Fundraising tips & climate tech outlook with Earthshot VC, Ep #86
Apr 16, 2024
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Managing Partner Mike Jackson and Partner Ramsay Siegal from Earthshot Ventures share insights on fundraising tips, AI in climate tech, non-dilutive project financing, and success stories. They discuss investment in hard-to-abate sectors like Kanin Energy, showcasing their unique approach to early-stage climate investing.
Artificial Intelligence plays a significant role in advancing climate solutions across different sectors.
Deep dives
Climate Change Investment Opportunities
Investing in climate tech presents unprecedented opportunities as the global economy decarbonizes. Companies like Earthshod Ventures are deeply rooted in early-stage ecosystem, offering insights into fundraising and portfolio outlook.
AI in Climate Tech
Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in accelerating climate solutions across various sectors. Companies like MitraKen use AI to innovate battery materials, while Cobalt Metals leverages AI to predict locations of essential minerals like lithium and copper.
Project Finance in Climate Solutions
Project finance enables companies like Canon Energy to raise significant amounts without dilution by creating special purpose vehicles for sustainable projects. Understanding the financial dynamics of project finance is crucial for success in the climate tech industry.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Climate Investing
Earthshod Ventures prioritizes diversity in its portfolio, with half of its CEOs coming from underrepresented groups and a third being female founders. Incorporating DEI principles into all business decisions and fostering a diverse network are key strategies for a more inclusive climate tech sector.
Earthshot Ventures isn't just any climate tech venture firm. Having grown out of the Elemental Excelerator, one of the biggest and best-reputed accelerators in the industry, Earthshot is deeply rooted in the early-stage ecosystem. And it turns out there's something else that sets them apart.
Managing Partner Mike Jackson has a knack for coaching founders on what he thinks of as the art and science of fundraising. We're joined today by Mike and Earthshot Partner Ramsay Siegal to hear about their firm, approach, portfolio, and outlook on the market. We dive deep into Mike's insights to helping founders raise money. We talked about non-dilutive project financing and hard-to-abate sectors, the opportunities AI is bringing to climate tech, several of their portfolio companies, and much more. If you're interested in early-stage climate investing, or startups, there's lots to learn in this one. Hope you enjoy. Here we go.
In today’s episode, we cover:
[02:47] Mike’s background & experience
[04:52] Ramsey’s background & expertise
[07:51] The relationship between Earthshot VC & Elemental Excelerator
[09:39] Earthshot’s investment thesis, what they’re interested in & what sets them apart
[12:22] Earthshot’s network
[14:13] Mike’s approach to fundraising & coaching the portfolio
[17:54] Fundraising tips and tricks for founders
[22:17] Earthshot’s success stories
[24:38] How is AI showing up
[30:41] Investing in hard-to-abate sectors and Kanin Energy
[33:06] Kanin Energy's business model and non-dilutive funding
[38:15] Earthshot’s commitment, DEI & tips for achieving a diverse portfolio
[42:38] Outlook & opportunities for climate tech investing