Drew D’Alelio is an Investor at Connecticut Innovations, the government investing arm of the state of Connecticut, who helps manage and co-founded the state’s $100M climate tech fund. He plays a pivotal role in managing their $100M Climate Tech fund with a triple bottom line of returns, climate mitigation and adaptation, and CT jobs.
His passion for sustainability was sparked by witnessing the impacts of climate change firsthand in Florida, where his family is from. Over the years, he has developed a deep expertise in mobilizing capital for climate solutions, including structuring investments for solar projects at the U.S. Development Finance Corporation.
At Connecticut Innovations, they focus on leveraging the state’s strengths in manufacturing, materials science, and engineering to support early-stage companies that align with Connecticut’s decarbonization goals. Drew’s unique approach to venture capital combines financial acumen with a deep commitment to public service, ensuring that each investment not only generates returns but also fosters innovation and job creation within the state.
We talk about:
**How they manage their triple bottom line: creating jobs, making money, and having a positive impact on the planet
**The complexities in evaluating climate tech investments in infrastructure and second-order effects
**Connecticut's strengths in manufacturing and a tight-knit ecosystem that facilitates quick connections
**Their close collaboration with Yale and UConn to support early-stage climate tech innovation and commercialization
TOPICS:
**03:01 Connecticut's Climate Tech Fund
**07:46 The Triple Bottom Line
**14:35 Facilitating Partnerships
**23:24 University Collaborations
--In the full episode--
**Connecticut's Strengths and Industries
**Engaging with Universities and Startups
**Exciting Sectors: Sustainable Fuels and Carbon Sequestration
**Aviation and Synthetic Hydrocarbons
**Skepticism and Second Order Effects
**42:21 Why Move to Connecticut
LINKS:
**Drew D’Alelio | Connecticut Innovations
**Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn
**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn
**@Silas & @Somil_Agg on X
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