VCo2 | The Climate Investing Podcast USA vs Europe: Who Wins In Climate? - Matthew Blain (Voyager Ventures)
Apr 17, 2025
Matthew Blain, Principal at Voyager Ventures and a climate tech enthusiast, shares insights on the contrasting climates of investment between Europe and the US. He discusses how Europe's software climate startups are excelling and delves into the deep tech commercialization gap. The conversation highlights the advantages of European research universities and the pivotal role of government support. Blain emphasizes the need for a global mindset among founders and explores collaboration opportunities between US and European investors to drive meaningful climate innovation.
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Europe's Rapid Startup Growth
- Europe has rapidly developed a strong startup ecosystem, nearly matching the US in early-stage company formation.
- Confidence and global ambition need bolstering among European founders and investors to build globally dominant companies.
Software vs Deep Tech Differences
- European deregulated energy markets foster innovative software startups in climate tech.
- US deep tech startups benefit from greater entrepreneurial culture within academic institutions than Europe.
US Loan Program Office Advantage
- The US Loan Program Office successfully finances high-risk, large first-of-a-kind climate projects via loans.
- Europe should adopt similar debt-funding structures to support large-scale climate tech commercialization.
