What we can take out of NYC Climate Week - #WaterScarcity hits centre stage!
Managing General Partner @ R3i Capital | Venture Capital | Independent Non Executive Director | Applied AI Investor | Philanthropy | Adjunct Faculty
10 Key Takeaways from #NYCClimateWeek 1. Clean Tech's Turbulent Waters The clean tech sector is bracing for a bumpy ride. With interest rates dropping, a high-stakes U.S. presidential election on the horizon, and shrinking funds for carbon-cutting tech, uncertainty is the new norm. 2. Funding's Fragile Rebound While there's a flicker of renewed investment compared to early 2024, let's not kid ourselves—climate tech funding has been slashed in half from last year. Investors are cautious, navigating economic fog with low visibility. 3. The Funding Gap Abyss Early-stage startups and proven players are grabbing VC attention. But those trapped in the "Valley of Death"—the Series B and C rounds—are left stranded. This chasm is a golden opportunity for Donor-Advised Funds (#DAFs) to deploy that idle 40% of undeployed capital and back these mid-stage innovators. 4. Election Uncertainty Freezes Investors The looming U.S. election has investors sitting on their hands. Yet, many believe Biden's climate policies will stick, thanks to bipartisan love for job creation and economic growth in clean tech. 5. Climate Cash Flows Across Party Lines Climate tech investments are pouring into Republican districts. The narrative is shifting from partisan squabbles to a unified focus on jobs and economic gains, bridging the political chasm on environmental issues. 6. VCs Zero In Strategically Investors are recalibrating, honing in on sectors like cleaner fuels, energy storage, and food tech to combat climate change. This laser focus aims to maximize impact and returns in shaky market conditions. Don't miss the top climate tech talent at Coolwater Capital's Demo Day R3I CAPITAL. 7. Voluntary Carbon Markets Hit Prime Time After years of hiccups, the voluntary carbon market is ready for its close-up. Investors, execs, and officials are finally embracing it, signaling a maturing landscape for carbon offsets. Check out EcoSpera and The Coring Company—they're offering compelling reforestation and digital mining solutions to help heavy emitters. 8. Profitability Isn't Optional—It's Essential For climate solutions to scale, they need to be #profitable. Aligning green goals with financial incentives isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the only way to attract the capital needed for real impact. 9. The Wild Card of Storm Intensities Hurricane Helene's rapid intensification exposes our flawed ability to predict storm severity. It's a stark reminder of climate change's escalating risks and the urgent need for advanced predictive tech and adaptive strategies through #AppliedAI. 10. Water Takes Center Stage Water scarcity and quality have surged to the forefront of climate discussions. Investors and startups are diving into tech for water conservation, purification, and sustainable management. Water isn't just a resource; it's the backbone of climate resilience and a hotbed for new investment opportunities tackling global challenges. Check out Planet43!
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