Biomimicry Institute

Over 70% of venture backed startups fail at the Seed or Series A stage, often termed as the ‘startup valley of death’. Startups moving from laboratory to private sector business face extraordinary pressures to scale quickly, and – especially in the case of nature-inspired startups – face the typical push to produce products cheaply. To have a real chance of success, founders need training in sustainable business practices, communications support, and connections to a network of mission-aligned advocates and mentors.  

Through transforming the Ray of Hope Prize into an accelerator, The Biomimicry Institute will be able to support more changemakers and accelerate the growth of nature-inspired startups to scale systemic solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. 

Our partnership (2023/24) aims to: 

- Deliver the 2023 Ray of Hope Prize (prior to transition). 

- Refresh the organisation’s communications through a rebrand and new website for the organisation. 

- Update programmatic content for the new accelerator and increase staff capacity through the hire of a programme assistant. 

- Launch and deliver the newly transitioned Ray of Hope Accelerator, supporting 10 changemakers for 6 months. The Bentley Environmental Foundation were thrilled to be a judge on this year’s selection committee. 

- Connect changemakers with investors, corporates and supporters of nature-inspires startups during NYC Climate Week 2024, followed by a four-day nature retreat, reconnecting them with nature and building a supportive peer community.