The NatureBacked Podcast

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 just carbon. Join us as we explore: The rigorous lifecycle assessments that separate true impact from greenwashing. Why cost parity is the key to mass adoption of green tech. The unique challenges and massive potential of investing in hardware startups. Tune in to discover how Planet A is proving that commercial success and environmental regeneration can - and must - go hand in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications firm. Chris works at the intersection of climate tech, clean energy, and policy, helping innovators tell their stories effectively when public opinion and political levers are being pulled in the opposite direction. The Strategic Pivot to "Kitchen Table" Issues: Chris discusses why the climate movement is shifting away from talking about "half-degree temperature increases" to focusing on immediate costs. The most effective messaging today connects clean energy to a 30% lower electric bill for busy families rather than long-term existential threats. A "Speed Bump, Not a Wall": Despite the rollback of wind permits and new hurdles for solar on federal land, Chris remains optimistic. He views this current political period in 2025 as a temporary slowing of an inevitable transition, noting that robust investment in climate tech continues because the economic case is simply too strong to ignore. The Rise of Geothermal and Nuclear: In the current political climate, only a few clean technologies are finding favor with the administration. Chris highlights the growing interest in advanced geothermal and nuclear power, largely driven by the massive energy demands of AI and data centers. Fighting the "Misinformation Ecosystem": Chris shares a cautionary tale from the offshore wind industry, where misinformation contributed to a 15% drop in public support in less than a year. He provides advice for entrepreneurs on how to assert facts without being confrontational to win back public opinion. The Permitting Bottleneck: We explore why so much clean energy is "sitting in a queue" and why reforming the U.S. permitting system is the single most critical step to meeting growing electricity demand. Join us for a masterclass in climate communications and a realistic look at how the energy transition is moving forward, one strategic message at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 wellbores, Renewell is creating "gravity batteries" that move heavy weights to store and release energy on demand. The $450 Billion Problem: There are over 2 million idle wells in the U.S. that could take 100 years to clean up under current methods; Renewell offers operators a way to convert these liabilities into assets while meeting regulatory cleanup quotas. Mechanical Energy Storage: The system works by winching a 30,000-pound (15-ton) weight up and down a wellbore, providing a solution with zero self-discharge—meaning no energy is lost while the weight is held at the top. A "Win-Win" Business Model: By leveraging funds from oil companies that are already legally required to spend money eliminating wells, Renewell aims to drive the cost of storage down to an unprecedented $5 per kilowatt-hour. Scalability & Regulation: While they have already secured critical regulatory wins in California, Colorado, and New Mexico, the potential scale is massive—Kemp estimates that 10% of idle wells, or roughly 200,000 sites, are suitable for this conversion. Efficiency at Any Duration: Unlike chemical batteries, this mechanical system maintains the same round-trip efficiency whether it is discharging for one hour or 100 hours. Join us as Kemp Gregory shares how his background as a petroleum engineer at Shell led to an innovation that could provide 5-10% of the total energy storage the U.S. grid needs to go green. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 tools that bridge the gap between dreamers and dollars. In this essential discussion, you will hear about: The Wild West Carbon Market: Why the voluntary carbon market is struggling, facing "significant headwinds," and the challenges of high-integrity credit development. The Funding Gap: The massive hurdle facing local developers—from small landowners to dedicated community groups—who have authentic, high-value projects but lack the institutional finance to professionalize. The Rise of NatureOS: How Matthew and his co-founder, Miguel Correia (an AI data scientist), are building tools based on machine learning and remote sensing to help projects quickly assess feasibility, reduce risk, and get closer to "bankable" status. Beyond Carbon: The emergence of new markets like Biodiversity Credits and how advanced technology can measure and monitor nature's services with a high degree of certainty, making nature one of the most valuable, yet currently unpriced, assets on the planet. Human Potential vs. AI: Matthew's unwavering optimism, even after a career seeing ecosystems struggle, and his belief that the human capacity for dedication and change will ultimately beat the challenges faced by the climate and conservation worlds. Tune in to understand how data and technology are being deployed to unlock the capital needed for genuine, on-the-ground nature restoration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 farmers in the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica. The discussion covers how the cultivation of the fast-growing Empress Splendor tree provides a sustainable source of hardwood and offers farmers a potential income of $40,000 to $50,000 per acre. Listen in to learn more about this collaboration, which seeks to reshape agricultural practices and provide financial opportunities for farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 development, and the landscape of the seaweed chemical industry, as well as plans for scaling operations and sourcing locally. Takeaways Origin by Ocean produces bio-based and biodegradable chemicals. The company uses invasive seaweeds to create sustainable products. Building a supply chain involves collaboration with local communities. Alginate is a versatile product used in various industries. Fukoidan is gaining recognition for its health benefits. The seaweed chemical industry has a long history but needs modernization. Raising capital is crucial for scaling production. Customer feedback is essential for product development. Local sourcing will be prioritized in future operations. Europe has the potential to lead in sustainable chemical technologies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Origin by Ocean 01:43 The Journey of Invasive Seaweeds 03:12 Building a Sustainable Supply Chain 04:50 Product Development and Market Fit 07:02 The Seaweed Chemical Industry Landscape 09:44 Challenges and Future Plans 13:02 Logistics and Local Sourcing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 finance The future of green banking and its global implications Guest: Tim Newell, founder of GreenFi Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest in sustainable finance and join the conversation on how we can all contribute to a greener future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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