worldwide build sustainable offshore wind sectors. He addresses the crucial environmental balance, discussing how, counterintuitively, well-managed wind farms can potentially aid marine ecosystem recovery in previously degraded areas, alongside their primary role in climate change mitigation.   Next, the conversation shifts to the intricate challenge of industrial transformation with Kristjan Kuhi, Management Board Member at Eesti Energia. Kristjan candidly discusses the journey of an 85-year-old company, historically reliant on Estonia's oil shale, as it pivots towards renewables like wind and solar, explores grid solutions like batteries and hydrogen, and even seeks circular economy applications for its legacy infrastructure. He highlights the internal and external drivers for this capital-intensive change and the forward-thinking required in R&D. Recorded live (and featuring a brief, real-time electrical hiccup!), this episode offers compelling insights from the front lines of the energy transition. Tune in to explore the vast potential unlocked by tapping into ocean winds and the pragmatic realities of steering a traditional energy player towards a sustainable future, understanding what needs to be built anew and what must be fundamentally transformed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 business basics is paramount. How has the capital stack evolved, and what hard truths must founders accept to navigate today's market? Takeaways Muus Climate Partners focuses on advanced technology and decarbonization. Natural disasters have impacted over 90% of Americans recently. Grid technology is becoming increasingly important due to load growth. Software alone cannot solve climate issues; physical solutions are essential. Adaptation and resiliency are now central themes in climate investment. Fundamentals in business are crucial, especially in uncertain times. Founders must understand their customers' pain points to succeed. The capital stack for climate tech has matured, allowing for creative financing. Realism about market conditions is key for founders seeking investment. Predictability and stability are vital for business success in the current climate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 products you buy.Takeaways Elizabeth Corbett has 25 years of experience in packaging solutions. Sustainable packaging is a top-of-mind conversation for many companies. Reducing the size of packaging can lead to sustainability and cost savings. Recycling practices vary significantly across different municipalities in the U.S. Ocean-bound plastic can be processed and used for various products. Creating a circular packaging system is a complex challenge. Education is key to improving recycling practices in communities. Sustainability can be integrated into packaging without significantly increasing costs. Brands should prioritize sustainability in their product development process.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices