The Diligent Observer Podcast Episode 53: “Where You Stand Depends on Where You Sit” | SWAN Impact Network Board Member John Jeffers on the State of CleanTech, Strategic Exit Models for Energy Startups, and Finding Opportunity Amidst Policy Upheaval
Today's episode explores three ideas that caught my attention:
- It’s weird we measure data centers measured in gigawatts – John’s observation that we tend to discuss data centers based on their power consumption vs their computational output was fascinating – it’s like buying a car based on annual fuel consumption instead of its true utility.
- Geography drives energy politics – John’s "where you stand depends on where you sit" framework for understanding global energy policy made geopolitical tensions seem much more obvious.
- Focused & capital-light > Mega infrastructure projects – Great perspective from John on why angels prioritize focused efficiency plays over major infrastructure initiatives.
John Jeffers brings a rare combination of operational depth and investment acumen to clean energy, forged over a 32-year career tackling the energy sector's most critical challenges across ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Southwestern Energy. Since transitioning from corporate leadership in 2020, he has become a leading voice in the early-stage clean tech ecosystem - co-founding Revolution Turbine Technologies, serving on the board of SWAN Impact Network, and currently acting as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Rice Alliance's Clean Energy Accelerator.
During our conversation, John shares:
- Why the rollback of IRA provisions has introduced more nuance, but NOT catastrophe
- Why energy startups should consider seeking strategic partnerships earlier
- The evolution of SWAN Impact Network's investment thesis
Connect with John
Stuff We Reference
- SWAN Impact Network
- Daniel Yergin’s The Prize
- Daniel Yergin’s The New Map
- Bob Bridge
- Rice Clean Energy Accelerator
- AtmoSpark
- Skyden Technologies
- Capwell Energy Service
- Variablegrid
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All opinions are personal and may not reflect the views of The Diligent Observer. Not investment advice.