Could technology hold the key to solving our sustainability crisis? Matthias Boissonot certainly thinks so. As founder of Handprint, his Singapore-based startup aims to quantify and verify the positive environmental impact that companies create.
With over 200 major corporations already signed on, Handprint Tech seems poised to disrupt how businesses approach climate action. Their secret sauce? Going beyond carbon offsets to make regeneration tangible for customers. By integrating green progress into user experiences, they have increased sales in both e-commerce (16% higher conversion) and advertising (9% better ad recall). As Boissonot explains, “It creates virality, engagement, a sense of making action together.”
Now Matthias has his sights set on banking, collaborating with major institutions to appeal to eco-minded young people. These banks badly need help retaining fickle digital natives who might easily switch allegiances. By showcasing verified climate contributions tied to card usage and accounts, Handprint Tech offers a way to attract and engage typically elusive Millennial and Gen Z demographics.
Quantifying Environmental Regeneration
But how exactly does Handprint Tech quantify something as complex as global regeneration? Boissonot points to their open-source calculator that reorients companies from carbon neutrality towards aligning business activities with what Earth’s systems can support. Things like soil health, ocean vitality, and biodiversity get factored alongside atmospheric CO2.
This model advises, “You should be contributing to the restoration of nature by this much if we want to have a chance to stay within planetary limits.” It's a scientific wake-up call for business as usual.
To make regeneration concrete, Handprint Tech directs corporate resources to certified conservation projects across the Global South. These initiatives range from mangrove restoration in Indonesia to refurbishing computers for disadvantaged youth. The startup then supplies mobile tools for on-the-ground partners to collect geotagged impact data. These stories get pushed out to sponsoring companies for sharing with end users.
By digitizing metrics from climate partners, Handprint Tech opens access to recurring international funding streams previously out of reach. This provides the startup with a steady supply of verified regen projects. As for corporate demand, Boissonot explains, “We arrived in that market and we told all the small players, ‘You don't need to pay any upfront fees, use Handprint.” Virtuous cycles indeed.
Cultivating an Audience through Content
When asked about effective tactics for building their brand, Boissonot points to thought leadership content. He explains, “We communicated a lot on LinkedIn specifically...around challenging the status quo of sustainability.”
This includes an active blog and YouTube channel where people can access educational materials for free. Whitepapers and public speaking also raise Handprint Tech's profile. According to Boissonot, “It's really been around this challenging the status quo, offering a new perspective on nature rather than carbon.”
Their positioning as sustainability renegades seems to be working. A recent LinkedIn post introducing ecosystem mapping garnered over 1.3 million views. With that kind of organic reach, it’s easy to understand Handprint Tech’s meteoric rise.
Warm Introductions as Rocket Fuel
Yet despite producing reams of great content, Boissonot shares that facilitated connections bring the highest quality leads. He asks new contacts for introductions to two related companies in their network. Handprint Tech then references existing customer relationships in tailored outreach.
As Boissonot notes, “There is nothing better, I feel, than warm introductions...where [a client] just says, 'We've been using Handprint for a year. Look at the results it’s amazing. You should engage with these guys.” This referral approach creates tailwinds helping Handprint Tech gain velocity.
So for any entrepreneurs feeling stuck in the doldrums, take notes! Let the wind of relationships fill your sails. By generating introductions instead of just content, you too can catch traction. Together, we can harness technology to heal the planet one connection at a time.
