Stephen Crosher is the co-founder of RheEnergise, a high density hydro-power energy business in the UK.
Stephen speaks to Raakhee about their modern twist on an old idea, turning small hills into giant batteries for energy storage, and including nature corridors. Discussing the challenges of storage for renewable energy, the opaqueness in the energy industry and what renewables can do for UK energy bills.
Talking about how to balance listening to critics and believing in your vision, and pacing yourself to manage the stresses of long term infrastructure projects.
THE DEBRIEF
Gaby Jesson takes a deep dive into some themes arising in this episode, including power, politics, secrets, nda’s, sharing information and investor confidence.
The panel of guests for this episode are:
Marco C Funk: Founder at enerlink.ai and speaker at Davos & UN COP, speaking about how politics and power hinder our energy transition. Asking when will we leave fossil fuels? When the last drop is dry or when the subsidies end?
Ed Marshall: Head of commercialisation at SuperDielectris, previously at Cambridge Enterprise. Speaking about the importance of test and learns for investor confidence, pivots whilst maintaining your vision and using nda’s.
https://www.rheenergise.com/https://www.enerlink.ai/
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Aura Murillo and Louise Skajem are the founders of Resting Reef, a memorial service turning the ashes of those who have died into coral and oyster reef memorials, restoring marine life and biodiversity.
Louise and Aura speak to Raakhee about their inspiration, how they work with closely with local communities in Bali to create and install the memorials, and their next locations. With 95% of UK and 85% of global oyster reefs now destroyed, imagine supporting their restoration with your loved ones, literally...
THE DEBRIEF
Gaby Jesson takes a deep dive into some of the themes arising in this episode, including how to talk about sensitive topics, the power of diverse perspectives, female leadership, and grant funding.
The panel of guests for this episode are:
Dr Camilla Pang: Computational biologist, writer, and autism advocate, speaking about cultural appropriation, helping your community unmask with you, and authenticity in a world of ai.
Dr Chloe Sharp: PhD, product research consultant, and previously grant funder. Speaking about the pros/cons of using chat gpt for grant writing and how to utilise your social capital
https://www.restingreef.co.uk/
https://www.drchloesharp.co.uk/
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Louisa Ziane is the co-founder of Toast Brewing, an award winning craft beer brand from East London's Hackney, brewed using surplus bread.
Louisa talks to Raakhee about 1/3 of the worlds food being wasted, and how they were inspired at a sandwich factory that was throwing away the heel ends of loaves, resulting in 13k of wasted slices of bread from one baker, in one day.
Donating ALL profits to charity to tackle food waste, they want to allow drinkers to do something for nature and the climate crises by simply enjoying a cold beer.
You can use code SF15 on their website for a 15% discount on your order. Valid until 31 Dec 2025. Please use responsibly.
https://www.toastbrewing.com/blog/inside-the-factory
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0026q82/inside-the-factory-series-9-2-sliced-bread
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Nick Stoop is the founder of Pangea Impact investments, focused on sustainable workplace pension solutions.
Nick talks to Raakhee about how a sustainable pensions can reduce your overall carbon footprint by approx. 50% AND build your wealth. Discussing perspective, risk and fears, ie where should we be investing our pensions today?
Your pension is a powerful vote for the future, and Nick is campaigning for workplace pension investments to be sustainable by default.
Sign and share his petition to help accelerate change.
https://www.change.org/p/make-workplace-pension-investments-sustainable-by-default
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Professor Becky Parker is the founder of Project Earth, an organisation empowering young people aged 8-18 to innovate for biodiversity and climate solutions.
Prof.Becky talks to Raakhee about the creative minds she works with, and wanting to given them agency in their future. Her students will be aged 40 when net zero 2050 comes into place, yet most sustainability demo days are for people aged 18-35.
We hear from her impressive student founders who share their ideas, ranging from an algae pen to a wristband monitoring air quality.
https://projectearth.global/advisors/raakhee-tailor/
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Andrew Wordsworth is the co-founder of Sustainable Ventures, Europe's leading growth partner for climate tech.
Andrew talks to Raakhee about starting his first company when he was in sixth form, and the high survival rate for start ups that belong to a Hub vs doing it alone.
They discuss why you can’t be a sustainability purist, why profit and sustainability must go hand in hand, as climate tech allows us to extend the runaway whilst we move to climate repair. At a time where some (world) leaders are climate deniers, good design and competitive costs are paramount.
THE DEBRIEFGaby Jesson takes a deep dive into some of the themes arising in this episode, from finding the right innovation hub to raising capital.
The panel of guests for this episode are:
Rebecca Oatley: Co-founder at Wilful, a PR and communications agency, speaking about the lonely job of being a founder, importance of community and aligned goals
Paul Finch: Co-founder of Growth Studio, a start up accelerator and innovation consultancy, speaking about grants, funding, tax incentives and the role your network and corporations play
https://www.sustainableventures.co.uk/
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Heike Petersen Cunza is the founder of Wellicious, a circular yoga wear brand, with Cradle to Cradle, Gold certification.
Heike talks to Raakhee about the depth of their sustainability certification, her priorities of motherhood, and how yoga principals of peace and love contradict the plastic yoga clothing industry (think polyester, nylon fabrics), that harm the wearer and the environment. Heike doesn’t want to be known as a sustainable brand, but as an affordable, modern, yoga wear brand for everyone.
Gaby Jesson takes a deep dive into some of the themes arising in this episode, including the business value and backlashes of certification. The panel of guests for this episode are:
Ana Santi: Journalist at Vogue Business, the BBC, author and former deputy editor at Drapers, speaking about the scrutiny of good certification, and the high cost of sportswear fabric innovation
Nick Reed: Founder of menswear clothing brand Neem London, speaking about unifying internal values via certifications, managing supply chains, recycled clothing and how to engage shoppers by building a community
https://www.ana-santi.com/about-ana-santi
https://wildsaint.co.uk/pages/sustainable-founders-podcast
Should you wish to participate on future episodes or discuss any part of this podcast please email us at halo@wildsaint.co.uk
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment only and is not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions related to sustainable fashion or any other topic discussed on this podcast. Additionally, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or company mentioned
Deepak Ravindran is the Co-Founder of Oddbox, a £30m wonky surplus food subscription service, fighting food waste with imperfect looking fruit & veg.
Deepak talks to Raakhee about the changing attitudes towards food aesthetics, with 20-40% of food not leaving UK farms due to their imperfect looks, and the role of supermarket cosmetic standards. Deepak speaks of his mental wellness and resilience when raising investment and the investor who told him only fools and family will invest!
THE DEBRIEFGaby Jesson takes a deep dive into some of the themes arising in this episode, including food waste, investment pitches and mental health.
The panel of guests for this episode are:
Claire Osbourne: Impact coach for sustainable specialists, speaking about coaching to go from good to great, our shadow self and the lies we tell ourselves
Emily Warburton-Adams: Co-founder of Pow Food, nutrition led catering, speaking about food delivery, the importance of support networks and co-founding/working with her mother
British Asian Entrepreneurs https://www.thebaehq.com/
Milo Pinckney is the founder of Rollr, a deodorant made for pleasure, people, and the planet.
Milo talks to Raakhee about being inspired whilst travelling in New Zealand, recognising we are part of the seas and the trees.
They discuss the patent on the bottle, the natural anti-perspirant and anti-odourant ingredients, and the emotional first sale. With impressive organic press coverage in GQ, Dazed and Service 95, Milo speaks of his ambition for the brand and why embedding values is essential for any future exit plan.
Roni Gamzon is the co-founder and COO of BioFluff (Savian and BioPlush), the worlds first plant based alternative to fur and plush (think fluffy fabrics on coats, pillows, kids toys).
Roni talks to Raakhee about micro plastics that shed from plush, and how infants have up to x10 more microplastics than adults. Sharing how they showcased the brand at COP28 with Stella McCartney, the exciting yet brutal dynamics of fashion, their plans for growth, the upside of having a co-founder and the importance of profit and personal legacy.
Ira Guha is the founder of Asan, a social enterprise brand of menstrual cups.
Ira talks to Raakhee about her inspiration behind Asan, about period poverty not only being an issue in the Global South, and reducing plastic waste via their reusable cup. Discussing the lack of female representation in product innovation, the stigmas, usage, and pre conceived ideas around menstrual products. With commercial retail challenges of a reusable product and a free period tracker app now available, Asan’s ambitions and journey are worthy. https://asancup.com/https://asancup.com/pages/download-the-asan-app
Connor Bryant is the co-founder and CEO of Rubbish Ideas, an SaaS (software as a service) platform empowering businesses to transition from a linear to circular economy.
Connor talks to Raakhee, exploring how data collection around waste can save money and the planet, the challenges of legacy thinking, how litter is a design issue more than a user issue, growing up with eco anxiety, the sustainability legends in his family who coined the term ‘Sustainability’, and his ambition to raise dragon slayers!
https://www.rubbishportal.com/
https://johnelkington.com/about/professional/sustainability/
Nick Doman is the co-founder of Ocean Bottle, a social impact, reusable water bottle brand.
Nick talks to Raakhee about profit and purpose co-existing, and the luxury of waste management. As a social and environmental impact company, they are on a mission to stop ocean plastic, and each bottle they sell funds the collection of a thousand plastic bottles in weight, with collections in India, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt and Ghana.
They discussions how the ocean is an interconnected eco-system and when you drop a plastic bottle in one part of the ocean, it can end up anywhere. Their conversation covers the role of manufacturers for their plastic, filtered tap water on the go, feeling over whelmed trying to make only sustainable choices, and the highs of Ed Sheeran’s team reaching out as their 8th customer.
Asher Clark, a 7th generation cobbler is the co founder of Vivo Barefoot, a footwear brand reconnecting people to nature and their natural potential via regenerative footwear.
Asher talks to Raakhee about growing up as a Quaker, a rebel, and the culture
which inspired him. We discuss shoes not being feet shaped, and how nature is the the best designer. With futuristic 3D printed shoes in the Vivo Biome collection, refurbished shoes with the Revivo range, his passion and purpose is authentic with ambition.
Steven Bethell is the co-founder of Beyond Retro, a vintage and circular clothing company with stores in prime London locations.
Steven talks to Raakhee about how they rehome 4 million clothing garments a week and re-manufacture clothes that can’t be sold into something new, and the challenges of leasing a store in upmarket parts of town. Highlights include JLo holding a Coach bag made with repurposed materials, and Kate Middleton wearing a Beyond Retro hat on the cover of British Vogues 100th anniversary edition.
https://www.beyondretro.com/
Harry Dennis is the co-founder of Waterhaul, a brand recovering ghost fishing gear from the UK Cornish coast and transforming this plastic into sunglasses.
Harry talks to Raakhee about his journey from marine biologist, working at Surfers Against Sewage, to entrepreneur; and how he secured £1m funding at the BE100 for sustainable start ups, pitching to impact investors at the Blue Earth Summit in 2023, and how they plan to scale their impact beyond sunglasses. https://waterhaul.co/https://www.sas.org.uk/
Rachel Evans and Jesse Schiller are the founders of Kooshoo, a unique hair accessories company using plants not plastic.
They talk to Raakhee about the culture of disposability and planned obsolescence; why does anybody need 55 hair ties in a pack? Living on Norfolk Island in the middle of the South Pacific, Kooshoo means feeling well and content, an ethos that runs through every part of this 11 year old business.
Available in the UK via Eco Living, and in the USA via Whole Foods
https://www.ecoliving.co.uk/kooshoo-plastic-free-hair-ties.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-founders-podcast/
Marcin Koziorowski is the co-founder of Ecobean, a company turning coffee waste into sustainable chemicals; to be used in industries including packaging, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Marcin talks to Raakhee about how only 2% of coffee is utilised in making a cup of coffee whilst the remaining 98% is thrown away; how Ecobean collect the coffee waste, split it into 5 fractions of chemicals, and repurpose it. One of its uses includes making compostable plant pots which can be dug into the ground, and also fertilise the plant whilst it decomposes.
Patrick Dumas is the founder of Square Mile Farms; a vertical farming solution for the workplace, with modular plug and play systems.
Patrick talks to Raakhee about the benefits of zero food miles; the conversations he wants us to have about our food, with transparency about its provenance. They discuss the current food systems, the impact from the centralisation of our supermarket delivery networks, and their London pop up events you can attend.
Lisa Gautier is the co-founder of Matter of Trust, an organisation creating hair mats to soak up oils spills, as one of their major projects.
Lisa talks to Raakhee about collecting hair donations from salons and pet groomers, turning them into hair mats, how they got involved and helped in the BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010; using hair for compost and soil nutrients, the Ick factor, and the morals of taking ‘bad’ money (think polluters, crime lords) for good planet projects.