Exploring Regenerative Innovation with Léonie Weerakoon, Kinetik VC

In this episode of Innovation Brief, we sit down with Léonie Weerakoon, human ecologist, designer, conservationist, investor, and Managing Director of Kinetik Ventures, to explore how nature-centric innovation is reshaping the future of business, policy, and community.

Léonie shares her journey across cultures and industries, revealing how treating nature as a collaborator (not just a resource) can open up new opportunities, drive regenerative economies, and build resilience in the face of climate change. We discuss the vital role of indigenous knowledge, the unique strengths of island and biocritical regions, and why authentic, systems-based approaches are key to global impact.

Discover how Léonie and Kinetik are bridging science, culture, and economics to create ventures that thrive alongside ecosystems—and why the next wave of innovation will be rooted in both ecological wisdom and bold, inclusive thinking.

Learn more about Kinetik Ventures: https://www.kinetikvc.com/ 

Connect with Léonie Weerakoon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonieweerakoon/

 
Join the Future of Living Systems Summit at NY Climate Week (September 24, 2025): https://www.futureoflivingsystems.org/

The Innovation Brief podcast is for the people building, funding, and governing innovation - inside corporates, governments, and ecosystems across the globe. Bi-weekly conversations with the leaders shaping the future.

Subscribe to The Innovation Brief on Substack for more insights. 

Learn more about the Innovation Brief: https://www.innovationbrief.co

The Innovation Brief is produced by Metta, an innovation consultancy specialising in research, programme design and delivery, and ecosystem building worldwide. 

Learn more about Metta: https://www.metta.partners