Invested In Climate

Non-dilutive funding isn’t just about landing the grant; it’s about delivering on it with excellence. In the third episode of our Deep Dive Series with Climate Finance Solutions, we go beyond the application and explore what happens after the award. Our guest host Joel Armin-Hoiland, Founder & CEO of Climate Finance Solutions, is joined by two experts who live and breathe this work: Susan Perri, Director of Grants at Climate Finance Solutions, and Jeff Haydock, CEO of ecoCFO.Together, they unpack the essential strategies behind post-award grant management from navigating audits to implementing smart financial systems, crafting efficient technical reports, and making strategic choices long before the application is even submitted. The episode offers real-world insights into federal grant reporting, shifting expectations with the new administration, and how startups can build internal or external capacity to manage complexity without losing focus.If you’re building a climate company and want to stay ahead of the curve on grants, this episode is for you.On today’s episode, we cover:[02:00] Introductions of Jeff and Susan[04:00] Susan’s background[05:29] Jeff's background[09:38] Susan’s role at Climate Finance Solutions[11:18] Post-award management best practices[14:10] Strategic elements of grant applications[16:26] Financial preparation for grant reporting[20:31] Insights on grant audits[24:14] Overview of technical reporting [27:34] Strategies for making post-award reporting easier[34:18] When to hire consultants for grant management[39:11] How to ensure smooth collaboration with consultants[41:13] Changes in federal grants under the new Administration[45:22] Alternative grant funding sources[48:24] Closing thoughts and sources of hopeResources MentionedClimate Finance SolutionsecoCFOConnect on LinkedInJoel Armin-HoilandSusan PerriJeff HaydockJason RissmanKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramBlueskyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

It’s not yet clear exactly how devasting the loss of federal funding for climate nonprofits and climate tech companies will be, but we know the toll will be high. Beyond the funding freeze, there have also been rumors of other federal action targeting nonprofits in this space. No one knows exactly what will happen, but it’s clear that philanthropy is more important than ever. Philanthropy alone can’t fill the gap left by the government, but it can make a real difference.This episode is the first in a series of conversations we’ll have this year focused on climate philanthropy. We’re starting with not only one of the biggest climate foundations in the U.S., but also one that combines philanthropy with investments designed to catalyze more capital flows to climate. The MacArthur Foundation has long been a leader in using this impact investing approach to improve the ROI for investors seeking market-rate returns. In today’s conversation, we’re joined by MacArthur Foundation’s Director of Impact Investments John Balbach and Program Officer Deborah Philbrick. We spoke about the Foundation's holistic, problem-first approach to climate, what that means for both their philanthropic funding and impact investing, how they’re stepping up to what they see as a civil society crisis, and much more. Lots to learn and think about in this one. Let me know if you have ideas about other foundations to feature in this series. Here we go. On today’s episode, we cover:[02:36] Introductions of John and Deborah[04:21] Overview of MacArthur Foundation's Climate Work[05:52] Climate Solutions Big Bet Details[07:02] Philanthropic Strategy and Theory of Change[08:15] Grantee Examples[10:37] Impact of Federal Funding Freeze[12:55] Strategic Shifts and Foundation's Role[15:57] Climate Philanthropy Landscape[17:04] Sub-national Climate Priorities[18:19] MacArthur's Impact Investing History[20:36] Risk and Return Approach[22:45] Impact Assessment Methodology[25:11] Catalytic Capital Strategies[28:01] Investment Thesis[31:20] Administration's Impact on Investments[33:30] Systemic Transformation DiscussionResources MentionedMacArthur FoundationMacArthur Fellows ProgramMacArthur Foundation: Climate Solutions Big BetJust Transition FundLeague of Conservation Voters Education FundAzolla VenturesEncourage Solar FinanceSunwealthMacArthur Foundation: How We Leverage the ‘Full Continuum’ of Capital to Address the Climate CrisisMacArthur Foundation: Aligning Our Investments With Our Mission, Values, and ProgramsConnect on LinkedInJason RissmanJohn BalbachDeborah PhilbrickKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramBlueskyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

Non-dilutive funding is a critical part of the capital stack for climate startups. Changes in Washington have made this landscape all the more challenging to navigate. To improve understanding of the opportunities in this space, Invested in Climate is partnering with Climate Finance Solutions on a series of podcast episodes.  As our first deep dive in this series, Climate Finance Solutions Founder & CEO Joel Armin-Hoiland joined as a guest host and interviewed Tinia Pina, CEO of Re-Nuble and Dimitry Gershenson, CEO of Enduring Planet. They’ve both unlocked millions in non-dilutive capital to accelerate climate progress and share insights that’ll help founders, investors, donors, and anyone else interested in understanding the rapidly changing world of non-dilutive climate funding.On today’s episode, we cover:[1:00] Introducing the series on non-dilutive funding[4:30] Tinia Pina introduces Re-Nuble and her background[6:20] Dimitry Gershenson introduces Enduring Planet[9:30] Discussion on strategic considerations for grant funding[17:10] Challenges of grant funding process[22:30] Benefits of working with grant consultants[25:45] Discussion on values-driven business[31:10] Customer-centered service in climate finance[37:15] Impact of federal administration on climate grants[42:30] Closing thoughts and sources of hopeResources MentionedClimate Finance Solutions Re-NubleEnduring PlanetConnect on LinkedInJoel Armin-HoilandDimitry GershensonTinia PinaJason RissmanKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramBlueskyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

I’ll admit that until recently I knew and thought very little about the potential of Earth observation. It turns out, there’s a huge opportunity here. A report by the World Economic Forum recently estimated there’s almost $4 trillion of potential economic benefit from making better use of the increasingly affordable opportunity to collect and analyze data about our planet. And, the benefit is not just unlocking enormous economic value. Earth observation can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than two gigatons annually through tracking forests, managing wetlands, improving agriculture, and much, much more.To learn about this opportunity, I was pleased to sit down with Dan Hammer. Dan is a truly unique entrepreneur who’s not only able to maintain a systems view of the opportunities around Earth observation but who’s also building a portfolio of organizations to push this ecosystem forward. Between the non-profit Clay, the design and development agency Ode, and Earth observation startup LGND, Dan has his hands full in the quest to use Earth observation to make nature data as ubiquitous and useful as Google Maps. Lots to learn and think about in this episode. Enjoy!On today’s episode, we cover:[03:46] Dan's background & commitment to environmental work[08:04] An explanation of Earth observation[09:15] Scale of Earth observation satellites[09:58] Economic potential of Earth observation[12:23] Specific use cases for Earth observation[14:02] Outcomes and impact of Earth observation[17:11] Potential applications of Earth observation[19:17] Introduction to Clay [22:28] Cost reduction in Earth observation technology[25:31] Discussion of AI energy demands[26:55] Introduction to LGND[31:20] Go-to-market strategy for LGND[32:41] Discussion of ODE design agency[35:11] Vision for Earth observation in 5-10 years[36:50] What else is needed to advance Earth observation technologyResources MentionedClayOdeLGNDGlobal Forest WatchGoogle Earth EnginePritzker Emerging Environmental Genius AwardWorld Economic Forum: Earth ObservationEarth GenomeThe Nature ConservancyMoore FoundationCenter for Global DevelopmentSchmidt FuturesGrantham FoundationRadiant EarthMinderoo FoundationConnect with Dan HammerOn LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramBlueskyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

I’m fascinated by the question of how we can improve climate and environmental storytelling. There’s research that shows that 45% of young people in the United States experience climate anxiety so bad that it negatively affects their daily functioning. As we learned during a conversation with Nathaniel Stinnett of the Environmental Voter Project last fall, over 5 million Americans list climate and the environment as their #1 top issue, but don’t actually vote. To me, these are indicators that we need new kinds of storytelling and new ways to experience the climate transition.To learn about the state of environmental and climate storytelling, I sat down with one of the leading funders of environmental films, Jill Tidman, Executive Director of The Redford Center. Jill brings decades of storytelling experience and understands the challenges of not only getting environmental films distributed but also creating impact through them. We spoke about how the film distribution and funding landscapes have changed, the history of the Redford Center, its impact framework, examples of films and impact campaigns they’ve supported, and much more. If you’re a film fan, just generally curious about the role of documentaries in creating change, or like me, want to understand how we can improve storytelling for climate, there's a lot to learn from this conversation. Enjoy. On today’s episode, we cover:[03:37] Importance of storytelling in environmental issues[07:26] History of the Redford Center[10:33] Evolution of filmmaker support[15:23] Approaches to climate storytelling[18:35] Changes in film distribution[21:05] Criteria for selecting film projects[23:20] Redford Center's impact framework[26:29] Example of community engagement film[30:28] Impact and wins of supported projects[34:02] Indigenous voices and conservation efforts[39:13] Future plans for the Redford Center[42:45] Addressing polarization through storytellingResources MentionedThe Redford CenterFighting GoliathNew York Community TrustKiss the GroundThe Acid Rain MovieConnect with Jill TidmanOn LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramBlueskyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

Alex Wright-Gladstein was one of the first people I interviewed when I launched Invested in Climate nearly 3 years ago. Our conversation has stuck in my mind over the years as her company, Sphere, offers one of the most impactful actions individuals can take to address climate change. The action is really simple: Moving our savings out of fossil fuel companies. In the United States, fossil fuels are included by default in retirement savings accounts. If you have a 401(k), IRA, or pension, you are almost certainly supporting the fossil fuel industry. And we’re not talking about chump change: About 20% of the fossil fuel market cap is derived from 401(k)s and IRA investments. Sphere makes it easy for people and companies to move retirement savings away from fossil fuels. They’re currently raising money through a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign, so I thought it was a perfect time to catch up with Alex and hear about Sphere’s progress. Full disclosure: I’m a Sphere investor and soon-to-be customer, but I should say clearly - nothing in this episode should be considered investment advice and is just for informational purposes. I hope this conversation pushes your thinking in a helpful way. Enjoy.On today’s episode, we cover:[00:58] Introduction to Alex Wright-Gladstein and Sphere[02:35] The origin of Sphere and the problem they're solving[05:00] Details about the Sphere 500 Climate Fund[06:28] Discussion of investment impact and fossil fuel investments[09:17] Navigating 401(k) regulations and lawsuits[13:44] Impact of political administrations on climate investing[19:37] Ways people can invest with Sphere[25:23] Strategies for pressuring companies to offer sustainable 401(k)s[29:57] Challenges faced by Sphere, including market volatility and ESG backlash[33:35] Vision for the future of climate-friendly investingResources MentionedSphereSphere 500 Climate FundInfluenceMapThe Virtual March to Retire Big OilWeFunder: Invest in SphereConnect with Alex Wright-GladsteinOn LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramBlueskyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

In this enlightening discussion, Joel Armin–Hoiland, CEO of Climate Finance Solutions and an expert in grant funding, shares his insights on navigating the tumultuous landscape faced by climate businesses. He highlights the devastating impacts of recent political shifts on federal funding and explores alternative sources of financing. Joel emphasizes the critical role that grants play in supporting innovative climate solutions and offers effective strategies for startups to integrate grant funding into their growth plans. Tune in for practical insights and guidance!

Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, a nonprofit dedicated to conservation and climate action, discusses the looming threat of the sixth mass extinction linked to climate change. He shares insights on the impact of community engagement in areas like rural Costa Rica, where local champions lead conservation efforts. Jenks emphasizes the power of cultural shifts and collective action, noting how behavioral changes driven by social dynamics can foster sustainability. The conversation underscores the importance of unity among stakeholders to tackle the impending biodiversity crisis.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Andrew Beebe, Managing Director of Obvious Ventures, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of climate tech. He draws parallels between the early days of the internet and today's climate innovations. Andrew makes five bold predictions for 2025, discussing the potential of AI, especially generative science, in driving advancements in battery chemistry and geothermal energy. He addresses the challenges of securing funding and emphasizes the importance of resilience and strong teams in overcoming barriers to success.

Happy New Year everyone. It's 2025, and we know this year will be tricky in more ways than we can even imagine. I hope our podcast helps you stay inspired and think big throughout the year. Having gotten to talk to hundreds of climate tech founders, funders, advocates, and corporate sustainability leaders in recent years, I’ve been inspired by the amazing energy, innovation, and tenacity of climate champions worldwide. I’ve said it before and will say it again, I believe climate is now the biggest movement in human history. Millions of people wake up every day and work to protect the planet in one way or another, and there’s never been a more impactful time to be alive. And yet, despite the investment and progress we’ve seen, we’re not on track to avoid devastating climate impacts. That’s why I’ve personally shifted my attention to culture change. We simply need new ways to recruit people to take action and leverage the power they have to make climate a real and unwavering priority of policymakers, industry, and communities. So I’m thrilled to kick off this year with an interview with Eric Levine, co-founder of one of the world’s most successful climate engagement organizations. Count Us In has reached hundreds of millions of people by integrating climate calls to action in what they love – entertainment and culture. In this conversation, we discuss Eric’s background, the behavioral science behind their approach, and how they’re reaching people through music, sports, fashion, film, TV, social media, and more. Maybe you don’t consider culture and storytelling to be an exciting climate technology, but paradigms and mindsets are foundational to systemic change. They influence everything – how we think, what we prioritize, fund, and want. So give this episode a listen with an open mind and enjoy. Here we go. In today’s episode, we cover:[03:55] Eric’s background & how he got involved in climate work[05:00] Eric’s interest in civic engagement & empowering young people[10:00] The founding of Count Us In & its goals[15:00] Count Us In's strategy of integrating climate action into popular culture[20:00] The parallels Count Us In has studied from other social norm shifts[25:00] Examples of Count Us In's work engaging football/soccer fans in the UK & Brazil[30:00] Count Us In's approach to determining & promoting climate actions[35:00] The difference between environmental policy support & prioritization[40:00] What’s next for Count Us InResources MentionedCount Us InConnect with Eric LevineConnect with Eric on LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!