Mariano Cenamo, the CEO of Amazon Impact Accelerator (AMAZ) and co-founder of the Amazon Conservation and Sustainable Development Institute (Idesam), recently took part in the “Economia do Futuro” (“Economy of the Future”) podcast, in which journalist Melina Costa interviews pioneers in the transformation to a zero carbon economy (in which greenhouse gases are neutralized).

The theme of the episode was “Accelerating Amazon Startups.” In the podcast, the guest talked about the areas of greatest opportunity for sustainable businesses in the Amazon, as well as the challenges involved in operating in the region. She also gave examples of companies in AMAZ’s portfolio that are managing to evolve away from traditional ways of doing business, from entrepreneurs who have convinced landowners not to deforest to a company that is taking the flavors of the Amazon to the rest of Brazil.

AMAZ now has a R$25 million fund and 18 companies in its portfolio, funded by philanthropic and for-profit investors, including Fundo Vale. The supported companies need to show their potential financial viability, social and environmental impacts and capacity to contribute to an economy based on preserved forests. 

You can listen to the complete podcast here.