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Happy Planet Wednesday! Today we travel to Rhode Island, the ocean state, where, fittingly, the blue economy is thriving.  

Ian Estaphan Owen, Co-Founder of JAIA Robotics didn't grow up in Rhode Island but rather coastal Wales where he became passionate about the ocean. On his road to entrepreneurship, he even did a stint with the British Royal Navy. 

Now a denizen of Bristol, Ian is co-founder of Jaia Robotics, a company innovating in the field of ocean surveillance and monitoring. While the sector is getting populated, JAIA Robotics seems to have a competitive edge thanks to their small, low-cost, modular torpedo-shaped, aquatic drones that can travel solo, or in pods, and have multiple applications. 

JAIA boasts real sales in the US and abroad. His recent Series A round was oversubscribed. 

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Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

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I have been at this long enough by now - 61 episodes!- to see some great successes and some disappointing failures. This week's guest tells a story that's a bit of both, but he is not letting failure get in his way.

Today we are heading back to Norway to meet again with Tore Enger, Founder of TECO 2030, a company that was looking to build fuel cells for the maritime industry. 

Tore came on the podcast two years ago as they were making fast tracks with a product and strategic partnerships. Despite their success, investor money soon dried up. One strategic error may have been going public too soon.

In this podcast Tore will tell us what worked and what didn’t. And we will hear how this seasoned entrepreneur refuses to back down and deftly navigates Norway’s very favorable restructuring laws to get back in the game with a new strategy and cap table within a few short months of throwing in the towel.

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Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

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Today we are traveling to Chile, the birthplace of Positive Polar, a travel startup aiming to combine luxury cruises with academic research and environmental action. Positive Polar’s sustainable expedition cruises will aim to restore the whale population, amplify oceanic food production and implement high-potential climate mitigation strategies.

I had the incredible privilege of speaking to both co-founders last week. Hugo Hinrichsen is a former Chilean Naval Commander, helicopter pilot and business entrepreneur whose personal observations of the changing ecosystem over his lifetime inspired this project. His business partner is Jenn Bonilla an American psychology PHD and biotech professional whose passion is enabling science to positively impact humanity. I love how two sucessful people from two different countries come together to transform the way people see the world.

www.positivepolar.com 

Positive Polar is currently open for partnership and investment.  Contact: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbonilla/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-hinrichsen/

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

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Proscovia is a Kenyan entrepreneur who wears many hats. She is founder of Samaky Hub, an organization that empowers women and youth in Africa's aquaculture sector by offering strategic planning, operational guidance, and marketing support to their ventures. Proscovia is also an African Food Fellow, the Kenyan Program Manager for the Irish aquaculture venture hub, Hatch BLUE, and a writer for the US industry rag, The Fish Site. Proscovia aims to grow the African aquaculture market to meet local demand all while boosting safety and opportunities for women and youth. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/proscoviaalando/

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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Happy new year to all and welcome back to our first episode of 2025! 

Our guest this week is an entrepreneur who excels at building market strategies. Heather Myers of Spark Number 9 has created her own methodology for getting the market segment answers entrepreneurs so desperately need. An important distinction is that her method relies on observable behavior, not on surveys. 

 Heather's own business has flourished and was even the subject of a Harvard Business School case study. Heather joins us today to discuss how nature forward companies can leapfrog endless and costly pivots by applying her methodology to their own businesses. 

 Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts! And if you love what we do, don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating and review!

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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Happy Planet Wednesday!

This will be our last podcast until 2025 and I want to thank you for tuning in this year! It's been an exceptionally interesting journey for me and I hope you've been enjoying the podcasts. If you have feedback, please do not hesitate to share it.

This week we head to New Jersey to speak to Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies. Followers of penny stocks may recognize the name. They are a public company listed under the ticker OPTT. Mind you, we are not making stock recommendations here! But as I do follow a few penny stocks, I was excited to have the opportunity to learn more about this power generation and monitoring technologies company that supports everything from fisheries management to offshore wind, as well as defense and surveillance.

While speaking to Philipp about OPT's applications and target clients, images of the Hunt for Red October kept coming to mind. He certainly is in an interesting business that appears to be finding its perfect product market fit in an increasingly complicated world.
 
Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

 I'd like to thank our sponsors:

 Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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Happy Planet Wednesday! And to American followers, Happy Thanksgiving!

During the US presidential debates, we heard a lot about the nearly five million unit housing shortage in the US. While this needs to be addressed urgently, it won't be good for the climate. Traditional building activity accounts for up to 40% of the world's carbon emissions. 

Our guest Nick Farmer is president of Opal Build, a Maine company whose mission is reduce the carbon footprint in homebuilding. And do it at a discount. Nick's entrepreneurial story is also unique. Unlike many entrepreneurs who start from scratch, Nick took his ideas to an existing company and joined forces. And it looks like they are positioned for success.
 
Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

 I'd like to thank our sponsors:

 Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

 Promotional and program partners include

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

Promotional and program partners include ...

Send us a text

Happy Planet Wednesday!

This week we are hopping across the Atlantic to speak to serial Dutch innovator Wietse van der Werf. 

 Wietse's current venture, Sea Rangers, is a social enterprise that trains youth from underprivileged backgrounds in the maritime trades. Aspiring sea rangers learn while working on ocean conservation missions that are performed from carbon-footprint free sailing research vessels. Wietse is excited to bring back the maritime trades in the Netherlands and to democratize climate activism which he says is typically the domain of the privileged. 

 If this sounds like a pipe dream, you'd be mistaken. Wiete's Sea Rangers is becoming something of a pan-European phenomenon. 

 Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

 I'd like to thank our sponsors:

 Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

 Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

 Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

 Promotional and program partners include

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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Send us a text

Happy Planet Wednesday!

I was tempted to call this week’s episode “Unhappy Planet” because in it we  grapple with what happens when your startup doesn’t go as planned. 

When I learned that Courtney Boyd Rey shuttered her seaweed startup AKUA, I reached out to see if she would come on the podcast. Given that over 90% of startups fail, and even 75% of those backed by venture capital do as well, I wanted to address the issue head on. 

By many measures AKUA was a great success. They wer, a pioneer in their field. They achieved 600K in annual revenue. And they raised over 5$M in investment. Courtney fell from a pretty high bar. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect from her on our call. What I found was a light and peaceful woman who is holding fast to her mission to help the planet. 

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Thank you to our sponsors.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

Support the show

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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In this episode of the Happy Planet Podcast, host Abigail Carroll interviews Slater McLean, co-founder of Oliver Charles, a sustainable sweater company. Slater discusses the significant environmental impact of the fashion industry and how Oliver Charles is addressing these issues using natural materials like yak wool and seaweed-based fibers. The company employs an innovative 3D knitting process to eliminate waste. Oliver Charles also relies on an on-demand manufacturing model to prevent excess inventory. The discussion touches upon the challenges and opportunities within the fashion industry, pointing towards a shift away from fast fashion towards quality and sustainability. Slater highlights the potential for localized garment production in the U.S. and provides advice for new entrepreneurs. This episode underscores the growing importance of sustainable practices in fashion and the innovation driving these changes.

00:00 Introduction 

01:00 The Environmental Impact of Fashion

01:57 Oliver Charles: A Sustainable Fashion Brand

03:22 Innovative Materials: Yak Wool and Seaweed Fiber

09:28 On-Demand Manufacturing and Its Benefits

15:29 Building a Brand and Finding Customers

27:46 The Future of Fashion and Sustainability

33:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

34:21 Conclusion 

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Thank you to our sponsors.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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In this podcast episode, I welcome Damien Demoor, a French engineer and ocean innovator based in France, who introduces his company, Greenov, and its groundbreaking product, the Subsea Quieter. 

Demoor discusses the significant threat of underwater noise pollution caused by maritime activities, detailing its detrimental effects on marine life, including mammals, fish, and ecosystems. 

He explains how their solution, developed in partnership with a leader in naval defense, leverages novel membrane technology to mitigate noise effectively. 

Demoor also shares his personal journey, motivations, and achievements, including winning the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Pitch Contest. 

He elaborates on future steps for the product, potential demonstrations, and the broader impact of regulatory measures on noise pollution in the oceans.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:12 Damien Demoor's Background

00:31 The Problem of Underwater Noise Pollution

03:02 Impact of Noise on Marine Life

05:09 Innovative Solutions for Noise Mitigation

07:54 Technical Details of the Subsea Quieter

10:55 Challenges and Competitors in Noise Mitigation

14:06 Personal Motivation and Career Journey

18:00 Recognition and Awards

20:20 Current Development and Future Plans

22:50 Legislation and Policy Discussion

29:25 Global Environmental Concerns

32:20 Advice for Entrepreneurs

33:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventu

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

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Send us a text

Innovative Fish Feeds: Reducing Aquaculture's Environmental Footprint

In this episode of the Happy Planet podcast, I speak to Alessandra Romano, the entrepreneur behind Ittinsect.

Allessandro discusses his novel aquaculture feed supplements derived from insect proteins, which aim to accelerate fish growth with lower environmental impacts. 

The conversation explores the inefficiencies in traditional fish feeds, the environmental benefits of insect-based alternatives, and the economic realities of transitioning to sustainable aquaculture practices. 

Alessandros also shares his personal journey and insights into Italy’s role in aquaculture innovation.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Series Overview
00:35 Meet Alessandra Romano Alessandros: Innovator in Aquaculture
01:24 The Problem with Traditional Fish Feed
02:11 Innovative Solutions: Insect-Based Fish Feed
06:48 Consumer Perception and Market Testing
10:48 Alessandra's Journey and Passion for the Ocean
17:13 Business Model and Market Expansion
22:22 Challenges and Opportunities in the Aquaculture Industry
30:47 Environmental Impact and Future of Aquaculture
37:53 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
39:55 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Tune in at happyplanetpodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts, including:

Apple: https://lnkd.in/e2Y5xnta
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dnQXTnut

And thank you to our Sponors!

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show a

Support the show

Listen on Apple , Spotify, our website, or pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!

I'd like to thank our sponsors:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Bold Ocean Ventures have partnered to create a mission-driven venture capital fund, supporting the growth of innovative, sustainable ocean-related businesses.

Startup Marin Skincare has rocketed thanks to products made with Maine-lobster-derived glycoprotein that work on eczema and dry skin. Former guest on our show and co-Founder Patrick Breeding is offering listeners a 20% discount on their skincare products. Type HAPPYPLANET into the coupon code field!

Spark No. 9, ensures that companies - and startups - have successful product launches by testing their products online. Remove the guesswork before you launch!

Promotional and program partners include ...