Inevitable

Marc Mezvinsky, a partner at TPG Rise Climate, dives into the exciting world of climate tech investment. He shares insights on managing a groundbreaking $7 billion fund, focusing on how to balance financial returns with social impact. Marc discusses his unique career path, from investment banking to climate finance, and his family's political background. He also highlights the critical need for strategic capital allocation in sustainable technologies and the importance of policy collaboration for real climate impact.

Hudson Gilmer, co-founder and CEO of LineVision, sheds light on innovative strategies to enhance U.S. transmission grid capacity without building new lines. He discusses how non-contact sensors and software can revolutionize grid management. The conversation dives into the urgent need for advanced monitoring technologies amid increasing electricity demands. Additionally, Hudson shares insights on dynamic line ratings and the role of real-time data in optimizing power flow. Finally, he touches on cybersecurity needs within power transmission infrastructure.

John Rappaport, Chief Investment Officer at Keyframe Capital and a Yale lecturer, dives into the world of structured capital and its pivotal role in financing the energy transition. He shares insights on how tailored capital structures can aid renewable energy companies in managing upfront costs. The conversation touches on investment opportunities in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and climate finance, emphasizing innovative strategies that address unique financial challenges while promoting sustainable growth.

Paul Lambert, Co-founder and CEO of Quilt, talks about innovative ductless heat pumps that offer intelligent room controls. He discusses the unique name 'Quilt,' symbolizing comfort and community, and their sustainable approach to heating solutions. Lambert shares insights into overcoming consumer inertia and the challenges of integrating these systems into older homes. With plans for market expansion, he highlights the importance of partnerships with HVAC contractors and the emotional impact of design in creating effective home climate solutions.

Sharon Schneider, Founder of Integrated Capital Strategies, advises high-net-worth individuals on integrating social impact into their financial strategies. She discusses the shift among younger generations towards ethical investing, particularly in light of climate change. Key topics include distinctions between impact, aligned, and catalytic capital, and how family offices can effectively structure loans for innovative projects. Sharon also shares insights on the evolving fiduciary duties of family offices and emphasizes the importance of aligning investment strategies with personal values.

Eliot Brooks, CEO and co-founder of Cocoon, is reshaping the heavy industry by transforming steel slag into a sustainable cement source. He discusses the challenges steel decarbonization poses for cement production and how electric arc furnaces are crucial for this transition. Eliot shares insights on building a circular economy, Cocoon's innovative business model, and their recent $5.4 million funding round. With experiences from diverse industries, he emphasizes the need for collaboration and advanced technology to tackle climate challenges in heavy manufacturing.

Adrian Deveny, former Director of Energy and Environmental Policy for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, plays a key role in shaping Biden's climate policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act. He discusses the impact of a Republican-led government on clean energy initiatives and the looming regulatory challenges. Adrian emphasizes the unfinished business in U.S. emissions targets and explores bipartisan support for geothermal and nuclear projects. He stresses the urgency of more than doubling policy efforts to meet ambitious climate goals, despite the political landscape.

Kathryn Bakos, Managing Director of Finance and Resilience at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, discusses the pressing challenges posed by climate change, including flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat. She highlights the importance of proactive community and financial sector responses to these crises. Emphasizing the lag in adaptation awareness compared to mitigation efforts, Kathryn explores innovative solutions like updated flood maps, wildfire risk management, and strategies for protecting the most vulnerable populations in urban settings.

Seyed Madaeni, Co-founder and CEO of Verse, discusses his journey in clean energy procurement, offering insights from his background in energy systems engineering. He sheds light on the rising demand for clean energy in corporate America, especially among data-hungry tech giants. Seyed emphasizes the complexities of virtual Power Purchase Agreements and how data-driven decision-making can streamline energy management. The necessity for companies to adopt sustainable practices as a core capability is a central theme, showcasing Verse’s innovative solutions.

Maria Robinson, outgoing Director of the Grid Deployment Office at the U.S. Department of Energy, shares her experiences overseeing $22 billion for electric infrastructure. She discusses the complexities of the U.S. grid, including transmission challenges and the impact of renewables on design. Maria dives into the intricacies of environmental permitting and the pressing need for grid resilience amid climate challenges. She also touches on cybersecurity issues and her vision for future energy initiatives, emphasizing collaboration and modernization.