Julia Collins: Business Innovation

    Climate tech entrepreneur Julia Collins inspires innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership through groundbreaking technology ventures, business transformation, and environmental impact strategy.

    Julia Collins - Image 01 (May 15, 2026)

    Quick Facts:

      • Founder and CEO of Planet FWD
      • First Black woman to build a unicorn-valued startup
      • Co-founder of Zume Pizza
      • Global leader in climate technology and sustainability innovation
    • Formats:
    • Keynote speaker, entrepreneur, climate tech innovator, leadership speaker
    • Audiences:
    • Technology organizations, sustainability conferences, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, innovation teams, and diversity-focused audiences.
    • Outcomes:
      1. Audiences gain insight into climate innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business growth.
      2. Leaders learn how technology can drive both profitability and environmental impact.
      3. Organizations feel inspired to champion innovation, inclusion, and long-term global responsibility.
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • **US Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Talent Services

    Keynote Topics:

    HOW REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE MAY SAVE US FROM CLIMATE CHANGE
     
    Spending her entrepreneurial career working at the intersection of food and tech, Julia Collins began a more narrow focus with her latest company, Planet FWD, to understand the relationship between food systems and climate change as she was preparing to be a mom.

    Around this intersection, she discovered a drive to reverse climate change for our collective futures. In this talk, Julia shares Planet FWD’s mission to reform our food system to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also draw-down, sequester, re-balance atmospheric carbon.

    This challenge is completed in two ways. By creating the world’s first climate-friendly snack brand and by creating a data service linking regenerative farmers to brands and consumers who are hungry for climate-friendly products, Julia shares insights into the future of agriculture, sustainability and climate change that will help save us all.

    AUTHENTIC LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
     
    In this captivating presentation, Julia Collins takes center stage to share her insights on navigating the intersection of entrepreneurship and climate change.

    Drawing from her extensive experience and the lessons learned on her entrepreneurial journey in the food and tech spaces, Julia explores the pivotal role of innovation and sustainability in shaping our collective future.

    Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking analysis, she delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the climate crisis, highlighting the importance of empowering entrepreneurs to drive positive change.

    From fostering a culture of innovation to harnessing the power of technology, Julia not only offers practical strategies for building a more sustainable and equitable world, but also shares tackling the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship. Discover her tactical advantage to becoming your most authentic version of a leader through this talk.

    TRANSFORMING FOOD SYSTEMS FOR A CLIMATE-RESILIENT FUTURE
     
    Join climate tech founder Julia Collins in this lively conversation in which she’ll change a room full of listeners into doers and changemakers on the imperative to address climate change through our food systems.

    In this captivating presentation, she reveals how decarbonizing our food supply chains, particularly through methods like regenerative agriculture, holds the key to mitigating global emissions and fostering climate resilience.

    Through compelling anecdotes and impactful statistics, discover the profound impact of simple ingredient swaps, such as transitioning to regenerative organic options, and purchase changes in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability.

    From the success story of some of Planet Fwd’s biggest food service partners to the broader potential of regenerative farming on a global scale, audiences explore how each of us, whether as consumers or investors, plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

    Get ready to be inspired to leverage the power of our plates as a force for positive change in the fight against climate change.

    Talent Short Bio

    Julia Collins is a pioneering entrepreneur, climate tech innovator, and keynote speaker recognized as the first Black woman to build a unicorn-valued startup. As Founder and CEO of Planet FWD, Julia is leading efforts to address climate change through technology-driven sustainability solutions that help businesses measure, reduce, and improve their environmental impact.

    With a unique blend of technological expertise, operational leadership, and entrepreneurial vision, Julia has built a career focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Prior to founding Planet FWD, she co-founded Zume Pizza, becoming the first Black woman to lead a venture-backed technology company valued at more than one billion dollars. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at companies including Union Square Hospitality Group, Mexicue, and Murray’s Cheese, helping scale successful consumer and hospitality brands.

    Julia’s experience spans climate technology, food systems innovation, entrepreneurship, and organizational leadership. She also serves on multiple boards and advisory councils focused on climate action, food sustainability, and supporting women and BIPOC entrepreneurs. In addition, she is an Ambassador for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

    Julia Collins is a trailblazing figure in the world of technology and entrepreneurship, making history as the first Black woman to achieve “unicorn” status with her tech company. As the Founder and CEO of Planet Forward, she has garnered international acclaim for her innovative approach to addressing climate change through technology. With a unique blend of business acumen, technological expertise, and a passion for environmental sustainability, Julia is a sought-after speaker whose insights inspire audiences worldwide.

    With a keen understanding of both the technological and business aspects of her field, Julia brings a wealth of expertise to the table. From developing cutting-edge software solutions to forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders, she has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to drive innovation and effect positive change on a global scale. Her success in navigating the competitive landscape of the tech industry serves as a testament to her resilience, vision, and leadership prowess.

    As a speaker, Julia Collins captivates audiences with her dynamic presence and thought-provoking insights. Drawing from her own experiences as a Black woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, she offers a unique perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech world. Her powerful storytelling and unwavering commitment to social justice resonate deeply with audiences, inspiring them to challenge the status quo and strive for greater diversity and representation in the tech sector.

    A serial entrepreneur, Julia previously co- founded Zume Pizza where she became the first Black woman “unicorn” when she created a venture-backed tech company valued at over a billion dollars. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Harlem Jazz Enterprises, which holds The Cecil, an Afro-Asian Brasserie, and Minton’s, a historic jazz supper club. While there, The Cecil won Best New Restaurant of the Year.

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