#174 Hardware Playbook, Science in VC, DeepTech Success Stories, Environmental-Based Returns, & More w/ Jessica Burley (Planet A)
Apr 28, 2024
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Jessica Burley, a Berlin-based investor, discusses how Planet A Ventures uses Carbon Life Cycle Assessments in investing, the European regulatory landscape, climate tech innovation, hardware startups, geothermal drilling, and building genuine relationships in the VC field.
Engaging with customers early helps founders understand market needs for successful product development.
Planet A Ventures links financial gains to positive environmental impact in their investments.
Thorough life cycle assessments by Planet A Ventures focus on environmental impact factors to drive meaningful outcomes.
Deep dives
Engaging with Customers from Day One is Crucial for Building Successful Products
Engaging with customers from the outset is essential for founders to understand their needs and build products that truly meet market demands. Focusing on customer feedback rather than solely on product tinkering leads to better outcomes in the long run.
Environmental Impact Linked to Financial Rewards in Planet A Ventures
Planet A Ventures ties financial incentives to the environmental impact of their investments, ensuring that companies chosen contribute positively to the environment. This unique approach emphasizes aligning financial gains with meaningful environmental outcomes.
In-House Science Impact Team Conducts Life Cycle Assessments for Portfolio Companies
Planet A Ventures utilizes an in-house science impact team to conduct thorough life cycle assessments for each portfolio company. These assessments delve deep into the environmental impact factors, such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water effects, and biodiversity impact.
Importance of Commercial Mindset in Building Science-Driven Startups
Integrating commercially minded individuals early on in science-driven startups is crucial for success. Balancing scientific expertise with commercial acumen helps founders address customer needs, improve viability, and drive growth.
Key Insights for Hardware Startups: Taking a Commercial Approach from Day One
Hardware startups benefit from early customer engagement, understanding the business model complexities, and bridging science with commercial strategy to navigate challenges effectively. Bringing in commercial talent early on and focusing on customer-centric product development are vital for hardware startup success.
What if Investors Only Made Money if they *actually* helped save the planet?
Welp... folks, we have the show for you because that's exactly what Planet A is doing.
Somil and Silas speak with Jessica Burley, a Berlin-based investor at the fund.
On top of learning how they are *actually* walking the talk, we found out how they use Carbon Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in their investing due diligence process.
Tune in to get the whole thing today! 🌱🌎
--- 🌎 Want the full PodLetter? Go to our substack to see the written content that supplements the audio interview. ---
----- Topics: **01:29 Introduction and Background **02:22 The Role of Life Cycle Assessments in Investing **8:44 Article 9 and the European Regulatory Landscape **10:27 Interest in Climate Tech Investing Outside of Europe **12:54 The Increasing Pace of Climate Tech Innovation **13:33 Jess's Journey to Climate Tech Investing **17:35 Transitioning from a Small Fund to a Larger Fund21:43 The Role of Brand and **Value in Climate Tech Investing **24:44 Sector Expertise and Operational Support in Investing **26:23 Geothermal Drilling for Renewable Heating **28:46 Investment Opportunities in Climate Tech **30:45 The Hardware Playbook: Investing in Hardware Startups **42:53 The German Climate Tech Ecosystem **49:18 Building Genuine Relationships in the Climate Tech Ecosystem **51:34 Takeaways --- Evaluating Life Cycle Assessment in Investment Decisions --- The Importance of the Hardware Playbook in the Investment Ecosystem --- De-risking Talent in Startups
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