Why Now is the Best Time in Decades for Climate Investing with Angeleno Group's Daniel Weiss, Ep #126

We always love a chance to hear from someone who’s been investing in climate for a long time. Daniel Weiss fits the bill. His firm, Angeleno Group, was founded in 2001 and since then has led or co-led over $3 billion into clean energy and climate solutions.

Daniel and the Angeleno Group also surround themselves with accomplished leaders that bring true global expertise. Their advisory board includes a former US Secretary of Energy, former Secretary of Treasury, UN Ambassador, Nobel Laureate, and several other top scholars and industry leaders.

Lean in closely for this conversation and learn from Daniel’s perspective. What we heard was somewhat surprising: that despite the headwinds coming from Washington and rippling around the world, strong deal flow, ever improving talent, and low valuations make this the best time in decades to invest in climate solutions. We spoke about Daniel’s background, this unique moment in climate investing, Angeleno Group’s thesis and recent investments, and much more.

Lots to learn about and consider in this episode. Enjoy.

On today’s episode, we cover:

1. 02:30 – Daniel’s Personal Climate Journey
2. 05:30 – From Law to Climate Investing & Founding Angeleno Group
3. 07:39 – World Resources Institute (WRI) & Global Systems Change
4. 12:29 – Optimism & “The New Global Possible”
5. 13:21 – Building Angeleno Group Through Turbulent Times
6. 14:36 – Check Sizes, Stages & How Angeleno Invests
7. 15:18 – Evolution of Climate Investing & Why 2025 Is So Compelling
8. 19:56 – Megatrends: Load Growth, AI & Energy Security
9. 22:27 – Angeleno’s Advisory Board & Why It Matters
10. 24:19 – Angeleno Group’s Investment Thesis
11. 25:18 – Example Investments: Software for the Grid & Wildfire Risk
12. 29:08 – Headwinds in Climate Tech: Fundraising & Exits
13. 33:05 – Scaling Climate Finance & Global Opportunity
14. 34:35 – Climate Week NYC & Hope from the Next Generation
15. 36:33 – Closing Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

1. Angeleno Group
2. World Resources Institute (WRI)
3. Book: The New Global Possible: Rebuilding Optimism in the Age of Climate Crisis by Ani Dasgupta
4. Greenhouse Gas Protocol
5. Climate Week NYC
6. California Management Review: Climate Finance: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities on the Path to a Sustainable Planet
7. Sierra Club
8. Edison International (parent of Southern California Edison)
9. MacArthur Foundation
10. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
11. Global Forest Watch
12. Stem, Inc.
13. Paris Agreement (UNFCCC)
14. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
15. AZZO

Connect with us

1. Daniel Weiss
2. Jason Rissman

Keep up with Invested In Climate

1. Sign up for our Newsletter
2. LinkedIn
3. Instagram

If you like what you hear, subscribe and rate to support the show! Have feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?

Get in touch!