If you’re listening to this podcast you clearly care about climate change and it might bother you that your 401k is likely investing in fossil fuels. Many employers have yet to offer sustainable 401k plans, and it sends billions of dollars of capital into fossil fuels every year. Even ESG funds often invest in fossil fuels.

Today’s conversation is about making it easier for everyday investors to invest more sustainably. I’m joined by Zach Stein, Founder of Carbon Collective, a startup offering green 401ks and other sustainable financial products, and by Shaandiin Cedar, an investor at Powerhouse Ventures who invested in Carbon Collective. We talk about Zach and Shaandin’s backgrounds, ESG investing and the need for more sustainable investment options, Carbon Collective’s potential and traction, and what else is needed to finance the kind of climate progress we need. There’s lots in this one that’ll get you thinking. Enjoy.

In today’s episode, we cover:

[3:15] Zach’s background and how he came to start Carbon Collective
[4:34] Shaandiin’s background and work at Powerhouse Ventures
[5:34] Background on Powerhouse
[7:31] Powerhouse’s investment thesis & companies they are looking for
[8:37] Carbon Collective’s theory of change
[12:59] Carbon Collective’s unique approach
[16:00] Fossil fuel divestment
[17:10] Carbon Collective’s business potential & why Powerhouse invested
[21:29] Carbon Collective’s master plan & how it’s going
[24:53] What’s critical for success
[26:59] Status of Carbon Collective’s returns & customer base
[30:43] What Carbon Collective is aiming to accomplish in 12-18 months
[31:45] Sustainable 401ks & addressing market friction
[36:53] What else needs to happen to accelerate climate action?

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Zach Stein & Shaandiin Cedar

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn
Connect with Shaandiin on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason Rissman

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