The NatureBacked Podcast

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

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