The Critical Waka

In case you were wondering what I have been working on instead of Popcorn and Seaweed, it’s because I have been working with Critical on their technology program.

The mission at the start was to ensure they got the resources they needed to survive, sustain, and grow their impact.

I joined Rui in October 2021 after two Covid lockdowns and a tornado. I wondered if he needed help.

Popcorn sponsored my time at the start pro bono because if Critical did not survive, I doubted any venture in NZ could meaningfully combat climate change.

I supported them as a Tech Lead through rapid transformation and momentum build.

From planning, IP strategy, and funding applications, to building a tech team, driving forklifts and establishing production, I acted as their sole in-house resource for engineering services for a time.

It was a fast-paced program full of ups and downs, good people, food, learnings, fun and Pepsi Max.

I saw Critical evolve from a social enterprise to a growth venture, learn to describe their R&D and IP as such, and thus be rewarded by the ecosystem with the gratis and resources that they deserved.

And while often it was messy and uncomfortable, Critical was the ideal customer for Popcorn: a design-led business with a great purpose to remove sh*t tonnes of plastic from New Zealand’s landfills.

I think it highlights where and how we can solve UN sustainable development goals. Let’s try different methods that encourage developers and engineers to work diligently and empathetically with socially-minded entrepreneurs on real solutions. And what these organisations are capable of when funded.

It’s what Popcorn was designed to do.

We backed them and believed wholeheartedly in their mission, their opportunity, their knowledge and passion. Because we cared so much, I think it helped more traditional stakeholders and investors to see it too.

Thankfully for Critical, it ended up in a win for them, as they raised investment. Other impact ventures are not so lucky.

And that’s why it’s important right now to champion and vouch for those promising change makers that need it. In the climate sector in particular. That extra push may be the difference.

At this point, I’m no longer essential at Critical-they have money and a team of people to help them. Their waka is sailing in the water, on their journey to growth. I will miss the wonderful people, the creative and fulfilling work, but it is time to move on. I am proud. I leave after two years, to stay on the shore and launch more boats out to sea. I wish them the best on their voyage forward.

Popcorn designs climate solutions.

We are now working on a seaweed project called Sea Green and other investments.

Reach out if you are interested to talk seaweed, getting more climate solutions out there, and how anyone can invest in them.

More info at: www.popcorninnovators.com