🌍 World Economic Forum: Rethinking Growth, AI, and Nature Conservation

What an incredible experience it was to be invited to speak at an event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos! Our participation gave us the chance to engage in thought-provoking conversations, share insights from Happy Ground, and learn from some of the most inspiring founders and leaders in the world—all working toward saving the planet and building a more sustainable future.

While we’ll be sharing more about our investment in the near future, we wanted to reflect on the key takeaways from our time in Davos.

Rethinking GDP: Is It the Best Indicator for Growth?

One of the most eye-opening discussions we had was about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and whether it’s still the best measure of economic progress. For decades, GDP has been the standard indicator, but we realized it often fails to account for the environmental and social costs of growth. It doesn’t measure the climate and social impact of the industries driving that growth. This led us to question: Is GDP truly reflective of the progress we want to see in the world today?

At Happy Ground, we believe that growth should be about more than just economic output. Sustainability, social equity, and environmental restoration need to be central to how we define success in this new era of green business. The future of growth must include climate resilience, nature conservation, and inclusive economic development.

Kids in a Candy Store: AI Innovations for Nature Conservation

Another unforgettable aspect of Davos was diving into the world of AI innovations—and we were like kids in a candy store! From predictive analytics to machine learning tools, we saw firsthand how AI can be a game-changer in nature conservation. The ability to leverage AI for monitoring ecosystems, optimizing supply chains, and reducing carbon footprints is both exciting and empowering for those of us in the sustainability space.

But one session, in particular, stood out to us. About 60% of the conversation centered around an important question: How do we ensure that smallholder farmers, who are key to nature conservation, are not left behind in the AI transition?

Smallholder Farmers: The Key to Nature Conservation

The discussion reaffirmed the fact that smallholder farmers play a crucial role in nature conservation. They are the unsung heroes of the global supply chain, yet they often don’t have access to the latest technology, including AI tools that could dramatically improve their livelihoods and increase their climate resilience. If we want to ensure that AI doesn’t widen the gap between large agribusinesses and smallholder farmers, we must make sure that these farmers have access to the right tools and training to protect ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

Meeting World-Class Founders: Inspiring Stories of Innovation

One of the most inspiring parts of our time in Davos was meeting so many world-class founders who are working tirelessly to save the planet. We were grateful for the opportunity to share and learn from their personal experiences in building impact-driven businesses. These founders are from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique perspectives, but united by one common goal: to create scalable solutions for climate action and social good.

We had the chance to engage with visionary leaders working on cutting-edge solutions, from renewable energy to regenerative agriculture. Their stories were not only motivating but also gave us valuable insights into navigating the challenges of scaling sustainable innovation. These conversations confirmed that collaboration is key to unlocking the potential of sustainable entrepreneurship—no matter where in the world you come from.

Moving Forward Together: Building a Sustainable Future

Our time in Davos left us with renewed energy and excitement about the future of technology, sustainability, and climate action. It’s clear that the path to solving the world’s environmental challenges will require cross-sector collaboration, innovative solutions, and inclusive business models. At Happy Ground, we’re more committed than ever to leveraging AI and regenerative ecosystems to help create scalable solutions for climate resilience, carbon removal, and sustainable agriculture.

We are incredibly inspired by the founders we met in Davos and can’t wait to continue learning, collaborating, and building solutions that drive positive change for both people and the planet.