In this episode, Max Du ('24 cohort) and Nikhil Gupta ('22 cohort) interview Madison Freeman ('22 cohort) who imagines a world where technological solutions drive a sustainable economy. Madison unpacks her passion for the venture capital climate technology space and what that work looks like day-to-day. She talks about how she became interested in climate issues and where her desire to do internationally impactful work comes from. Madison also shares how students, startups, and international climate initiatives fuel her optimism about solving climate challenges--even amid today's uncertain funding landscape.
Highlights from the episode:
(02:48) Her Austin upbringing, time studying in DC, and desire to do internationally impactful work
(09:48) Becoming interested in climate matters
(14:23) Understanding the increased interest in climate
(16:01) Rapid fire questions about Madison and climate
(20:17) Work before Stanford and breaking into the climate space
(27:01) Elaborating more on her interest in the field of venture capital climate tech ecosystem
(31:39) The day-to-day of someone in the venture capital climate tech space
(35:22) Working in the State Department
(41:22) Advice for those interested in working in policy
(45:48) Advice for people interested in applying to Stanford and Knight-Hennessy Scholars
(50:50) Breaking down why it is a strange time for climate right now and why Madison continues to be optimistic about eventually solving climate challenges
