You're probably aware that venture capital investing in climate has grown very quickly in recent years, from around five billion in 2016 to over 40 billion dollars deployed in 2021. Large funds drive most of that growth, but small vehicles still play an important role - especially in recruiting new investors to start investing in climate. Sundeep Ahuja has helped many investors dip their toes into climate. He's invested in over 100 companies through syndicates that he's led. Full disclosure: I've backed a couple of his syndicated deals. Now, he's focusing on developing funds to deploy more capital into climate startups. Sundeep has a fascinating background, having been a software engineer, product manager, marketer, and business leader for technology companies, Kiva.org, Republic, and many others. He also wrote a novel and a television pilot as part of his effort to fuel more climate action. Sundeep has great insights to the world of investing in climate startups today. If that's the world you're curious about, I think you'll enjoy this episode. Here we go. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:39] Sundeep’s history of climate investing & current work at Climate Capital[4:37] The difference between syndicates, rolling funds & traditional venture funds[8:56] Climate Capital’s investment thesis[10:49] Climate Capital’s screening process [12:34] Examples of companies & industries that Climate Capital is focused on [15:49] The outlook for climate tech investing[17:49] Geopolitics & climate investing[19:27] The vision for “building the A16z of climate”[21:44] The role of community-building[25:08] Activating people through communication[27:31] Opportunities for non-accredited investors[30:18] The case for investing in climateResources MentionedClimate CapitalClimate Capital CollectiveRepublicWefunderAngelListConnect with Sundeep AhujaConnect with Sundeep on LinkedInConnect With Jason RissmanInvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Have you come across the idea yet that we need to electrify everything? It's the concept that we need to replace gas appliances with electric ones and power those with renewable energy. It's a simply idea really, and yet it's crucial to eliminating pollution, protecting the environment, saving a whole lot of money and eliminating the illnesses caused by burning fossil fuels. The benefits are massive – but so is the complexity of decarbonizing billions upon billions of buildings.At the forefront of the movement to electrify everything is Rewiring America, an ambitious organization focused on the systemic change needed to make clean, electric appliances the default. For this episode, I spoke with Rewiring America’s CEO Ari Matusiak. We spoke about the organization's approach to systems change, the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), their work to aggregate demand for electrification and much more. I learned a ton and am excited to share this episode as there are many ways we can all help make the mantra “electrify everything” a reality. Enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:36] What is Rewiring America & the problem they’re aiming to solve[5:05] The criticality of electrifying buildings in the United States[7:17] The scale of change that Rewiring America is working towards[9:50] User experience considerations & opportunities for electrification[13:50] Thinking about systems change to address the magnitude of scale[18:12] How to aggregate local demand in a systematic way[22:43] Signs of increasing local demand & progress[25:04] What the IRA means for individual consumers[27:41] The national level impacts of the IRA[31:02] The follow on effects of the IRA[33:14] The flywheel for electrification & systems change[37:01] Advocating for local policy change & accelerating electrification beyond homes[41:45] Raising awareness & urgency to decarbonize the built environment[44:56] What next year holds for Rewiring America & how listeners can helpResources MentionedRewiring AmericaRewiring America: IRA Savings CalculatorRewiring America: Get InvolvedConnect with Ari MatusiakConnect with AriConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Tackling climate change can’t be left to companies and governments. The nonprofit sector plays a crucial role in everything from research, education, conservation, helping communities cope with climate impacts and much more. There’s literally tens of thousands of environmental nonprofits, and almost all depend on philanthropy to do the vital work they do. And yet, only a tiny fraction of global giving goes to climate. That’s part of why Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard set up an ambitious program called 1% for the Planet. The idea is simple really - companies donate 1% of their revenue to environmental nonprofits. Currently, over 5,000 companies have signed on. Today’s episode focused on an innovative new initiative that aims to significantly grow 1% for the Planet’s fundraising. The Planet Impact Fund is a partnership between 1% for the Planet, the National Philanthropic Trust and impact investing enabler CapShift that leverages potential of investment returns to increase philanthropic support. I was joined by Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, and Jesse Simmons, a Managing Director at CapShift. Through our conversation, I learned a lot about climate philanthropy, impact investing, donor advised funds, and the importance of innovative partnerships that unlock more capital for climate. Hope you enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:51] What is 1% for the Planet & the problem they’re aiming to tackle[5:16] How much capital is going into climate philanthropy[11:11] What is CapShift & the problem they’re aiming to tackle[12:30] CapShift’s traction & the amount of investments that they’re facilitating[13:41] The Planet Impact Fund: A Partnership between 1% for the Planet & CapShift[19:06] The donors & investors that the Planet Impact Fund is intended for[22:13] The rise of intergenerational wealth transfer[24:47] How investments are selected for the Planet Impact Fund[26:17] How today’s investments are faring[28:23] Nonprofit partners in Planet Impact Fund’s network[31:47] The opportunity to create a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)[33:35] Addressing the criticism around DAFs[36:17] Other ambitious partnerships around climate[40:06] Learning across public-private partnerships[42:31] Tips for anyone considering climate philanthropy & investingResources & People MentionedThe Planet Impact Fund1% for the PlanetCapShift1% for the Planet Network DirectoryProject DrawdownUN Sustainable Development GoalsConnect with Kate Williams & Jesse SimmonsConnect with KateConnect with JesseConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Ever get carry out food and then feel guilty about all the plastic packaging? Single use plastics are a real problem. Every year over 14 millions tons of plastic end up in our oceans, and plastic that ends up in landfills release toxins that pollute our soil, waterways and food chain. This is not to mention the carbon emissions of producing plastic packaging to begin with. The convenience of carry out food isn’t going anywhere, and so we need to find alternatives to plastic packaging. That’s where Dispatch Goods come in. They’re an innovative startup that’s already replaced over 1 million pieces of plastic packaging with reusable containers. In this episode, I spoke with Dispatch Goods’ CEO Lindsey Hoell and Christina O’Conor, a partner at Congruent Ventures who led a seed investment in Dispatch. We talked about Dispatch’s history and progress, the challenges of scaling circular economy businesses and what our future might look like as companies like Dispatch grow and enable us all to return packaging and materials for future use. Hope you learn as much as I did. Enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:09] What is Dispatch Goods & the problem they’re aiming to solve[4:45] Dispatch’s partners & how their business works[5:40] The scale of our waste problem[7:15] Does recycling plastics work[8:49] Lindsey’s journey developing traction & where Dispatch is at today[11:33] The materials that Dispatch is currently focused on[13:00] What is Congruent Ventures, their investment thesis & why did they invest in Dispatch Goods[16:13] How is Dispatch scalable & what will it take to scale[20:52] Dispatch’s vision for the future & key strategies for growth[25:37] The scalability challenges of circular businesses from an investor’s perspective[26:36] What Christina & Congruent are looking for from entrepreneurs[27:24] Congruent’s investments in Planet FWD & other ventures[30:26] The investment opportunity for consumer products-related companies[32:04] Untapped opportunities that deserve more attention[35:08] What if the unit economics don’t make sense yet[35:46] The scope of what Dispatch will be doing in the futureResources MentionedDispatch GoodsCongruent VenturesPlanet FWDParallel SystemsLydian LabsKodamaConnect with Lindsey Hoell and Christina O’ConorConnect with LindseyConnect with ChristinaConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

I’ve been really curious about seaweed. I hear a lot about seaweed-based businesses, and there’s a lot of hope and hype around the potential for seaweed as a climate solution. The seaweed market has grown to become a $15 billion industry and it's projected to grow to $25 billion by 2028.  To learn more, I caught up with two aspiring seaweed startup founders: Alexia Akbay and Julia Marsh. Their companies couldn’t be more different – one is using seaweed to eliminate plastic packaging and the other is feeding seaweed to cows so they burp less. This conversation helps highlight the range of possibilities for seaweed, what’s so special about seaweed to begin with, some of the challenges seaweed startups are facing, and a spicy question that helped me understand one of the more radical seaweed ideas floating about these days. OK, I promise no more puns, or maybe just a couple, but lots of insights to chew on. Enjoy!In today’s episode, we cover:[3:19] What is Sway & the problem they’re aiming to solve[4:13] What is Symbrosia & the problem they’re aiming to solve[6:02] What's so special about seaweed & why is it being looked at as a climate solution[9:25] How Alexia & Julia got started [10:26] Other exciting applications for seaweed & the potential ahead[13:42] The technological breakthroughs that set Symbrosia & Sway apart & how far along they are in their journey[20:15] What are the biggest barriers to scale & what needs to change[23:58] The unit economics & value for partners[27:51] Considerations for entrepreneurs & investors thinking about seaweed [29:57] The growing market & what this means for seaweed companies[33:13] Super spicy talk around seaweed right now[35:14] What consumers should know about seaweed[37:51] How Sway & Symbrosia can support a bigger ecosystemResources MentionedSymbrosiaSwayOceans 2050: Seaweed ProjectInstitute for Abundant OceansConnect with Alexia Akbay & Julia MarshConnect with Alexia on LinkedInConnect with Julia on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

A couple weeks ago our episode focused on Speed & Scale, a comprehensive action plan to cut  emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. It's a book and an ambitious ongoing effort to track global progress on addressing climate change. This week we focus again on a book and ambitious ongoing effort: The Carbon Almanac. Over 300 volunteers created the book, and now it's a movement of over 1,900 people who are continuing to add resources to help the world get the facts straight about climate. The founder and lead organizer of this ambitious project is someone you’ve likely heard of before: Seth Godin. Seth has written over 20 best selling books. He’s widely recognized as a thought leader on marketing, how ideas spread, leadership, creativity and change. I was thrilled to have the chance to talk to Seth and he was just as fun and thought provoking as I hoped.  And, a little warning – something happens in the background towards the end of episode. Normally we’d edit it out for you but it actually led to a really interesting discussion about a way everyday people can have a lot of impact. I’ll let it remain a surprise for you but you’ll know it when you hear it. Enjoy!In today’s episode, we cover:[3:19] What is The Carbon Almanac & how it came to be[4:57] What motivated Seth to look at climate change[7:17] What role do individuals have in systems change[9:09] Today’s culture in regards to climate change and how it's changing [11:04] What it takes to get to the next level of action[14:17] What we need to change and what is Seth most excited to work on[19:20] How systems change [21:24] Comparing the climate era to the digital transformation era[23:08] What we need from leaders today[24:33] The influence of corporations[27:57] Narratives that (don’t) work for bold climate action[29:10] Action around leaf blowers[30:14] What Seth is working on next & his call to action[32:29] The role in design in making a new future tangibleResources MentionedThe Carbon AlmanacConnect with Seth GodinConnect with Seth on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

I’m not going to sugar coat this – fast fashion stinks. It creates a truly unfathomable amount of wasted materials, water, labor, money and carbon emissions.This means it provides the perfect context for discussing today’s prevailing paradigm for eradicating waste – not just in fashion, but in all sectors. The idea is a bold one – that we can transform our economy from an extractive, wasteful, linear system of using and discarding stuff, to a circular economy that keeps products, components and materials in circulation for future use. It's an idea that has gained tremendous attention and enthusiasm across the business community in recent years, though it still remains quite difficult to achieve.For this discussion, we’re joined by two people working hard to make the apparel industry circular: Annie Agle, Sr Director of Impact & Sustainability at Cotopaxi and Peter Whitcomb, President of TERSUS Solutions.Annie and Peter are true leaders in this field, with clear visions of what a circular future could look like and the hard earned knowledge of the challenges we face. I hope you enjoy this conversation, and if nothing else, think more about throwing out clothes in the future. Here we go.In today’s episode, we cover:[3:39] What the term “circular economy” means and why it's a helpful framework [10:18] The Del Dia Program: A Cotopaxi success story[12:40] The biggest challenge about keeping materials out of landfills[14:58] What TERSUS is doing and the problem that they’re aiming to solve[20:07] The environmental impact of TERSUS’ waterless cleaning process[23:18] Consumer interest and how Cotopaxi is driving demand for secondhand goods[24:07] The economic toll that we're already seeing from water-related climate impacts [28:37] The growth of resale - what portion of the market will eventually become secondhand products[31:50] Thinking about other circular economy business models[42:09] What has made the circular narrative so resonant and successful[41:58] What do we need to do to accelerate implementation of circularity[45:55] How we all contribute to reducing waste and building a more circular economyResources MentionedCotopaxiTERSUS SolutionsConnect with Annie Agle and Peter WhitcombConnect with Annie on LinkedInConnect with Peter on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Discover a detailed action plan in Speed & Scale book to cut emissions in half by 2030. Learn about the importance of OKRs in creating clear climate goals. Explore the impact of Early Clean Energy Investments and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on climate priorities.

Today’s episode focused on food waste, a topic that I love talking about as it's one of the most accessible ways for pretty much anyone to make a difference on climate change. Wasting food is a huge problem. Roughly 40% of the world’s food is wasted each year, while almost a billion people are undernourished. Further, wasted food adds up to 8-10% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.Like many people working on this issue, my understanding of the food waste opportunity was shaped by an organization called ReFED. They launched in 2015 and have been one of the best examples of an effort to accelerate investment and entrepreneurship through data, storytelling and partnerships. We’re fortunate to be joined by Dana Gunders, Executive Director of ReFED. Prior to joining ReFED, Dana wrote the book, The Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook: A Guide to Eating Well and Saving Money By Wasting Less Food.We were also joined by Gaeleen Quin, Head of Impact for the fast growing food waste startup Too Good to Go, which enables retailers to offer soon to be wasted food to consumers at a discount. We discuss a wide range of opportunities for eliminating food waste, and tap into Gaeleen and Dana’s insights to growing this emerging innovation space. No matter who you are, if you buy and eat food, I’m sure you’ll find something immediately useful in this episode. In today’s episode, we cover:[4:44] Why does food waste matter & why it matters to climate change[8:18] What is ReFED & what is their role[9:51] Food waste categories & which ones offer the most leverage [11:55] Where we need to focus most & where there’s most opportunity for impact[13:44] The problem that Too Good to Go aiming to solve[16:22] The hardest part of gaining market adoption[19:47] What can retailers do about food waste[21:43] The importance of Gaeleen’s role as Head of Impact[23:27] Examples of partnerships with schools and community organizations[25:21] The most effective way for us to reduce or eliminate food waste[31:30] The status on ReFED’s goal to cut food waste in half by 2030[37:10] Making immense amounts of data inspiring & actionable[43:19] The most exciting things that Gaeleen & Dana are working on right nowResources MentionedReFEDToo Good to GoConnect with Dana Gunders and Gaeleen QuinnConnect with Dana on LinkedInConnect with Gaeleen on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

This week’s episode was a lot of fun. Tom Chi is one of the biggest thinkers I’ve encountered in the climate space. He was one of the founding members of GoogleX, leading teams that developed self-driving cars, Google Glass, high altitude balloons that broadcast the internet and much, much more. He also helped build Microsoft Outlook and Yahoo Answers. Tom now teaches and coaches entrepreneurs and is the founder of At One Ventures. Tom’s investment thesis is truly visionary, aspiring to not just reduce carbon emissions, but to create a net positive civilization where humans do more good than harm to nature. This conversation is quite philosophical and we cover a lot of ground, but I’m already finding some practical applications for Tom’s ideas. I hope you find this as provocative and useful as I did. So let’s dive in. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:23] The future of life on Earth & making the switch from optimism to efficacy[6:39] Tom’s medium for creating masterpieces[12:40] The different styles of cognition used for approaching climate change[16:05] How At One Ventures aspires to create a net positive civilization[19:44] Contributing to the health of the planet through new businesses and startups[25:15] What is an invention catalyst & how do At One’s investments fit the bill[30:00] Investing in biopolymers: Cruz Foam & Simplifyber[38:03] What can we do to accelerate a consciousness shift around climate[48:02] What if we were to compost late-stage capitalism[49:31] The empowerment formula for everyday listenersResources MentionedAtOne VenturesTomChi.comConnect with Tom ChiConnect with Tom on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate