The Ripple brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists, all sharing their journeys and big ideas in green tech and bio-manufacturing. The chat circled around how startups can keep money flowing in the early days, and how investors see growth, service work, and product launches in this space.

What stood out from the discussion:

• It’s smart for young companies to find ways to earn revenue early—even if it starts with small service deals. Investors prefer a clear path from first sales to bigger “proof points.”

• Product sales are seen as more reliable for long-term success than services alone.

• Chasing “green premiums” isn’t a solid business plan; value must stand on its own.

• Competition from green chemistry is rising, so bio-manufacturers need truly solid tech.

In short, the Ripple showed that staying flexible, thinking about real market needs, and building direct value are what gets investors listening. Everyone agreed: it takes grit and creativity to make green innovation work!