Renewal Partners

Announcing First Close of Renewal2 Investment Fund

By Pamela Chaloult on May 25, 2009 - 2:36pm

Paul Richardson, President of Renewal2 Investment Fund, is pleased to announce the first close of the Fund at over $16 million. Renewal2 is one of a handful of funds in North America that focus on companies which have positive environmental, social and financial returns.

The 220 Years

By Joel Solomon on February 19, 2009 - 7:22pm

We are settling into the extraordinary Tides Renewal Centre two blocks down the street from the old digs at 220. And before the newness of it all wears off, before we are all once caught up again in the unrelenting pace of business as "unusual", I think its time for a moment of retrospection on the phenomenal years at 220 Cambie Street.

Joel Solomon Working to Make the World Healthier

By Marisa Whitlock on September 2, 2008 - 4:40pm

Renewal's CEO Joel Solomon was recently profiled in his hometown paper The Chattanoogan.

Joel reflects on his start with Northgate Mall in Chattanooga, Tennessee here.

Renewal2 in the News

By Thea Richmond on August 1, 2008 - 3:50pm

Paul Richardson, President of Renewal2, was interviewed by the Venture Capital Journal for their article on Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). Click Here to read more about what Paul and other key players in the SRI realm have to say about the evolving model, deals and responsible exiting strategies.

Horizon Distributors

Western Canada’s largest distributor of natural and organic groceries.

Terri’s Story

During the survival-of-the-fittest mentality of the early '90s, a young Terri Newell found the co-op model refreshing—an inviting workplace valuing each member’s skills and resources. While completing her Masters degree at UBC’s School of Planning, she was particularly drawn to Horizon Distributors, a Burnaby-based worker co-op distributing natural and organic foods.

Happy Planet

Canada's premium juice and smoothie pioneer.

Gregor’s Story

The kitchen was a hub of activity and inspiration. Fruits and veggies covered counters and whizzed in blenders as organic farmer Gregor Robertson tried yet another juice recipe. Recruited friends and family stood close at hand, gladly tasting blackberry smoothies and other liquid treats until their full bellies could take no more.

Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery (f. SPUD—Small Potatoes Urban Delivery)

The largest internet grocer for organic/natural foods in North America.

David’s Story

David Van Seter’s “small potatoes” perspective of the triple bottom line endured a harsh reality check at the school of hard knocks. A successful business consultant, David wanted to inspire his clients with a demonstration of sustainable business practices. He created SPUD, Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery (originally Small Potatoes Urban Delivery)—a web-based grocery delivery business, promoting organic, local and informed food choices.

Our Team

Founding Partners

Carol Newell

Carol Newell is the Principal of Renewal. Through this organization, she has established a life’s work as a social entrepreneur and philanthropist, placing over $60 million in organizations and businesses working toward sustainability in BC.

History

Carol Newell inherited a substantial fortune over several years, culminating in the early 1990s. Believing she had "more than enough", she chose to dedicate the majority of her wealth to making the world a better place.

She found the focus for her intentions in British Columbia's mix of vast pristine wilderness and sophisticated urban meeting places for global influences. She has dedicated her career to nurturing broad-spectrum solutions to the ecological and social problems facing her home province.

Investments

For over a decade, Renewal invested in change by placing early stage capital into some of the best entrepreneurs in North America.