Clocktower Ventures’ Post

Did you miss Climate Week NYC? If so, here are 6 of my insights from 45 hours and 18 miles of networking. :) 👇 First, it was great to meet many of you readers of my Entrepreneurs for Impact newsletter while in NYC — Daniel, Peter, Ed, Cindy, Jane, and so many more! 🙏 OK, here is a super short version of my much longer notes: #1 The enthusiasm around climate tech startups and investment this year was 20x the power and density of last year. Next year, I’ll probably attend all five days. #2 “The era of the climate scientist is over. It’s now the era of the climate storyteller and climate salesman.” — Provocative! While not entirely true, the last half is. To mainstream this stuff, we all need to use more stories and talk of co-benefits (e.g., jobs, health) versus relying on data and a climate focus alone. #3 “95% of all GHG emissions between now and 2100 will come from outside the U.S.” — While the U.S. is a big player and our actions have ripple effects beyond our borders, the real work is to be done overseas. Thanks to friends like Nicole Poindexter, CEO at Energicity, who are blazing this trail. #4 “We’re lucky to be alive now in order to have a fighting chance to reverse the worst of climate change.” — As daunting as it can feel sometimes to do this hard work right now, it would be much worse to fast forward 50 years where our ability to make changes was smaller and even harder. #5 “The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes that Adoption Readiness Levels (ARL) should be a new measure to complement Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) metrics.” — Good idea. Once a project achieves TRL 9 (top of the scale for new tech), it’s not yet bankable at scale for project financiers. #6 Just Climate, a $1.5B private equity fund by Generation Investment Management, will focus on industrial climate solutions and have 100% of its fund manager profit share (aka, carried interest, promote) tied to hitting climate metrics, not just financial metrics.” — This is huge and should make all fund managers quiver. Thanks for sharing Colin le Duc! -- ⭐ If you liked this, then check out my 2-minute weekly newsletter on climate, startups, productivity, and leadership via Entrepreneurs for Impact -- https://lnkd.in/gpzAhjkP #climatetech #podcast #startups #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurs #cleantech #vc #sustainablefinance #impinv #esg #esginvesting #leadership

🌍 Navigating the Upsurge in Climate Tech Investments: A Personal Reflection In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable investments, the recent surge in climate tech funding, as highlighted in a BloombergNEF analysis, is both a remarkable and personally resonant development. With $16.6 billion invested in Q3 of 2023, the climate tech sector is experiencing a significant revival. Drawing from my own journey in sustainable investments and strategic planning, I've witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of investor sentiment in this sector. This resurgence, contrasting sharply with the early 2023 slump, mirrors the undulating path I've navigated in my career – full of highs and lows, but always moving forward. 📈 The investment trends in climate tech not only reflect market dynamics but also a deeper commitment to our planet's future. Having been involved in several sustainable projects, I've seen the tangible impact of such investments. They are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they represent hope, innovation, and a step towards a more sustainable world. The increased funding in hard-to-abate sectors like battery production and recycling, as noted by PWC, particularly resonates with me. These are the areas where innovation is crucial yet challenging, and seeing them attract substantial investments is a promising sign. 🔍 Looking ahead, I believe the climate tech sector will continue to be a beacon of progress. The blend of necessity and innovation is creating a fertile ground for sustainable solutions. I am optimistic about the potential of these technologies to drive meaningful change. As we stand at this pivotal moment, I encourage my network and fellow professionals to consider the broader impact of our investments. It's not just about financial returns; it's about being part of a movement that shapes a better future for our planet. 🌱 Let's continue to champion and support innovations that not only promise returns but also contribute to a sustainable and thriving world. #ClimateTech #SustainableInvesting #Innovation #FutureTrends Milltrust International

Amid a substantial contraction in the innovation economy, climate tech has shown notable resilience despite an overall drop in VC funding. While deal activity has stayed robust compared to other sectors, invested capital has decreased by over 50%, primarily due to a decline in deals exceeding $100 million. #climatetech #climateVC #climate

Very interesting analysis about the different needs of climate tech companies when compared with an earlier generation of innovative firms; having spent some time talking to climate innovators in the last few months, I can see the challenges - I would welcome comments from people who have been involved in VC investing in such companies or who have set up such companies.

The need for climate technology continues to rise. However, funding for climate tech start-ups decreased in 2023 to levels last seen five years earlier. But relative to all start-up investment, climate tech investment has increased highlighting the industry remains attractive as a whole. Learn more in our fourth annual State of Climate Tech report, which finds investors expanding their scope for growth potential and climate impact #StateOfClimateTech #climatetech #climate #technology #investment

The need for climate technology continues to rise, but equity investment in start-ups has declined for a second year amid tough conditions in private markets. Despite challenging market fundamentals, 2023 saw a steady influx of first-time climate tech investors, highlighting the industry remains attractive as a whole. Learn more in our fourth annual State of Climate Tech report, which finds investors expanding their scope for growth potential and climate impact: https://pwc.to/3tidKgV #StateOfClimateTech #climatetech #technology

The need for climate technology continues to rise, but equity investment in start-ups has declined for a second year amid tough conditions in private markets. Despite challenging market fundamentals, 2023 saw a steady influx of first-time climate tech investors, highlighting the industry remains attractive as a whole. Learn more in our fourth annual State of Climate Tech report, which finds investors expanding their scope for growth potential and climate impact: https://pwc.to/3tidKgV #StateOfClimateTech #climatetech #technology

The need for climate technology continues to rise, but equity investment in start-ups has declined for a second year amid tough conditions in private markets. Despite challenging market fundamentals, 2023 saw a steady influx of first-time climate tech investors, highlighting the industry remains attractive as a whole. Learn more in our fourth annual State of Climate Tech report, which finds investors expanding their scope for growth potential and climate impact: https://pwc.to/3tidKgV #StateOfClimateTech #climatetech #technology

The need for climate technology continues to rise, but equity investment in start-ups has declined for a second year amid tough conditions in private markets. Despite challenging market fundamentals, 2023 saw a steady influx of first-time climate tech investors, highlighting the industry remains attractive as a whole. Learn more in our fourth annual State of Climate Tech report, which finds investors expanding their scope for growth potential and climate impact: https://pwc.to/3tidKgV #StateOfClimateTech #climatetech #technology

The need for climate technology continues to rise, but equity investment in start-ups has declined for a second year amid tough conditions in private markets. Despite challenging market fundamentals, 2023 saw a steady influx of first-time climate tech investors, highlighting the industry remains attractive as a whole. Learn more in our fourth annual State of Climate Tech report, which finds investors expanding their scope for growth potential and climate impact: https://pwc.to/3tidKgV #StateOfClimateTech #climatetech #technology