Kinetik Ventures

You can talk about innovation all day, but if you're not paying attention to the bioeconomy, you're missing the next big thing. Kinetik was honored to host the UNGA Science Summit 2024's inaugural summit on the bioeconomy and innovations shaping our future. We convened executives from the European Investment Bank, World Bank, Re:wild, Conservation International, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and iconic figures like Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Former President of Kiribati, along with Ambassadors, Ministers of Environment from SIDS, and Indigenous leaders from the Amazon and Andes. Together with award-winning deep tech founders, cutting-edge scientists, and nature-centric innovators from 34 countries—including 26 island nations (14 SIDS) and key regions like the Andes, Arctic, and Pacific—we showcased how the future of the bioeconomy relies on both traditional knowledge and groundbreaking science. ?? Impact: The event was called "informative," "hopeful," and "life-changing," ?? Highlights: ? Global Perspectives on Nature – Bioinnovations shaping economies beyond ecosystem services. ? Soft Launch of Our Young Global Leaders Collective – Spotlighting the next-gen scientists and entrepreneurs from 20 countries. ? Unmatched Collaboration – Key leaders strategizing on driving capital, research, and policy into biocultural science. ?? Takeaway: Biodiversity isn’t a side issue—it’s a core driver of the global economy. If you’re not considering it in your strategy, you're missing the point. Kinetik is a strategic partner advancing the bioeconomy through nature-based solutions. Our team of human ecologists and experts works with governments, corporations, and institutions to address biodiversity loss in critical regions like island nations, rainforests, and drylands. We provide biocultural research, investment, and policy support, empowering native science in biotechnology, regenerative agriculture, water management, and new materials. By partnering with key stakeholders, we create new markets in sectors essential to halting biodiversity loss, including waste management, mobility, and materials development. A big thank you to our partners and sponsors—RSM, Dholakia Foundation, INARU, The Ashley Lashley Foundation, The Vine Strategy Group, and PDIE Group—for fueling our momentum. Thanks to our sponsor RSM, we gathered at 151 W 42nd Street, just steps from the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop—because we’re building the future, not just counting down. #Kinetik #Bioeconomy #ScienceSummit #Innovation #Biodiversity #DeepTech #Sustainability Henk Rogers, Sylvia Earle, Bodhi Patil, Cassia Elizabeth Jayani, Pierre-Yves Paslier, Sam Teicher, Benjamin Droguet, Nkwi Flores, Richard Amor, Adnan Hassan (ex-World Bank Group Board of Directors), Sally Ann Ranney, Amy Lewis, Marie Celine Piednoir, Emilie McGlone, Francois Rogers, Tatsuya Yoshioka, Sarah McInerney, Kelly Siman, PhD, Muskaan Khemani, Rownel Jody Coloma, Kelvin Alie, Karl Campbell

From the fast lanes of Formula 1 to the frontlines of the bioeconomy—my FIRST Substack post dives into what led me to leap. It’s about innovation, resilience, and why the lessons from F1’s high-performance world are exactly what we need to tackle our planet’s biggest challenges. If you’re curious about how tech ingenuity, nature’s genius, and bold thinking collide, give it a read and share. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for reading! Link in comments. ???? #Bioeconomy #Innovation #Sustainability #Formula1

As 2024 draws to a close, we are overjoyed to reflect on how Kinetik has grown from a dream into a movement. At the intersection of nature, science, culture, and commerce, we are redefining sustainability, driving economic innovation, and reconnecting humanity with nature. Key Achievements in 2024: ?? Global Partnerships: Collaborated with SIDS, biodiversity hotspots, Ivy League universities, First Nations, and leading institutions to integrate native biocultural knowledge into innovations. ?? Youth Empowerment: Launched the Global Young Leaders Collective, uniting changemakers from 34 nations. ?? Pioneering Research: Submitted our first paper on bioculture’s role in driving economic growth. ?? A Stellar Team: Backed by executives, scientists, cultural leaders, and diplomats from institutions like the UN, EIB, Deloitte, and BBVA. ?? UNGA Science Summit: Hosted the inaugural session on Islands Shaping the Future of Science and Innovation. What is Kinetik? Kinetik operates on two pillars: ?? Kinetik Impact: A nonprofit advancing the bioeconomy by amplifying native science and community wisdom. ?? Kinetik Ventures: An investment arm funding scalable companies that merge ecological sustainability with market-driven innovation. What’s Ahead in 2025: ?? Partnering with global universities and conservation organizations. ?? Expanding research into new biodiversity hotspots. ?? Restoring ecosystems while driving economic growth. Here’s How You Can Help: ?? Donate: Fuel our mission and receive a tax deduction. https://lnkd.in/ea4EU46T ?? Get Involved: Join us as a donor, volunteer, advocate, or investor. https://lnkd.in/eCbdkiyG ?? Spread the Word: Share our vision with your network. For unique donation options (crypto, stock), email us at hello (at) kinetikvc.com. Together, we can bridge the divide between humanity and nature, fostering global prosperity through sustainable innovation. Wishing you a joyful and impactful holiday season, Kinetik Team #KinetikImpact #Sustainability #Bioeconomy #InnovationForChange

?? Kinetik is proud to launch the Global Young Leaders Collective – an initiative empowering the next generation of leaders, including young professionals and youth, in the bioeconomy. Earlier this year, we hosted our inaugural Youth Summit on islands shaping the future of science and innovation, in partnership with Peace Boat US, Blue Planet Alliance, the Kingdom of Tonga, Science Summit UNGA, RSM, and the Dholakia Foundation. ?? ?? Over 34 countries and 24 islands were represented, with globally recognized leaders from a diverse range of sectors. Our event featured multiple ambassadors, ministers of environment, and opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Viliami Va’inga Tōnē of the Kingdom of Tonga. We were also supported by the Republic of Kiribati and its former President and current Ambassador. ?? We were honored to have a performance by our Grammy Award-nominated musician and artist, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the summit. Over a dozen young professionals also had the opportunity to engage with our experts, including Dr. Sylvia Earle, who shared invaluable insights into bioculture, innovation, and sustainability. ?? These partnerships create a platform for young professionals and youth to learn and engage with groundbreaking solutions that preserve both ecological and cultural heritage. By integrating Kinetik’s expertise in bioculture, we’re nurturing thinkers and doers who understand the interconnectedness of people and nature. ?? The Global Young Leaders Collective empowers young ambassadors from islands and critical biocultural regions to embrace their heritage as a foundation for success in science, technology, and the bioeconomy. Together, we’re shaping a sustainable future and preparing the next generation to tackle global challenges with pride in their roots and science, culture, and commerce at heart. Link here: https://lnkd.in/ee3knqiS ?? Join us today and become part of a global community of innovators and leaders. Learn from experts, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and help shape the bioeconomy of tomorrow. #KinetikLeaders #Bioeconomy #ScienceAndCulture #Sustainability #Innovation #Bioculture #YouthLeadership #YoungProfessionals #FutureOfScience #KingdomOfTonga #RepublicOfKiribati #ScienceSummitUNGA #GrammyNominee #DrSylviaEarle #kinetik #PeaceBoatUS #Blueplanetalliance Emilie McGlone Francois Rogers Austin J. Shelton, Ph.D. Henk Rogers Angela Del Sol Varela Cassia Elizabeth Jayani Tatsuya Yoshioka Avinash Pratap Singh Shannen Henry, MSc Lilan Dayananda Sarah McInerney The Biomimicry Institute Fayeann L. Lawrence Brendan Heyck Ashley Lashley Milka R. Bodhi Patil Lance Gould Rownel Jody Coloma Marie Celine Piednoir Muskaan Khemani David Erasmus Keziah Theresee Gerosano Carissa Cabrera Emilie McGlone Amber Nuttall Lidia Diaz Sylvia Earle Joshua Benton Alex Kotsopoulos, CFA Leo Rogers

?? Earlier this year, Kinetik Founder Léonie Weerakoon had the honor of moderating and speaking at the prestigious @islandresilience Forum during @earthxorg . She led vital discussions with ambassadors from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Oceans, and the Caribbean. ???? The forum focused on the Zero Draft, emphasizing the importance of amplifying island voices in global climate discussions. Léonie highlighted the critical role of SIDS in shaping climate policy and driving sustainable development. Together, we explored actionable solutions for combating climate change, protecting fragile ecosystems, and fostering resilience. ???? ? Panel Highlights: ? Financing Ocean Conservation & Sustainable Development with H.E. Ambassador Kelver Darroux (Dominica) @discoverdominica & H.E. Ambassador Tumasie Blair (Antigua & Barbuda) @sids4ab ? Strengthening National Energy Infrastructure with Nicholas J. Davis (GridMarket), H.E. Amb. Vainga Tone (Kingdom of Tonga) @tourismtonga, & H.E. Ambassador Teburoro Tito KIRIBATI (former President of Kiribati) @humansofkiribati ? Advancing Island Voices in Science & Innovation with H.E. Ambassador Sarufa (Papua New Guinea) @visit_papuanewguinea We were deeply moved by the beautiful cultural ceremony from the Kingdom of Tonga, showcasing the rich heritage and resilience of the Pacific Islands. ???? At Kinetik, our mission is rooted in empowering islands and the world’s most biodiverse regions through research into bioculture—the dynamic intersection of cultural and ecological traditions. By equipping these communities with tools and knowledge, we aim to position them as leaders in the bioeconomy—a $4-7 trillion market. ???? Together, we support SIDS in safeguarding their futures, protecting their environments, and driving global innovation for a more resilient and prosperous world. ?? #Kinetik #IslandResilienceForum #SIDS #Bioeconomy #Innovation #ClimateLeadership #GlobalImpact #IslandHeritage #SIDS Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez Sergio Fernandez de Cordova Laurence Kalinsky Tumasie Blair Kelver Darroux Esben Stockmarr Peter S. EarthX Van Jones #ZeroDraft #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #IslandVoices #Kinetik #OceanConservation #EnergyInfrastructure #Innovation #EnvironmentalJustice #PacificIslands #CulturalHeritage

?? Reflecting on 2024 As the year comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate the milestones and progress that made 2024 an incredible year for Kinetik. From launching social media platforms to collaborating with top universities, speaking on the bioeconomy, and building impactful partnerships, it’s been a year of growth and innovation. ?? Guest Lectures & Major Events ? Hosted the UNGA Science Summit’s first conference on islands, spotlighting biocultural innovation. ? Delivered a guest lecture at UWICaveHillCampus: “Systems Thinking with Islands at the Core for Global Impact.” ? Spoke at key events like @SIDS4AB and the @EarthXOrg Island Summit. ? Engaged with leaders at @Bloomberg New Voices, strengthening connections in sustainability and social impact. ?? Funding & Thought Leadership ? Conducted field research in new biodiverse hotspots. ? Submitted our first scientific report on bioculture. ? Featured on @HubSpot’s Panel on Fundraising, sharing innovative funding models for the bioeconomy. ? Advanced global discussions on biocultural innovation. ???? Expanding Partnerships include ? Built impactful partnerships with @PeaceBoatUS and @BluePlanetAllianceOrg ? Launched a youth network focused on ecosystem restoration, research, and education in the bioeconomy. ? Collaborated with governments in key biodiverse regions, including Aruba, Cura?ao, Japan, Sri Lanka, Antigua & Barbuda, Tonga, Kiribati, Hawai'i ensuring biodiversity and culture remain central to science and innovation. ? Key projects: Ahupua’a restoration in @NationOfHawaii, North America’s first biocultural lab, and biocultural research in Sri Lanka. ?? Looking Forward ? 2024 was transformative—strengthening community engagement, amplifying knowledge, and advancing our mission for a sustainable and profitable future. ? 2025 will bring even more growth, innovation, and impact. ?? Stay Tuned! ? ?? Donor opportunities to support our initiatives. ? ?? Volunteer openings with our partners. ? ?? Exclusive updates on our projects and progress. Thank you to all of our partners and those who contributed to a successful 2024! Emilie McGloneFrancois RogersKeziah Theresee GerosanoAmanda SlavinChristian SchmitzJoshua BentonFabien J.G. Laurier, PhDTim GoodellKate BrownMareeka DookieAdria L. DunnChelsea TolerWeston W.Seth BlausteinCarissa CabreraBodhi PatilNaya SenaAndrew Alexander Francisco Espaillat Alexandra Maria Azevedo J.R. Wellman Ashley Lashley Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez Sergio Fernandez de Cordova Cassia Elizabeth Jayani Muskaan Khemani Wes Sechrest M Sanjayan Kelvin Alie James B. Austin J. Shelton, Ph.D. Nkwi Flores Sarah McInerney Kelly Siman, PhD Soraya Hosni Marie Celine Piednoir Adnan Hassan (ex-World Bank Group Board of Directors) Manfred Van Veghel ???????? Richard Amor Sally Ann Ranney #Innovation #Volunteers #Donors #Sustainability #Bioeconomy #Leadership #Kinetik

Welcome to our event highlights! This carousel features key discussions from our Science Summit session at UNGA, where island nations led the way on biodiversity, innovation, and the bioeconomy. ?? Why does this matter? ?? Island nations, home to 25% of the world’s biodiversity, are at the forefront of sustainable solutions. ?? Their unique biocultural knowledge is essential to advancing global research, driving regenerative solutions, and tackling climate challenges. ?? Why Fund Research on the Bioeconomy? 1?? Biodiversity is Innovation: By investing in research rooted in nature and culture, we unlock eco-friendly innovations that can reshape industries globally. 2?? Economic Impact: Island-driven bioculture supports a multi-trillion-dollar bioeconomy, offering immense potential for sustainable growth and high-impact returns. 3?? Climate Resilience: Indigenous and scientific knowledge from islands provides cutting-edge solutions for climate change, preserving ecosystems, and driving global sustainability. Join us in catalyzing transformative change by funding research and solutions that fuel the bioeconomy. Let’s continue the momentum for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future! Keziah Theresee Gerosano Emilie McGlone Francois Rogers Ashley Lashley Tumasie Blair Bodhi Patil Marie Celine Piednoir Sally Ann Ranney Christian Schmitz Weston W. Wes Sechrest Karl Wagner Karl Campbell Adnan Hassan (ex-World Bank Group Board of Directors) Daniela Armijos Kelvin Alie M Sanjayan Fabien J.G. Laurier, PhD Rosy Khanna Ilana Seid Peggy Liu Tom Tyler Charles Brigham Jody R. Weiss Henk Rogers Lisa McBride Lance Gould Rajiv J. Shah Jason Donofrio Kate Brown Tim Goodell Satya S. Tripathi Tatsuya Yoshioka Amy Lewis Nkwi Flores Masanori Kobayashi Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez Sarah McInerney Jared Yarnall-Schane Kelly Siman, PhD

Grateful for you Sally!

?? A reflective perspective to rebrand #NYCW ?? Planetary Ecosystems Week is A Social Ecology Accountability and Responsibility Collective Action. This shift is critical as we move from narrowly focusing on climate goals often designed by one side of the aisle to fostering planetary ecosystems of well-being. This shift requires the #systems #orchestration of #Indigenous scholarship, frontline #contextual and #systems thinking, #coherent perspectives of #cultural and #social #politics, meaningful #participation of non-industrialized societies, and conscious and cautious actions for #systemchanges across all ecological and social systems. ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? 7 + themes Seven plus key themes emerged from the 2024 New York Climate Week that underscore the direction and urgency of the #Planetary #Ecosystems movement. These themes arise from multilateral conversations, panels, discussions, and sensemaking for a path forward with a transparent willingness to accountability and responsibility based on Indigenous #technology of #storysharing to keep our #collective #action in #check and #balance, aiming to reduce stagnation at NYPEW gatherings. The themes can be strategically leveraged to strengthen #transparency and #trust in social-ecological responses, fostering collective action to #mitigate #CO2 emissions, protect #biodiversity, and enhance #resilience to #climatechange. A warmhearted thank you to all the kallabs on and behind the scenes that made my participation at New York Climate Week 2024 possible. Drea Burbank Anna Lerner Nesbitt Ana Velástegui AJ Bird Emil Sirén Gualinga Christian Schmitz Reina Otsuka Brijlal Chaudhari Paul Kearney Roberto Duif Peter Houlihan Bane Saleh Belen Paez Léonie Weerakoon Luke Smith Amy S. Esther Val Pavlos Georgiadis Selin Kumbarac?Mariana Felicio Ashley Emerson Jesse Worker Hector G. Ortiz Cano Aly Rahim Lien Nguyen Alessandra Yupanqui Derek Brett Gallo Soheil Salehian Shaun MacDonald Felipe Carazo Eren Ocal Raj Pattni Joerg Geier James Lloyd Savimbo Kinray Hub: Indigenous-led R&D Climate Collective Kinetik Ventures The Rockefeller Foundation PDIE Group

?? Excited to have taken part in #ClimateWeekNYC for the first time – and what a great first! Invited by the brilliant Sian Sutherland from PlasticFree.com, Sparxell concluded the NYU Langone Health scientific summit on a colourful note, presenting solutions alongside successful material innovators Amir Afshar (Shellworks), Luke Haverhals (NFW), Aleks Gosiewski (Keel Labs) and Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, showcasing?the future of #toxicfree materials. ?? In conversation with Sarah McInerney from The Biomimicry Institute, Earthshot Prize finalist Pierre-Yves Paslier (Notpla) and change-maker Mahak Agrawal, I discussed how #biomimicry and #plant-based innovations shape a prosperous and resilient future for us all. I have been honoured to be presented by Léonie Weerakoon from Kinetik, Blue Planet Alliance and Peace Boat US on the side of the #UN General Assembly #ScienceSummit. ?? Meeting with Parley for the Oceans' team, fellow innovators Julia Marsh (Sway) and Christophe Cappon (NUVI), I felt empowered by the wise words of marine biologist Sylvia Earle to support change and make the world a better place with Sparxell. ??? It was also great to catch up with Jonathan Azoff from SN?CAP during a panel presented by The Nordic Council of Ministers and The Nordic Council on bridging the climate investment gap from the get-go. Taking part in inspirational discussions with old and new friends, I really felt like Sparxell is contributing to this desirable future we all want to live in, as a key enabler of the #circular #regenerative #bioeconomy. ?? ?? To unfold this future with us, just reach out. #Futureproof #GlobalResilience #ScienceSummitUNGA #Innovation?#NYCW #Sustainability #Cellulose #Pigment #Colourant Credit photos: Léonie Weerakoon and Thomasine Dolan Dow