"What are some of your biggest challenges as a founder/CEO of a climate-tech company?"
The answer to this question has changed daily for most of my journey in the past 5+ years. But recently, the answer has crystallized into one common theme.
I know what you might be thinking already, but let me tell you that it's neither the pursuit of funding, the shifting market conditions, nor the navigation of an industry where female leadership is still a rarity.
The answer is misconceptions.
Misconceptions cloud our path on every front.
It has become all too evident that misconceptions about the biomaterials industry abound across the globe. Some common ones (industry/non-industry) I've heard frequently in the past six months include:
Biomaterials…
Don't fit into the circular economy. Compete with food sources. Can't meet packaging quality requirements.
Compostables…
Are just as bad as plastic. Don't have a strong end-of-life story. Are not as effective as recyclables.
You…
Don't have enough grey hair to attract investors. Won’t be taken seriously; hire experts. Can’t succeed as a women-led company in this industry.
How do these misconceptions impact the future for ALL of us?
We are inadvertently holding the world back from embracing a potentially powerful innovation, taking a thousand steps back from mitigating the climate crisis.
We are overlooking the remarkable businesses that could hold the key to a sustainable future just because they are led by young female entrepreneurs.
Why do these misconceptions exist?
How could they not, when there is a skewed environment of encouragement towards short-sighted, failed systems like recycling and recycling alone?
How could they not, when governments worldwide categorize biomaterials alongside traditional plastics, choosing to ban alternative materials simply because they are new and evolving?
How could they not, when deep-rooted biases against female founders continue to exist in the VC pitch room and beyond?
Our next chapter is dedicated to showing that misconceptions have no place in our mission to protect the future of our planet.
Some days, it feels like nearly 99% of the world has misconceptions about us, our work, or our industry - but that’s why we exist.
My motivation to tackle this issue isn't just about plastic pollution. It's about how it impacts every single person, regardless of their background or beliefs. In some way or form, plastic is, and plastic will continue to affect our health, our climate, and disproportionality affects marginalized communities.
We're transforming an industry from the inside out, by addressing this challenge. We're proving that sustainability, and industrial innovation can coexist to create intersectional solutions for future generations. We're making sustainable materials a part of our daily lives.
We are so lucky to have found the exceptional 1% of individuals who go the extra mile to support our mission. Those who envision a more sustainable future with erthos® at its core.
Thank you to those who have believed in our vision since day one. I count myself incredibly fortunate to have had the support of individuals like Matt Golden, Wayne Cheng, and Solina Chau as trusted partners on this journey.
To our new investors and board members, welcome to erthos®and thank you for choosing to challenge the status quo alongside us.
To our exceptional team, Kritika Tyagi and I are eternally grateful for the hope and optimism you bring to work daily.
To all brands, manufacturers, climate activists, VCs, and policymakers worldwide: If I can help you see a future where biomaterials and next-generation leadership play a pivotal role in solving the climate crisis, let's chat.
Here's to scaling, growing, and navigating all the peaks and valleys that lie ahead in this next chapter.
With that, it's time to get back to work!