Inevitable
Inside Microsoft’s $1B Climate Fund Strategy to Hit Net Zero by 2030
May 12, 2025
Brandon Middaugh, Senior Director of Microsoft's $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund, dives into the tech giant's ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. He discusses the fund's unique 'invest-to-procure' model and its alignment with Microsoft’s sustainable demand, noting a five-fold increase in carbon removal contracts. Hear about strategic partnerships, including with airlines for sustainable fuel, and the vital need for scaling markets in climate innovation. Brandon shares insights on the collaboration necessary to drive meaningful sustainability progress.
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Quick takeaways
- Microsoft's $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund supports startups to meet aggressive sustainability goals while aligning investment with operational demands.
- The fund's 'invest-to-procure' strategy emphasizes collaboration and market scalability, addressing the gap between carbon removal supply and soaring demand.
Deep dives
Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund and Its Goals
The Climate Innovation Fund, launched by Microsoft in 2020, is a $1 billion initiative aimed at supporting climate tech startups to advance sustainability goals. Microsoft set ambitious targets to be carbon negative by 2030 and to remove its historic emissions by 2050, positioning the fund as a crucial component for achieving these objectives. The fund has already invested in over 60 startups, reflecting a commitment to developing innovative solutions that align with broader corporate sustainability strategies. The ongoing evolution in the sustainability sector necessitates adaptive strategies as energy demand increases, prompting a reassessment of priorities to ensure progress towards these targets.
