Third Nature Investments

Congratulations to Julia Marsh, a trailblazing founder in the Third Nature Investments portfolio, for her remarkable contributions at The Aspen Institute Ideas Festival alongside such a talented roster of bold innovators and activists, like Jane Fonda, Kelly Wanser, and Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier! As the driving force behind Sway, Julia is transforming the future of packaging with eco-friendly, compostable materials. Her passion for the environment, rooted in her Monterey Bay upbringing, shines through in her work as she leads a team determined to combat plastic pollution and create a circular economy. We're excited to see her and Sway's continued impact on the world!

New Third Nature Investments blog out today from me on the “sand mafia”: https://lnkd.in/e2kF2FZk You read that right, there is indeed such a thing as sand mafias – organized criminals mining truckloads of sand from rivers and coasts, destroying fragile ecosystems and communities along the way. All in the name of economic pursuits, reckless consumerism, and an insatiable demand for our earth's finite resources. It’s a largely under-reported story, but one we can glean important lessons from about the tight relationship between enterprise and environment, and why a reckoning is needed. Give it a read and let me know what you think. #earthsystems #systemicinvesting #sustainability #climatechange #impactinvesting

The shuttering of any family farm is a massive loss, and is unfortunately a trend we’re seeing too often. But it’s more than a sad local or regional story – its implications ripple across the future of our agricultural system. While we continue to promote the importance of scaling regenerative agriculture, let’s pause to consider who should be leading the way. Multi-generational, small-scale farmers carry critical institutional knowledge. They have been the backbone of our agricultural system for so long and will be crucial in ushering in the future of agriculture as well. As we boldly embrace sophisticated new farming models moving forward, we can’t forget the most critical asset we have: the people. https://lnkd.in/eJuzA97m. #farming #agriculture #regenerativeagriculture #sustainability

I have a new blog out today for Third Nature Investments exploring how behind the sweet treat we love so much - chocolate - lies a quietly destructive industry ripe for disruption. Read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eK_En9y8   While the lion’s share of cocoa hails from West Africa, chocolate bars are largely produced in Europe and beyond. Due to a crowded and expansive supply chain, the local cacao farmers typically walk away with only measly sums, far from providing enough to support themselves and their families. Adding insult to injury, the industry inflicts immense environmental harm, including deforestation and biodiversity loss.    Beyond Good -- a portfolio company of Desert Bloom Foods, a Third Nature Partners investment and strategic fund partner -- is proving that with vision and business model innovation, an industry can be transformed. By manufacturing chocolate at the source in Madagascar and investing in local communities, they are not just making better chocolate—they are setting a new standard for ethical and sustainable business, uplifting farmers and the environment.    Julia P. Hans Taparia Alexandra Peterson Tim McCollum

Check out our June newsletter, out today! Packed in this month’s issue: 🌊 Founder Jason W. Ingle's insights on why we need to build a thriving ecosystem of ocean-based investors – turning the “ocean curious” into the “ocean courageous” 💡 A round-up of what our team has been reading 🎖️ A snapshot of our portfolio companies in the news Read the full newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/g3i7mN9u

To round out our June blog series celebrating the immense opportunity of ocean-based investing, we’re spotlighting Third Nature Investments portfolio company Keel Labs! Keel Labs is on a mission to tackle the issue of textile waste in the fashion industry, by creating a solution to the fundamental root of the issue: the materials. Kelsun™, the company’s flagship product, is a seaweed-based fiber with a significantly lower environmental footprint than legacy and synthetic fibers, making it a powerful alternative to conventional materials that deplete resources and are harmful to our planet. Earning attention from brands like Stella McCartney and founded by two Forbes 30 Under 30 members - Tessa Callaghan and Aleks Gosiewski - the kind of innovation that Keel Labs is driving represents a total game-changer for the future of the fashion industry! We’re proud to have them in our portfolio! Read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gSrqrFjv #EarthSystemsInvesting #ClimateChange #fashion #seaweed #systemicinvesting #sustainability

Continuing our June blog series dedicated to the opportunity of Ocean-Based Investing, today we’re excited to spotlight another one of Third Nature Investments' portfolio companies – Sway! Sway is a case study in boldly reimagining the status quo, in service of our planet. The company – co-founded by the dynamic and talented pair, Julia Marsh and Matthew Mayes – is fundamentally rethinking materials, designing seaweed-based, rapidly compostable replacements for plastic to help reduce plastic waste and support healthy ocean ecosystems. A winner of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize and a recent honoree in the Materials category of Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Idea award, Sway is a true pioneer in today’s seaweed economy! Read the full blog here ➡ https://lnkd.in/eJvjbj6t #oceaneconomy #seaweed #climatechange #systemicinvesting #earthsystemsinvesting #plasticpollution

As Atlantic Sea Farms grows and continues to work to create a new food system, we are often confronted by the fact that true impact capital is rare. A lot of funds are after "impact" opportunities - but only if that impact funding comes with a 5 year time horizon and provides the same returns as silicone valley tech investments. New systems aren't built in a day and they require grit, focus, commitment, and true stakeholder ownership. Jason W. Ingle and his team are proving that impact capital that is focused on building a better future through supporting big ambitions - paired with clear and disciplined execution and leadership - can truly change the world. They are part of a small (but mighty...and growing) group of funds like Builders Vision, True Wealth Ventures, Desert Bloom Foods that are setting a new path. We are so proud to work hand and hand with these incredible people to show you can do well by doing good. Atlantic Sea Farms

In Part Two of Third Nature Investments' June blog series dedicated to the opportunity of Ocean-Based Investing, we’re spotlighting one of our portfolio companies – Atlantic Sea Farms! With sustainability built into their business model – and by working in partnership with the ocean – Atlantic Sea Farms, led by CEO Briana Warner, is proving that companies can be economically viable whilst restoring the environment. By leveraging kelp as the base ingredient for delicious food products, they are driving meaningful climate action, diversifying food systems, improving ocean health, alleviating pressure on terrestrial resources, bolstering coastal economies, and creating entirely new and profitable markets.They are a shining example of the great opportunity that lies in ocean-based investing! Check out the full blog here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNTmcJh8 #earthsystemsinvesting #climatechange #systemschange #sustainability

Hats off to Sway for showcasing their groundbreaking work at an event celebrating the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Accelerator, an award-winning initiative powered by Lonely Whale designed to catalyze awareness and corporate adoption of rapidly biologically degradable thin-film plastic alternatives. Sway’s commitment to sustainable, seaweed-based plastic alternatives is a game-changer for our oceans and environment. Proud to have them in our portfolio and what a way to mark #WorldOceansWeek. Onward and upward!