For many in our B Corp community, leveraging business actions as a force for good isn’t just purposeful, it’s personal.
Take Folklore Ventures, for example, an Australian venture capital firm founded in 2014. As a team with diverse individual experiences in start-ups, having “lived the ups and downs of this journey”, they support emerging local tech industry founders in transforming their ambitious vision into reality.
Meanwhile, across the ditch, there’s Grin Natural, which launched just a year later in 2015. This oral healthcare company was founded by Tara Tan, who had been searching for safer, healthier toothpaste options for her family.
As far as what they do, this duo couldn’t be more different. But as you can see, in both cases, the spark of inspiration to create positive change started close to home. That’s not all they have in common; both became B Corps earlier this year.
To celebrate, we chatted with Folklore Ventures and Grin Natural about the founding principles that sparked their creation, how this ethos endures through their actions today, and their certification experience.
Image: Grin Natural
Backing local founders for the long run with Folklore Ventures
NSW-based venture capital firm Folklore Ventures supports Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand founders in the tech/software industry to transform their ambitious vision into reality. In doing so, this helps shape the trajectory of emerging local businesses, as well as our local contribution to the global tech space.
These folks are fierce believers in the power of a founder’s vision. They are all about backing businesses early in the start-up phase and cementing long-term partnerships. As they put it, Folklore Ventures is a “first cheque to forever investor”.
Proudly certified in May 2025, Folklore Ventures has a long-term focus on continuous improvement in both investment and operational arms of the business.
“This [Certification] signals the firm’s continued commitment to operational, environmental and governance excellence, acting as another window into [our] enduring commitment to superior performance.”
— Folklore Ventures
Speaking to their approach, Folklore explains online, “Startups are not ‘small big’ companies; they’re an uninsulated journey into the unknown. As former founders and builders, we’ve lived the ups and downs of this journey.” The team adds, “We are a tight-knit team for our founders — a coach in their corner and a long-term partner.”
Image: Folklore Ventures
Conscious local oral care creating smiles worldwide with Grin Natural
Tara Tan’s search for safer, healthier toothpaste options for her family is what spurred her to create Grin Holdings Limited (Grin Natural) in 2015. Fast forward 10 years, and Grin Natural’s variety of oral care products can be accessed in nine regions around the world. Plus, they’ve become a B Corp (what a stellar way to celebrate a decade of business).
“If you’re a fast-growing company like us, be sure to include new markets in your [B Corp] submission [so that] by the time your submission is complete, you’re able to announce the news globally!”
— Grin Natural’s advice for aspiring B Corps
For the Grin Natural team, who worked with B Consultant Tim Jones of Grow Good to streamline their certification journey, becoming a B Corp wasn’t about “ticking boxes” but “honouring the values that shaped the brand from the start.”
Grin Natural’s toothbrushes and floss picks are made using 100% recycled plastic, and its community enrichment initiatives are sure to make you smile. They have made a recent commitment to donate 2% of global revenue annually to charities and schools.
In addition, their ‘Share A Grin’ program has donated over 500,000 toothbrushes to children and families in need around the world. Partnering closely with stockists, influencers and retailers on the initiative, Grin Natural explains that “‘Share A Grin’ isn’t ours, it’s our communities” and that this collaborative approach “spreads the impact of doing good tenfold!”
“Becoming a B Corp isn’t just a badge of honour — it’s a celebration of our entire ecosystem: our customers, partners, team, and the communities we support. This validates our belief that business can and should be a force for good.”
— Tara Tan, Grin Natural Founder and CEO
Image: Grin Natural
Congratulations again, Folklore Ventures and Grin Natural — thank you for sharing your stories. Take a scroll through the blog for more inspiration, insights, and experiences from local B’s or click here to connect with a B Consultant. Is your business also freshly Certified? Congratulations! Book in for one of our online introductory sessions (you can find upcoming sessions here) or consider joining us at Assembly 2025, we’d love to see you there!
