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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 Oceanovation, Investable Oceans and Bright Tide.

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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

Facebook
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Abigail Carroll LinkedIN
HappyPlanet

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www.happyplanetpodcast.com

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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 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

Facebook
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Abigail Carroll LinkedIN
Happy

Support the show

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Abigail Carroll LinkedIN
Happy Planet LinkedIN
Twitter

Listen on:
APPLE
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SPOTIFY
www.happyplanetpodcast.com