Sustainable Founders Podcast: Taking the Temperature of 2025
Hosted by Gabby Jessen, featuring Kate Williams (CEO, 1% for the Planet) and Elizabeth Corse (Founder, DisCom)
What does the health of the sustainability sector look like as we head into 2026? This conversation brings together two perspectives - one from a business-as-a-force-for-good perspective with Kate Williams, and the other from my climate tech innovation perspective to look at what 2025 delivered for sustainability-focused businesses and what their founders need to thrive this year.
Why listen?
I’d like to think this isn't your typical sustainability roundup. First of all, I’m normally the one asking the questions, not answering them. For another, it’s an unusual combination of perspectives but I hope you’ll find it an honest conversation about what's happening on the ground, including the funding shifts, the narrative changes, and the internal champions driving change behind closed doors. If you're a founder, business leader, or change champion, this conversation offers practical insights and specific examples of what's working.
Key themes explored:
On the state of sustainability innovation in 2025
Climate tech funding contracted dramatically - 50% fewer companies reached seed to Series A stage compared to 2022, and 80% fewer made it to Series B. Capital concentrated on solutions demonstrating scale, cost competitiveness, and customer traction. Yet businesses committed to sustainability stayed the course, with strong retention rates even during the most uncertain months.
On the narrative shift
Founders are actively moving away from leading with "climate" or "sustainability" branding to avoid polarisation. Instead, they're focusing on the core business value they deliver - community building, supply chain solutions, cost savings - with environmental impact as part of the story rather than the headline.
On what's actually driving change
It's not technology alone. Individual expertise combined with stakeholder trust matters more than AI or innovation. The real breakthroughs are happening through internal champions - people without "sustainability" in their job title who take initiative to drive change within their organisations.
On material innovations to watch
From banana peel fabric that feels like denim to plastic alternatives that require no manufacturing changes, material innovation is here. These solutions work because they're plug-and-play, offering businesses a straight input swap into existing supply chain processes and infrastructure.
On what founders need
Community tops the list. Whether through accelerators, trade associations, or informal networks, having peers to test ideas with and not feel alone makes the difference between maintaining momentum and losing it. The best communities balance affirmation with diverse perspectives.
Featured references:
Net Zero Insights report on climate tech funding
Institute of Actuaries report on insurance risk and stranded assets
Whole Grain Digital (planet-friendly websites)
Good Loop (sustainable ad campaigns)
Chestnut Biopolymer (fossil-free plastic alternative)
29acacia (bio-textile company solving fashion’s unsustainable materials crisis)
Measurable Energy (automated energy waste reduction)
People Planet Pint community movement
Cold Chain Federation's Net Zero work
