As someone who comes from an entrepreneurial family background, connecting investors with innovation is something that comes naturally to me. I believe in building a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for protecting the environment and are not solely driven by short-term gain. One such individual is Richard Walker, the executive chairman of Iceland Foods, who is known for his personal and business commitment to a healthy environment and protecting nature. Business leaders like him are the exciting new breed that combine positive impact, personal passion, and profit.
In the climate sector, it’s important not to dwell on the status quo and lay blame for global warming or climate change. Instead, my co-founders at Blue Earth and I focus on finding solutions from the ground up. Financial institutions are recognizing the potential of the climate space, with a current turnover of £344.6bn and growing at 11% per year. Legislative changes are also happening, with the European Council approving the Net-Zero Industry Act and introducing sustainability requirements and a new ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear. London-based climate tech startups raised $3.5bn, ranking second globally in terms of investment in the sector.
Part of my role as a climate business super connector is to inform and educate investors and innovators about the latest trends and emerging solutions in the climate sector. My team and I share timely insights to bridge the knowledge gaps in the industry that hinder innovation and growth. While investors may be impatient for fast returns, I urge them to think differently about the potential of the climate sector, where higher risk can lead to higher rewards.
In the agri-tech and food system transformation space, exciting players are addressing urgent problems of the current food system. From lab-grown meats to technology that can track the quality of farmland and sustainable chilled food transport systems, these solutions have the potential to save billions of avoidable costs and transform food systems.
Innovation in the green sector may take longer to realize, but the opportunity is bigger. As impact investing becomes more mature and financial returns are more visible, investor commitments will become an easier choice. We are on the cusp of the fastest, deepest, most consequential transformation of human civilization in history, as noted by co-founders of Rethinkx. With the growing appreciation for climate sector innovation and opportunity, investors will look increasingly to the planet-positive businesses that are fixing our planet on a daily basis.
