Profit Meets Purpose – Details, episodes & analysis

"If we can make nature an investable asset class then all of a sudden the big asset owners of this world can start to make a 2% allocation."

In this week's episode I was joined by fellow geographer Robert Gardner. In this episode, he shares his unique journey from navigating hyperinflation in 1980s Argentina to reshaping the world of finance through environmental restoration.

Drawing on childhood lessons in currency and a career spanning Deutsche Bank to asset management, Rob shares what he has learnt, and put in his book Freedom, about financial literacy.

He introduces listeners to his latest venture, Rebalance Earth, which aims to make nature an investable asset class, transforming ecosystems like moss wetlands and oyster reefs into financial infrastructure. The conversation explores how investing in nature can build climate resilience, drive biodiversity, and offer solid returns, all while redefining what we value in our financial systems.

Rise Awards: https://riseawards2025.awardstage.com/#!/home

Rebalance Earth:

https://www.rebalance.earth/

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

"If you are that ambitious generalist, that wants to actually do things and build quickly, then start-ups are for you"

In today's episode of Profit Meets Purpose I was joined by Peter Wood from the Graduate Guide. 

We spoke about all things working in the startup world, the doors it can open, the ambition it can spark, and the opportunity to work on something real, fast, and with influence.

This one’s for anyone thinking about joining the startup world, and why it might be the best decision you make.

We discuss how his podcast turned into a company, why you have absolutely nothing to lose by asking Google to come on your non-existent podcast, and why thinking about your skills is often more useful than trying to pick a perfect job title.

Peter shares why being a bit of a generalist is actually a strength, how graduates can bring real value to early-stage companies, and what it means to back yourself even when you’re not 100% sure how it’ll work out.

We also touch on:

• How to get hired by a startup

• Why curiosity gets you further than confidence

"Mitsui O.S.K have invested £2m, they are a stamp of credibility, a sign we are headed down the right path” 

This week, Profit Meets Purpose sat down with Archie, co-founder of Carnot Engines, to explore their groundbreaking approach to engine technology. By drawing on historical thermodynamic principles and reimagining them for the modern era, Carnot Engines is pushing the boundaries of fuel efficiency and innovation.

In our conversation, we delve into the critical role of partnerships with universities, governments, and investors, during a company’s early stages. We go into the potential impact of doubling fuel efficiency, and consider why venture capital funding may not always be the right fit for research and manufacturing-intensive startups, where longer return periods extend beyond the typical VC investment horizon.

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

Website: www.sustainabletimes.co.uk

“I believe the wording of the question was design a product to change the world”

Millions of people still live without reliable energy. When David James left his career in finance, he didn’t go traveling or set out to “find himself.” Instead, he poured everything into turning his passion project into a business with real impact, one that contributes to achieving SDG7: universal energy access.

His company, Iris Solar, is redefining renewable energy with a patent-pending design that’s 40% more efficient than fixed panels. It’s lightweight, cable-free, and built for effortless, plug-and-play use—ready to scale.

In today’s episode, I sit down with David to learn more about the technology he’s created, why he chose to leave finance to pursue this mission, and how Iris Solar could grow in the coming years.

Iris Solar LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/iris-solar-technology/posts/?feedView=all

Contact:

daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

Website:

https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/

“We spent all our investment on a school bus”

Ed Lewis-Pratt and Will Chapman are the founders of Roarsome. A children’s clothing wear brand designed to get kids back outside. 

In this episode, we discussed how a simple dinner conversation about blending practicality with fun in children's wear ignited the entrepreneurs' best idea yet. Why spending their first raise on a big yellow school bus was a unique and necessary turning point. Plus they delve into the importance of building a brand that you can proudly get behind.

If you would like to see Roarsome pitch at the EIS forum on 24th April there are still tickets available Here.

Website: https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

“The thing I’m most excited for is bringing together a great group of people and showing them that they can do something and make an impact… showing them that it is possible…it will be a pleasure to work with them”

Munraj and I discuss his love of engineering, his conviction that building a successful startup begins with the right team, and how the construction sector will evolve over the next 25 years. 

Reaforma is a climate tech startup that has developed a carbon-negative replacement for traditional cement. They harness by-products and waste, which are then transformed into valuable, sustainable materials. The construction sector is responsible for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, innovations like Reaforma are more critical than ever.

Website: https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/podcast

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

‘Attracting high-net worth individuals meant I could double our revenue’ 

‘Philanthropic donation is an investment into a businesses supply chain, business does not exist in an isolated bubble, the supply chain must be supported’

Alex Ritchie joined Global Giving UK just months before the onset of COVID-19. What began as a temporary maternity cover role soon evolved into her position as CEO. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Ritchie rapidly expanded the organisation, doubling its donations within the first few years. She shares insights on leading a purpose-driven business, the impact of high-net-worth individuals in philanthropy, and the importance of balancing both global and local perspectives.

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

Website: https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/all-news

'Love Island for Entrepreneurs'

Elizabeth Lee and her co-founders at Carbon Cell came together when they took part in Love Island for entrepreneur's, also known as The Imperial Enterprise Lab.

With their wealth of expertise they have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional polymer foams. In this episode, we delve into Liz’s career journey that led her to London, hear about how the founders came together and conceived their innovative idea, the urgent issue of plastic pollution, and the fascinating potential of seaweed as a game-changing solution.

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

Website: https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/all-news

Grapefruit Hummus Anyone?

Hannah McCollum founded ChicP out of frustration with food waste in hospitality and a desire to create natural, healthy snacking options.

This episode explores the journey from blending chickpeas in a kitchen to building a UK wide company. We’ll dive into the realities of fundraising for a startup, the crucial role of branding and packaging, and how to get B corp, Buy women built, and W corp certified.

Plus, we uncover what hummus gets up to at Glastonbury and ask what happened to Instagram's chocolate hummus?

Contact: daisy.moll@sustainabletimes.co.uk

Website: https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/

Hello and welcome to Profit Meets Purpose. We're excited to reintroduce ourselves to our audience and kick off a brand-new chapter. Get ready for an inspiring podcast that explores the future of sustainable investment, where profit and purpose go hand in hand.