The Rise of Superorganism: A Venture Firm Focused on Biodiversity and Nature
In a world where the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly evident, it’s heartening to see a new venture firm emerge with a focus on addressing these pressing issues. Superorganism, launched on Wednesday, is the brainchild of Tom Quigley, a former conservationist, and Kevin Webb, a VC and angel investor. Their mission is to invest in startups that tackle the decline of biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.
A Growing Concern: The Decline of Biodiversity
The statistics are alarming. Over the last 50 years, there has been a 69% decline in wildlife populations, according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Meanwhile, carbon emissions have increased by 90% during the same period. These numbers are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
While many venture firms have emerged to address climate change through investments in renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies, biodiversity has been largely overlooked. Until now. Superorganism aims to fill this gap by providing funding and expertise to startups that focus on preserving natural habitats, reducing harm to ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices.
A New Category: Biodiversity Tech
Quigley and Webb have identified a significant opportunity in the market. They believe that biodiversity tech is a category larger than many people realize, as companies working in this space have previously been categorized under other labels, such as climate tech or ag tech. By creating a dedicated fund for biodiversity-focused startups, Superorganism aims to provide a clear and focused approach to investing in this sector.
First Portfolio Company: INVERSA Leathers
One of the first portfolio companies to benefit from Superorganism’s investment is INVERSA Leathers, a startup that creates real leather out of invasive species. Founded by CEO Aarav Chavda, INVERSA aims to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Chavda credits Superorganism with providing valuable support and guidance, saying: "Working with Tom and Kevin has been like a breath of fresh air. They understand why biodiversity matters and are passionate about creating positive change."
A Complementary Approach
Superorganism’s approach is designed to be complementary to other firms working in the space. Webb explained that they won’t lead rounds but rather invest alongside other managers, bringing their expertise and knowledge to the table.
"We’re not trying to create a new category," Webb said. "We’re simply providing a focused approach to investing in biodiversity tech. We believe there’s a lot of untapped value in this space."
Timing is Right
Quigley and Webb are confident that the timing is right for Superorganism. As more companies begin to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, they see a growing demand for innovative solutions.
"We’re excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on biodiversity loss," Quigley said. "We believe that by investing in startups working in this space, we can create positive change and help preserve our planet’s natural resources."
Conclusion
The emergence of Superorganism is a welcome development in the venture capital landscape. With its focus on biodiversity and nature, this new firm has the potential to make a significant impact on some of the most pressing issues facing our world today.
As Quigley and Webb continue to build their portfolio and drive innovation in the sector, we can expect to see more exciting developments from Superorganism.
