#91 | The net zero advantage + showcase recording now available
Understory newsletter on climate and sustainability tech
Hello! Shoutout to all those that joined us at our showcase last week. It was our biggest event with over 80 people joining from across the globe. We united around our commitment to overcome climate challenges using innovation and technology. Many thanks to Joey Shea, May Al-Karooni, Raul Engelke, and Jakob Levin for sharing their stories of impact.
Showcase recording is NOW AVAILABLE. Catch the replay and check out the highlights.
Our next showcase is on Wednesday, February 16th. REGISTER NOW! There will be something for everyone - talking recycling, urban gardening, sustainable investing, ESG reporting and risk management. Hope to see you there!
There’s tons of climate news this week. We bring you the curated resources and highlights below.
📚 Worth Reading
Why is net zero becoming the latest trend amongst business leaders? Larry Fink reaffirmed that it’s all about the profits in his annual letter to shareholders. A recent paper by BCG and the World Economic Forum showed that early climate leaders can gain a substantial competitive advantage in the market and gain benefits like cheaper financing, higher revenues, and cost savings.
Getting there requires mindset shift, strategy, and transformation. As Joey Shea mentioned at our showcase, it’s time to LOVE carbon. We need to see it as a resource rather than the enemy. It starts by estimating your carbon footprint and setting targets, operationalizing decarbonization in your business practices and supply chain, and diffusing net zero through your entire organization.
Links:
Larry Fink’s annual letter to shareholders
BCG-WEF Project: The Net Zero Challenge
🚀 Funding and Congrats!
Green Labs, a South Korean agtech company that makes farmers more efficient, raised a $140 million Series C investment round.
MycoWorks closed a $125 million Series C investment. The company makes mushroom-based leather alternative materials used in luxury products.
Colossus, a solar energy marketplace and software for solar installers, raised a $36 million Series A round.
Dublin-based Exergyn raised a $35 million Series A round. The company replaces refrigerants with solid material, reducing GHG.
Regenerative farming enabler Aigen raised a $4 million seed round led by AgFunder, Global Founders Capital, and ReGen Ventures.
Rebundle, a plant-based hair extensions maker, raised a $1.4 million pre-seed round.
💡 Startup Spotlight
Craste - creates value added products out of crop residue for furniture and packaging applications.
🌱 Startup Resources
The REMADE Institute issued a RFI to accelerate the circular economy in the U.S.. They are seeking feedback on current and future activities.
TechStars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator program is now accepting applications. Deadline to apply is May 11.
HBR breaks down ways to write a sustainability report, considering the various standards and ratings.
👀 Quick Hits
10 climate tech predictions for this year. Some are expected (unicorns, disclosure requirements, EV) and a few others are less so (web3+climate, insurtech goes climate tech).
A record amount of equity was raised by sustainable firms last year.
A group of major lenders created an ESG covenant package representing a unified approach to ESG reporting requirements.
Soft drink makers are battling for the supply of recycled plastic, causing the price to double.
Eastman is investing $1 billion in a new molecular recycling facility that will process hard to recycle plastic waste.
Ways to speed decarbonization of the built environment, and Google’s new ‘dragonscale’ solar roof.
🎧 Podcast
Joanne Rodriguez of Mycocyle: regeneration powered by fungi
David Wei of SolarKal: simplifying solar procurement
Ed Thomas of Hazel: climate empowerment with a single click
The Understory Podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts.
⚙️ Jobs
Find and share your open positions on the Understory Slack channel.
🆕 Operations Manager at Atmo Home
🆕 Environmental Protection Specialist at EPA
🆕 Multiple roles at Siklus
🆕 Carbon Credits Director at BitGreen
🆕 Head of Sustainable Products at Boston Materials
🆕 Multiple roles at DYPER
🆕 Innovation Manager, Sustainability at Crocs
🆕 ESG / Sustainability Product Lead at Hartford Funds
🆕 Green Economy Associate at JPMorgan
🆕 Senior Strategy Manager - Defense Sustainability at Boeing
Sustainability Project Coordinator at JLL
Store Managers & Associates at Borobabi
Head of Climate at Diginex
Multiple Roles at MightyFly
Key Account Director at Interface
Head of Sustainability at OnProcess Technology
Senior Program Manager, Diversion at Whole Foods
Senior Position in Late-Stage Technology Investing at Revaia
Finance Intern at Wallet Max
Recycling & Waste Diversion Analyst at Cox Enterprises
Director, Strategic Initiatives - Corporate Affairs - Sustainability (Circular Economy) at Walmart
Principal, Circular Economy at Amazon
Project Director, Sustainability, Energy and Climate Change (Circular Economy) at WSP
🗓 Events
February 16: Understory’s Startups Driving Sustainability - February Showcase
March 23: Understory’s Startups Driving Sustainability - March Showcase
April 23: Atlanta Green Business Market Fair
Do you have any events to share? Post them in our Understory Slack community.
📧 Stay in Touch!
You don’t have to wait for our weekly newsletter for all the latest content. Join us on Slack or follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to see real-time updates.