Rewild: A Startup Regenerating Ecosystems
In a world where climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly urgent issues, the startup rewild takes an innovative and hopeful approach: regenerating damaged ecosystems through the principles of rewilding. As part of the PLUS Incubator, the founder Mareike Weiner is advancing her vision by enabling companies to take concrete actions for their biodiversity strategies by investing in rewilding projects. But how did the journey of rewild begin, and what are the startup’s goals?
Inspiration from Knepp Estate
The idea for rewild was sparked by a lecture on the Knepp Estate in the UK, a flagship project for rewilding. Mareike was captivated by how quickly biodiversity returned when nature was largely left to its own devices. “Rewilding is a nature-based solution that gives hope – the massive positive impact of wildlife on biodiversity and climate is still largely unknown,” she explains. This fascination led to a deeper exploration of the topic and ultimately to the founding of rewild.
An Innovative Solution for Companies
rewild is aimed at companies seeking to support biodiversity but often lacking the necessary expertise or resources to implement such projects on their own. The startup enables companies to regenerate damaged ecosystems by purchasing Rewilding Tokens.
In partnership with conservation organisations, rewild acquires land in Switzerland and regenerates it according to the principles of rewilding, using wildlife or ecological substitute species. Investors not only receive updates on the progress of the restoration but also valuable data on biodiversity and CO₂ storage. What makes this unique is that companies can visit the projects and use the data and communication materials for their external communication or sustainability reporting.
A Contribution to the Regenerative Economy
rewild offers companies a credible alternative to traditional CO₂ certificates. Instead of investing in abstract numbers, they invest in square metres of regenerated nature in Switzerland – a tangible, local solution to the biodiversity and climate crisis. These projects not only create added value for the preservation of our planet but also enable companies to strengthen their sustainability strategies in an impactful and transparent way.
From Concept to Execution
The breakthrough idea came to Mareike during her application process at Carbotech AG, as she considered how to combine her newfound passion for rewilding with her professional goals. “In the interview, I was asked what I would do with a budget of 100,000 CHF if I had free rein – so I pitched my idea.” The result: not only a job but also the opportunity to further develop rewild at Carbotech.
Vision for the Future
In five years, rewild envisions a successful first project in Switzerland, with its tokens fully sold and ready for the next project. Long-term, the goal is to expand the project area to enable year-round grazing – a key aspect of the rewilding approach.
"Rewilding is a nature-based solution that gives hope – the massive positive impact of wildlife on biodiversity and climate is still largely unknown."
PLUS Incubator: A Springboard for the Vision
Participating in the PLUS Incubator gives Mareike and her team the chance to refine their idea with experts and other founders while receiving valuable input. The exchange within the program strengthens the vision and makes it even more tangible.
With a clear mission to regenerate local ecosystems and a pragmatic approach, rewild demonstrates how companies can actively and credibly be part of the solution. Together, we can let nature thrive again – one square metre at a time.
Learn more about rewild and support the project in strengthening biodiversity and regenerating ecosystems for the long term!
How Can You Support rewild?
rewild is looking for investors who believe in its vision, as well as a suitable piece of land for its first rewilding project. If you have contacts, ideas, or recommendations, Mareike Weiner would be delighted to hear from you.
