The Biodiversity Hub - A convergence of circular innovation, investment and ideation
The Biodiversity Hub during Climate Week NYC brought together top minds in biodiversity, and regenerative development seeking solutions in the center of climate policy, practice and impact. Our collective future hinges upon nature's resilience, nurturing a flourishing world for all. We are a coalition comprising financial visionaries, policy architects, storytelling maestros, and conservation champions, dedicated to propelling transformative solutions forward to reverse the rapidly advancing biodiversity crisis. Whether you represent a scaling startup, dedicated non-profit, or forward-thinking financial institution seeking to dig into the connective tissue that drives innovative solutions forward, we invited those attending Climate Week NYC to take part in this collaborative event and engage with kindred spirits among entrepreneurs and investors, united in their commitment to #BuildBackBiodiversity.
The current state
Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, continues to face significant threats. Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, overexploitation of species, and invasive species are among the primary drivers of biodiversity loss. Many species are at risk of extinction, and ecosystems are under increasing stress.
Financial Investment: There is a growing recognition of the economic value of biodiversity and the services ecosystems provide. Sustainable finance, including impact investing and green financing, has gained traction as a means to support biodiversity conservation. Investors are increasingly considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making, aiming to align their portfolios with sustainable practices.
Storytelling: The power of storytelling is crucial in raising awareness about biodiversity issues. Effective narratives can engage the public, policymakers, and businesses, fostering a sense of connection and urgency. Documentaries, books, and campaigns play a vital role in shaping public perceptions and influencing decision-makers to prioritize biodiversity conservation.
Challenges and Opportunities: Despite progress, challenges persist. Funding for biodiversity conservation often falls short of what is required, and the economic benefits of preserving biodiversity are not always immediately apparent. Additionally, the disconnect between financial markets and the natural world poses obstacles.
Meet Our Panelists:
Moving Beyond 30X30
High level discussion on the state of international policy opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships to advance the global goals
Moderator: Shannon Cosentino-Roush, Chief Strategy Officer | Finless Foods
Kevin Webb, Co, Founder | Superorganism
Martijn Lopes Cardozo, CEO | Circle Economy
Maggie Kervick, Global head of Sustainability Kiehl’s | L'Oréal
Jeremy Raguian - Communications & Outreach | AOSIS + SIF, Columbia Climate School
Growing The Innovation Ecosystem - founders, investors discussing cutting edge technologies and systems to restore the biosphere
Founders, investors discussing cutting edge technologies and systems to restore the biosphere
Moderator: Reyna Bryan, President | RCD Packaging
Adam Root CEO | Matter
Tom Chi, Founding Partner | AtOne Ventures
Johann Boedecker - CEO | Pentatonic
Shiraz Omar, Country Head | USA Brandix
Shifting Trillions
Moderator: Milena Stojceska, Director, Investor Relations | Overlay Capital
Ali Motroni, Client Experience Director | Align Impact
Ian Monroe Founder | Stanford & ETHO Capital
Katie Hoffman, Partner | Regeneration VC
Brett Wayman, Managing Partner | Overlay Capital
Strategizing Storytelling to Advance Biodiversity and Climate Action
Explore innovative storytelling techniques and campaign strategies with experts
Moderator: Brittany DeGirolamo, Founder & CEO | Phocus Creative
Vasser Seydel, President | The Oxygen Project
Theresa Lieb, Senior Director, Nature and Food Systems | GreenBiz Group
Shyla Raghav, Founding Editor | Time Co2
The evening concluded with our second annual “Road To COP” cocktail event co-hosted by Hub Culture and Prosperity Of The Commons - where we invited networking and connection between start-ups, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and scientists in support of solutions around biodiversity in NYC in advance of attending COP28 in Dubai. The event featured low-methane milkshakes by Symbrosia and natural wines by The Marigny.
HubCulture is a global network that offers four key assets: Pavilions for collaboration, Knowledge Brokerage services, the Ven digital currency and HubID.
Prosperity Of The Commons - empowers individuals, communities, and businesses to maximize human prosperity while simultaneously achieving dynamic socio-ecological sustainability.
Learn more about our event partners:
Host Organizations:
Regeneration VC - riven by circular and regenerative principles Our portfolio companies are tackling the greatest challenge humanity faces: the climate emergency.
Phocus Creative - Climate and science- based communications agency focused on creating brands, advocating for movements, building partnerships, producing events and leading social media and content strategy. We help sustainable and social impact led companies advocate their unique story by creating ways to continually and effectively connect with their community.
Sponsor Organizations:
OnlyOne - The action platform for the planet. A nonprofit organization in the US with a global community of supporters, Only One leverages content, advocacy campaigns, and crowdfunding to restore ocean health and tackle the climate crisis.
The Goldman Environmental Prize—often dubbed the “Nobel Prize for the Environment”—the Goldman Prize is the world’s foremost award for grassroots environmental leaders. Each year, the Prize is awarded to six extraordinary environmental leaders from around the world. Over the past 34 years, the Goldman Prize has recognized more than 200 individuals from over 90 countries for protecting endangered ecosystems and species, combating destructive industries and development, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly policies, and advocating for environmental justice.
At One Ventures is an VC firm backing early-stage deep tech entrepreneurs catalyzing a world where humanity is a net positive to nature. Since 2020 the firm has made 35 investments, including battery materials recycler Ascend Elements, de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences, and biodegradable packaging supplier Cruz Foam.
Align Impact a female-founded impact investment advisor and certified B Corporation with $2.6 billion of assets under advisement. We devise and implement customized impact investing and philanthropic strategies for individuals, family offices, foundations, and financial advisors to catalyze positive change across geographies and impact themes.
Overlay Capital operates at the intersection of private markets and sustainability, offering investment products that span the spectrum from innovation to infrastructure. Our funds offer diverse allocators access to risk-adjusted investments that prioritize people and the environment.
Hub Culture is a global network that offers four key assets: Pavilions for collaboration, Knowledge Brokerage services, the Ven digital currency and HubID.
Superorganism backs founders with wild ambition. We support biodiversity startups at their earliest stage as they build a more abundant world for humans and nature alike.
GreenBiz - Through events that galvanize, stories that amplify, peer networks that bond and industry-leading analysis, we define markets and advance opportunities at the intersection of business, technology and sustainability. We are a passionate team of people that builds and empowers communities to confront the threats of climate change and solve the thorniest challenges of our time,