Ian Simmons

Climate Capital Guidebook: The Biden-Harris Administration is releasing a new Climate Capital Guidebook to provide a simple, comprehensive map of capital programs across the federal government that are available to climate-related start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses, and their investors. While larger, institutionally-backed climate companies may have the resources to identify and access federal funding opportunities, smaller enterprises may face greater challenges in navigating these federal programs. https://lnkd.in/eJ3QV4Fw #climatechange #climatetech

19

🌍💡 Embracing Interoperability: The Evolution of Carbon Markets 💡🌍 The landscape of carbon markets is rapidly evolving, with a significant shift towards fungibility and interoperability. What does this mean? We (at the SoHo Global Climate Fund) spoke with leading climate fund manager, Charles Bedford of Carbon Growth Partners, to shed light on this important trend in the carbon markets. It's about creating seamless connections between compliance and voluntary markets, allowing for the exchange and recognition of carbon credits across borders and sectors. This trend marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts towards combating climate change. By enabling carbon credits to be fungible and interoperable, we're fostering a more efficient and scalable approach to carbon pricing and emissions reduction strategies. Companies and organizations now have greater flexibility to participate in markets that align with their goals. #CarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #Fungibility #Interoperability #Sustainability #Innovation #GlobalImpact

30

We just published a new podcast episode of #InOurHands with Nigel Sizer, a globally recognized authority on ecology and development policy, and executive director at Preventing Pandemics at the Source Initiative. We discuss everyone's least favorite but most important topic: the connection between pandemics and climate change. Listen or read to learn more (spoiler: deforestation and forest trade are some of the reasons, and we need to fix this). https://lnkd.in/gsvi_RDW

12

1 Comment

🇺🇸 The U.S. Federal departments and offices have just released the "Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles”. We at International Carbon Registry celebrate more clarity on the direction of this important market and its role in the climate crisis. Notable developments include: • The emergence of multi-stakeholder initiatives that have set out standards and principles for high-integrity credit development and responsible credit use; • Improvements to key crediting methodologies, their guiding standards, and tracking systems; • New and improved analytical products and services that aim to strengthen credit transparency and quality comparability, such as carbon credit rating services; • Technologies to support robust measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV); • Multilateral rules, guidance, and procedures developed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the international aviation sector's global carbon market-based measure, which shape certified emissions reductions and removals that often find their home in VCMs'; and • Advances in the development of market infrastructure to improve transparency and liquidity, as well as the integrity of market transactions.

9

As we scale climate tech solutions, we need to carefully consider the impact to local communities. Thanks Evan Halper for a great front page article in today's The Washington Post that highlights this issue with a proposed CO2 storage plan in Montana. Injecting and storing CO2 in porous geological formations sounds scary, particularly given the negative side effects of fracking. I think the concerned ranchers in Montana are completely justified. But, we need to solve the climate crisis, and CO2 removal is an important part of the solution. This issue will continue as more and more first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects break ground and expand. Early, frequent, and transparent community engagement is critical. #climatechange #climatesolutions #climateaction

12

🌍 NY Climate Week is a powerful reminder of the incredible climate innovations emerging each year. I’m excited to share a few key highlights from this year’s event: 🔹 UN Climate Change UGIH Innovation Workshop continues to rally outstanding partners to drive need-based climate solutions. As a proud partner of UGIH, a big shout-out to Massamba Thioye and the team for their impactful work! 🔹 Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is playing a pivotal role in convening the community to harness blockchain technology in the fight against the climate crisis. Their leadership is invaluable. As a GBBC observer, I am a big fan of the great work led by Sandra Ro 🇺🇦, Arry Y., Emma Joyce and other GBBC leaders! 🔹 SustainableIT.org launched the AI Sustainability Principles, setting a new standard for responsible AI in the ICT industry and beyond. This is a crucial step toward aligning AI with sustainable goals. I see tremendous synergies and potential in our partnership as we work together to drive the adoption of the principles through the Responsible AI Pledge. I can't wait to advance this together with Rick Pastore, Ann Rosenberg, Ben Christensen and many others in the future. On a personal note, I’m honored to see our 2018 book chapter, Utilizing Blockchain for Better Enforcement of Green Finance Law and Regulations" being cited again and again. It's rewarding to know that our publication remains relevant to today’s climate innovation discussions. Matias Aranguiz, Duoqi Xu Xing Zhang Xinran Xu "Abstract: This chapter explores how Blockchain technology, integrated with Smart Contracts, can enhance climate actions by enabling automatic execution, reducing costs, increasing security, and improving analytics. It examines the potential of Blockchain in enforcing climate law and green finance, offering international and China-specific use cases. The chapter also highlights regulatory challenges and opportunities, advocating for legal reforms and supportive frameworks to unlock Blockchain's potential in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Link to the chapter: https://lnkd.in/gyHEQycs Just saw an article citing our chapter—worth a read! Vangelis Malamas Thomas K. Dasaklis Veni Arakelian GREGORY CHONDROCOUKIS https://lnkd.in/gkAQCeMX #NYClimateWeek #Sustainability #ClimateInnovation #BlockchainForGood #AIForGood #ResponsibleAI #ClimateAction #fintech4good #ai2030 🔗 Stay Connected & Engaged: Join our LinkedIn Group: https://lnkd.in/e_CrPkc Join the next Tech Pulse 2030 at 1871: https://lnkd.in/deWDaz32 Don't miss out on our AI 2030 Summit Series: https://www.ai2030.org/ Sponsor our Summits, click here: https://lnkd.in/gNvxHXdJ Join the Movement: Become a Member of AI2030: https://lnkd.in/gN5PcC Submit your Women in AI Leadership nominations here: https://lnkd.in/g_hMXgKw

19

2 Comments

Sharing views of my Partner. "Within the climate change investment ecosystem, much of the capital has gone to two ends of the spectrum: venture capital and infrastructure. Those investments are obviously impactful, but more of a developmental, long-term approach to solving climate change. We try to focus on where we can make an impact today. That means looking for companies already reducing emissions or saving energy." Read more from Stuart Barkoff, co-founder and managing partner GEF Capital Partners https://lnkd.in/dX2CMs35

42

1 Comment

Very excited to share my latest piece in Forbes - "Adaptation and resilience in corporate climate agendas" If any of the below resonates, esp. with those working on adaptation + resilience and/or corporate climate + sustainability - our team at Riffle Ventures would love to hear from you! Main idea - climate adaptation and resilience can be an innovation driver for companies and we need to accelerate this agenda. 🏭 Most discussions around corporations and their climate agendas focus on if, how, and how quickly, big businesses are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, as well as decreasing their own negative externalities on the natural environment. 💰 However, in parallel climate change is creating growing financial, infrastructure, health and other risks that could disrupt large companies, some of which is already happening. While the tools and strategies for decarbonization are fairly well-covered, we are only scratching the surface when it comes to building resilience and adapting to a warming planet. 🈺 Of course, emissions and corporate sustainability targets need urgent attention and commitment, but in parallel we need to make sure companies writ large are adapting to and building resilience against climate risks - e.g. droughts, floods, fires, grid instability and weakening infrastructure - are all a growing reality on a warming planet. 🆘 Corporations, regardless of industry and geography will require support across the board in navigating climate change's most pressing threats. The risk of not doing so could have near-term, material impacts on protecting critical infrastructure as well as access to necessary products and services - food and medicine - and could also negatively impact human's themselves - heat stress, job loss, etc. 🤖 There is a growing technology solution set focusing on climate adaptation and resilience, and we need to bridge the gap between between these climate tech startups and the corporate sector. In turn, corporations can have an enormous impact in helping to scale climate innovations and bolster the surrounding ecosystem. Many thanks to Jackie Roberts for providing time and insight for the article, Dhruv Jesrani for being the design wizard and to Suma Reddy Connie Bowen Abrar Chaudhury Alhan Fakhr Laith Kawar Madeleine Futterman Emmanuelle Palikuca Omar Saif Andrew Chang Hope Petraro Tom K. Deepa Lounsbury for their guidance along the way while we did the research for this, and for Dahna Goldstein for being the connection to Jackie! #ClimateAction #SustainableBusiness #CorporateResponsibility #SustainabilityGoals #ClimateLeadership #CorporateSustainability #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateInnovation #ClimateChangeAdaptation #ResilienceStrategies #SustainableSolutions #ClimateResilience #BuildingResilience #ClimateChangeResponse #AdaptationStrategies

83

7 Comments

Divestment requirements have a very real cost. This reduces the ability of endowments and foundations to support their mission driven enterprises. As the list of divestment demands grow, at what point do the consequences outweigh the perceived benefits? Hiding at the end of this article is the below quote: Golden admitted the divestment had undermined Princo’s returns, saying the endowment “would have been better off” otherwise. But he pointed to a bigger concern: the pressure to “keep adding things to divest from”. “Fossil fuels are necessarily part of getting to where the overall economy needs to be [and] it would be impossible for the world to not use fossil fuels tomorrow,” he said. “Divestment is a pretty weak tool to change the economy.” https://lnkd.in/g3SeC8rg #energy #investing #vc

21

1 Comment

🌏 Recent data suggests that VC dollars in climate is starting to rebound (Q1 Clean Energy report by PitchBook, Sightline Climate (CTVC) shared that Seed to Series B grew from 2H23 to 1H24, and IRA dollars will likely start translating to actual deployments - Rhodium Group and MIT CEEPR. Other factors at play, as Rob Day shares: 🚀 Exits are a significant hurdle. The "clean energy VC exit activity” chart shows exits falling off a cliff in 1Q24 (PitchBook). IPOs have been hard to come by for startups across ALL sectors, and especially in the sustainability sector with lower chances of the IPO "checkmarks" being ✅ (big + growing revenues, predicable profitability..) 🔷 Business models - Many venture backed startups in clean energy are considered hard-tech, and they are not #projectdeployers, but often technology developers. They are generally not putting steel in the ground, and the buyers for certain industrial innovations tends to be limited. Few focus on deployment, or developer-style business models..and successful exits in climate lean disproportionately to downstream business model innovations, not hard-tech (ie. industrial wastewater, or composting). 🔷 Of course, the election. On the plus side, big infra investors are motivated to put their 2025 capital to work. Hopefully translating to increased acquisitions. #Hardtech #VC #ClimateInvesting #Investing #Startups #IPO

10

We are living in a world that embodies our Industrial Transformation & Supply Chain Technology investment thesis at REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund: Escalating Geopolitical Tensions & Great Power Competition; The Climate Crisis & Severe Weather; Consumer Behavior & Demographics. Join us. #IndustrialTransformation #SupplyChain #Innovation #Technology #Startups #VentureCapital

5

Massachusetts stands as a national leader in green technology policy, pioneering initiatives that make it one of the most promising states for climate action. From ambitious carbon reduction targets to groundbreaking support for clean energy tech, Massachusetts is shaping the future of the green economy. The state’s 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan lays a roadmap for decarbonizing the economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By setting aggressive targets, Massachusetts isn’t just aiming for environmental impact—it’s also fostering job growth, energy security, and economic resilience. Policies such as the Clean Peak Standard push for cleaner energy during high-demand times, spurring tech innovations that align with sustainable goals. The partnerships between the state, private sector, and innovative research hubs are at the core of Massachusetts' success. Organizations like @MassCEC (Massachusetts Clean Energy Center), @GreentownLabs, and the emerging Blue Economy Tech Hub work hand-in-hand to accelerate green technology, from renewables to energy storage and marine technology. These organizations connect startups and researchers with funding, resources, and strategic partnerships to bring sustainable solutions to market. In addition to clean tech, Massachusetts is investing in environmental justice initiatives to ensure that all communities benefit from green advancements. Programs like @GroundworkLawrence and @GreenRoots advocate for equitable green policies, providing communities with access to cleaner environments and job training in the green sector. With a thriving ecosystem of policymakers, tech leaders, and diverse innovators, Massachusetts is setting a national example of how green tech policy can drive meaningful change. As the state continues to expand its climate and energy ecosystem, its policies will remain a beacon for states seeking impactful, inclusive pathways to sustainability. For a sustainable and equitable climate future, we need a collaborative approach that puts diversity and inclusion at its core. It’s time to build, connect, and elevate each other as we work towards a greener tomorrow. #GreenTech #ClimatePolicy #Massachusetts #CleanEnergy

1

Practice your #voting skills and help us highlight #regenerativefinance at SXSW!

5

1 Comment

Check out my recent post on why President Trump is the forcing function for us to solve the “Missing Middle” and catch the industrial Tsunami of onshoring coming to the US!

78

9 Comments

The US emerged as the top climate-tech financing market in 2024, with $6.7 billion mobilized in the first half of the year. Most of this financing was for clean power companies — renewable energy equipment makers and project developers — as well as startups along the energy storage value chain. Climate-tech companies from mainland China raised $5.1 billion in the same period. Canada placed third with $1.8 billion. #climatetech #climatefinance #climateVC

15

3 Comments

This thoughtful article in Stanford Social Innovation Review examines whether impact investing should be more difficult than traditional investing. While that position may elicit varying responses, I concur with author Maoz Brown that for impact investors to deliver value-added impact, there should be something truly distinct about the deals they structure--at least in comparison to deals made by socially neutral investors. The article also presents us with an important thesis that impact investors need to address the urgent problems that are currently being neglected by capital markets, keeping social impact front and center in their growth strategies. #ImpactInvesting

26

Ian Elkins of Global Water Intelligence (GWI) reports on Echo River Capital's Impact Report, released today. “There’s a misconception that just investing in water generally is impactful, and I don’t think that’s necessarily true,” explained Peter Yolles, managing partner at Echo River Capital. “We’re tracking what the downstream effects are, and when we do a new investment, we think about whether it will contribute to the fund’s end goal of meaningful impact.” https://lnkd.in/gsZtCXqn (The story is behind a paywall, but you get three free articles per month by registering.). #impactinvesting #waterimpact #climateimpact #watertech #water

35

To all #climatetech #founders and #funders in NYC and beyond, please join us on June 5th for an evening of #breakthrough #decarbonization #innovation at the ReGen Accelerator #DemoDay! 🎉 Get ready to be inspired by our cohort of #earlystage startups: ​ ▶ aich2 is engineering a novel #hydrogen ecosystem, built around Solid Hydrogen carriers. ​​ ▶ carbogenics produces sustainable #carbon adsorbents from difficult-to-recycle organic waste, including coffee cups and wastewater screenings ​​ ▶ TeamStack.ai is driving better performance by harnessing #AI, data, & the collective intelligence of teams. ​ ▶ Tesleon LLC uses compelling characters and #storytelling to instill compassion for communities and our planet in the next generation. ​ ▶ Tolam Earth is a trusted #marketplace for high-quality, high-impact carbon offsets. Don't miss out! Secure your spot below. Big thank you to Brown Rudnick LLP for hosting this event, our partners at ClimateHaven for their hard work and dedication during the entire program, and to our incredible network of #mentors and #facilitators, each of whom have dedicated time to working with these incredible founders this spring, including Jason Ambrose, Marina Rakhlin, Lauren Zujkowski, Stuart DeCew, Matt Puccini Andy Rooks, Nina Raab, and Bill Stephney. And of course Shai Tamary, Lars Korby and Sarah Cleveland, without whom we would not be able run such a #program. #innovation #sustainability #climateaction #accelerator

47

1 Comment

It's interesting to see how valuation trends have shifted, especially the decline in up rounds this year. This data is crucial for founders and investors to set realistic expectations in a tougher fundraising climate. Understanding these trends can really help in planning for the future! 👏

2