In a recent episode of TheIMPACT on FintechTV, host Jeff Gitterman sat down with Dennis Levine, CEO of Water Garden Farms, for a wide-ranging discussion on how sustainable business models can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The conversation explored how profitability and environmental responsibility can coexist, with a focus on technology-driven solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Levine describes himself as an eco-capitalist, someone who believes the capitalist system can and must be used to solve global problems. His approach centers on building companies that generate strong returns while also improving outcomes for the planet. In his view, sustainability is no longer optional. “Doing good using the capitalist system” is a necessity, especially as food security, water scarcity, and energy constraints intensify worldwide.
Those challenges are already severe. Levine pointed out that roughly one billion people currently face hunger, a figure expected to grow without meaningful changes to how food is produced and distributed. Water Garden Farms was created to address that reality by rethinking agriculture from the ground up. The company operates indoor hydroponic systems capable of producing fresh, organic food using up to 98 percent less water than traditional farming.
“Water is the canary in the coal mine of climate change,” Levine said, noting that only a small fraction of the planet’s water is suitable for human use, while agriculture consumes a disproportionate share. By recapturing rainwater and integrating AI-driven automation, Water Garden Farms grows food closer to where people live. That proximity reduces transportation costs, cuts emissions, and lowers overall environmental impact.
Levine also emphasized improvements in food safety and quality. Traditional agriculture often involves multiple intermediaries, increasing the risk of contamination and shortening shelf life. Water Garden Farms’ indoor model keeps production under one roof, resulting in fresher products that last longer and reach consumers with fewer handling steps.
Vertical farming has faced skepticism in the past, largely due to high energy costs and scalability issues. Levine acknowledged those challenges but said his operation takes a different approach. By using the sun as a primary light source and combining it with advanced automation, the facilities achieve high yields while keeping costs under control. That balance, he said, makes the model both sustainable and scalable.
Looking ahead, Levine outlined plans to build a network of six facilities across the United States, positioning the company for national expansion. Partnerships with firms such as Siemens are expected to further enhance automation, efficiency, and product quality as new sites come online.
The broader implications of the model extend beyond agriculture. Levine sees opportunities to rethink food production in water-stressed regions like Texas, while also prioritizing renewable energy use and local workforce development. His operations employ veterans and emphasize community engagement, helping the business resonate across political and economic lines.
Levine’s work reflects a growing movement toward eco-capitalism, where companies pursue the Sustainable Development Goals without sacrificing profitability. By combining technology, finance, and environmental stewardship, Water Garden Farms offers a blueprint for addressing food and water insecurity in a changing climate.
As global pressures around resources continue to mount, Levine’s message to entrepreneurs is clear. Sustainable practices are not a constraint on growth but a catalyst for it. By building resilient, technology-driven business models, companies can generate strong returns while delivering solutions that matter on a global scale.