

Keeping cleantech investment alive | With technological, economic and policy challenges mounting, how can we keep energy innovation on track?
8 snips Apr 15, 2025
Amy Duffuor, co-founder of Azolla Ventures, talks about the crucial role of catalytic capital in boosting clean energy innovations during tough times for investment. She emphasizes that successful climate tech must communicate its broader significance. Melissa Lott from Microsoft discusses the geopolitical factors shaping investor confidence and US policies affecting innovation support. Together, they explore cleantech challenges, the need for strategic planning, and the importance of framing investments to address societal issues in climate action.
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Cleantech Narrative
- Cleantech startups need to explain their broader significance for the energy system and the economy.
- Their impact on emissions is also important.
Azolla Inspiration
- Azolla Ventures is named after a fern that helped reverse runaway climate change 50 million years ago.
- The firm aims to engineer a similar event by catalyzing breakthrough technologies.
Investment Headwinds
- Government funding freezes and broader market swings are impacting cleantech investments.
- However, uncertainty can create opportunities, such as deregulation and permitting reform.