You're probably aware that venture capital investing in climate has grown very quickly in recent years, from around five billion in 2016 to over 40 billion dollars deployed in 2021. Large funds drive most of that growth, but small vehicles still play an important role - especially in recruiting new investors to start investing in climate.
Sundeep Ahuja has helped many investors dip their toes into climate. He's invested in over 100 companies through syndicates that he's led. Full disclosure: I've backed a couple of his syndicated deals. Now, he's focusing on developing funds to deploy more capital into climate startups. Sundeep has a fascinating background, having been a software engineer, product manager, marketer, and business leader for technology companies, Kiva.org, Republic, and many others. He also wrote a novel and a television pilot as part of his effort to fuel more climate action. Sundeep has great insights to the world of investing in climate startups today. If that's the world you're curious about, I think you'll enjoy this episode. Here we go.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- [3:39] Sundeep’s history of climate investing & current work at Climate Capital
- [4:37] The difference between syndicates, rolling funds & traditional venture funds
- [8:56] Climate Capital’s investment thesis
- [10:49] Climate Capital’s screening process
- [12:34] Examples of companies & industries that Climate Capital is focused on
- [15:49] The outlook for climate tech investing
- [17:49] Geopolitics & climate investing
- [19:27] The vision for “building the A16z of climate”
- [21:44] The role of community-building
- [25:08] Activating people through communication
- [27:31] Opportunities for non-accredited investors
- [30:18] The case for investing in climate
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Sundeep Ahuja
Connect With Jason Rissman
Subscribe to Invested In Climate
