Jason Rissman

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!

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Is SF Climate Week banter a good barometer of the macro climate tech investment mood? Key nuggets to ponder: 💰💰💰 Climate solutions (like most science/engineering and hardware based deep tech) are capital intensive. They require an "all of the above", creative financing approach to obtain the capital needed to scale (from CVCs, government, public-private partnerships, green banks, debt financing...). 🤖 AI - Everything, Everywhere (all at once). As in most sectors, AI is white hot. It can be a key component of climate solutions, but also a demand accelerant ⏩ More AI = ↗ compute and power demand ⚡= ↗ need for energy storage and grid enhancing solutions 🔋. 🏛 🤵 Political Angst. Real worry that a new administration will cut or impede climate tech catalyzing funding (e.g., DOE funding from IRA). #climatetech #climateweek

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💧 I just arrived back from The Drop energized by the several hundred established and emerging #ClimateVC funds actively pushing the climate tech frontiers. Thanks to Pale blue dot for fueling hope. My takeaways: - Investor competition is heating up 🔥 and accelerating the trend of even more specialized climate verticals and "boutique" fund models. - System change is gaining momentum and funds focus on deep structural industrial shifts. - Frameworks, manuals, and common language for scaling climate tech are gradually becoming standardized thanks to initiatives such as The Climate Brick. - Nature has A/B tested climate solutions for millions of years, and there is no reason to compete with nature-based solutions... - AI will fuel lean VC operations, efficient deal flows, analysis, reporting, and level up emerging managers making the industry even more scalable. See you next year! Katapult Tharald Nustad Tomas Kemtys Patrikas Feiferas Joel Larsson Daniel Skavén Ruben Claes Mikko Nilsen Camilla Bergman Anne H Worsøe Eirik Svendsen Liza Rubinstein Malamud Brooke Latham Dr. Moritz Belling

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"There's plenty of capital available in multiple flavors for Climate Tech Companies..." 🌍💸 Did you know that in 2023, 50 VC deals for climate tech companies exceeded $150 million, with nine of those surpassing $500 million? Venture capitalists are increasingly turning their focus toward startups to tackle the climate crisis, marking a significant shift in investment priorities. Despite the challenging environment for venture capital in 2023, with overall investment in climate tech falling by 14.5% to $41.1 billion, the commitment to climate solutions remains robust. Key trends and insights are shaping the evolving landscape of climate tech investment. Are you an early-stage Climate Tech founder looking to fundraise? Curious about the main drivers for the industry? ⬇ Dive into my latest Forbes article to learn more. Special thanks to Hannah Sieber & Arun Gupta for sharing your invaluable insights! https://lnkd.in/gNhe8jew #ClimateTech #VentureCapital #Forbes Artyc Skyven Technologies

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Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) illustrates the current "readiness" of #ClimateTechs + their potential impact on carbon reduction. As shown, many techs are at an early stage of being able to have a material impact. Concerningly, some tech funds recently returned capital back to investors recently + closed their funds - citing inability to fund capital intensive techs, found in areas like ClimateTech. This in part may be contributing to the $2 trillion shortfall in ClimateTech, that Deloitte estimates. What this may mean for the future? - The migration of LPs to global, super VC funds within ClimateTech, given the large capital pools needed to fund tech development - Greater specialization from smaller funds, energizing more niche elements of the ClimateTech market - but also altering their / LP's risk profile - A greater role to be played by debt financing in funding growth entities at an earlier stage - impacting cashflow dynamics Will be an interesting space to watch moving forward. We at The Proptech Connection are constantly working with all parts of the Proptech ecosystem. From the leading LPs, funds, techs and adopters in market, providing an independent view. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help. #InvestorTrends #Strategy #Global Ivo van Breukelen Stuart Daun Kiki C. Ethan Ward

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At a time of such political uncertainty, an urgent reminder that climate-tech is a matter of national security and industrial development strategy. Without any reference to carbon or climate-change, the energy transition is a race the US and the west cannot afford to lose. Technology transitions fuel the economic and military power that shape geopolitics and the rise and fall of empires. Think: Caravel ship design and new navigation tools that underpinned Portuguese conquests of Africa and the Americas. The 1st industrial revolution fueling the rail roads, manufacturing that built the British empire. Then the US-lead second industrial revolution with oil, cars, and the economic boom associated with these. Ascendent after WWI, the US eclipsed Britain and Europe as in WWII on the back of its economic might and technology leadership. But the best analogy for the critical strategic, economic and technological importance of winning the clean energy race is microprocessor chips. In the 1950s through 70s, America’s ingenuity and capital markets seeded these technologies that changed everything, not just computers, the internet communications, but smart bombs, intelligence, satellites in the midst of the cold war. Japan and Korea’s economic miracles were tied directly to economic development policies focusing on these industries. And today, China’s claims on Taiwan are more about controlling TSMC’s chip manufacturing technology than national identity. Lets be clear. Clean energy technology is the next wave of technology that will shape this century and those that win this tech will control the economic and geopolitical order of the future. China saw this 20 years ago and has invested billions to ensure it wins the race. Today, China controls ~75% of global battery manufacturing capacity, 80 % of solar panel capacity, 58% of EVs manufactured, and 60% of the critical minerals that feed these industries. Beyond economic power, climate-technologies will also decide the future of hot and cold conflict. Think: grid resilient military bases powered by distributed energy at a time of cyber attacks on the grid.  Electric tactical vehicles with no noise signature. Battlefield batteries replacing highly exposed fuel supply chains. This isn’t speculation, this is straight from the US militaries climate-change strategy. China understands that clean energy is the inevitable future, and he who captures this prize wins the 21st century. They are cheaper, easier to deploy, with exponentially falling costs, and myriad use-case superiorities that make the obsolescence of fossil fuels inevitable. Today, 90% of all new generation capacity being added globally is renewable. We reached peak ICE vehicle in 2017. At a time when climate has become a partisan political issue, lets reframe this topic as the urgent matter of global security it is. The future of clean energy is not open to debate. But who wins this prize and, with it, the next century, is up to us.

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🌍💡 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

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INVESTING IN CLIMATE TECH IS SOOO SIMPLE: PART I After a spectacular closing session to #ClimateWeekSF at 9Zero, I thought I'd share a few morsels from our sustainable VC session (organized by Niki Gastinel & moderated by Ron Erd w/ fellow panelists Joshua Posamentier Nare Janvelyan, PhD & Shaun Chaudhuri). Top 3 DD questions I seek to answer: I         Would I work for this person? I've been a founder 5x (3 startups, 2 VC funds) & always seeking to grow. When I'm being pitched by a founder, I imagine what it would be like to work for them, because, while team is important, the CEO is everything. The CEOs I back have: ·     Command of the Market: They are intimate with & drive discourse on distro channels, market players/dynamics, the competitive landscape & where the ball is going. All about founder-market fit! ·     Evangelical Sales Ability: They’re always selling, intelligently, whether it’s for recruiting, fund-raising, distribution... ·     EQ IQ: I back intelligent founders but I want that paired with street savvy & deep understanding of what to prioritize & when, not just how to do it. I look for emotional intelligence & how they read the room & adjust comms. I look for CEOs that have done the hard work on their own personal growth & have the right lens to make big decisions. ·     Battle-tested: I look for founders that are resilient & risk-tolerant. They have been tested in some aspect of their lives: personal challenges (athletics, hardship, military) and/or professional challenges. II        Is there a Big Accessible Market (BAM)? ·     Big TAM: I invest in companies seeking unicorn performance (financial & impact). Matters less where the TAM is today but more importantly where it's going. ·     Clear and Present Sales Channel: I want to see a beefy sales channel(s) with a clear decision maker; tangible, massive pain for this painkiller solution (not a vitamin); and an accretive path for the customer. Know who your actual buyer is. Hint: It’s not the sustainability exec! ·     Weighted Average Pipeline: I want to see a well thought out, organized sales pipeline that is dynamically linked to your financial forecasts & produces a justifiable exciting ARR forecast. ·     Product Market Fit: Because we do seed, we only see the beginnings of traction & sometimes focusing too much on fit can lead to a false negative. This is the time for risk-taking & iteration so you can learn. It’s more about DDing the product as an extension of how the team thinks & executes. III      Is There Big Accessible Impact? ·     Paul Hawken: We have Paul & he is unabashed about rooting out pretenders when it comes to impact. If he doesn’t buy your impact, we won’t invest. It’s that simple. ·     Qualitative: Because we are software first & seed stage investors, we don’t do hard core quant on your impact. We do our best to gauge the potential decarbonization impact of your company at scale. You know it when you see it. What questions do you ask?

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🌍 Exciting news! Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) has just announced the newest round of Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) grants, part of the $250 million Fashion Climate Fund aimed at unlocking $2 billion in blended capital for industry-wide decarbonization. These grants provide essential funding and support for scalable, science-based solutions that help the fashion industry reduce its environmental impact.🌱 This round of grantees – Pozzi, Grant Thornton, and Amphico – are tackling unique supply chain challenges with innovative technologies, offering measurable greenhouse gas reductions. Collectively, these projects have the potential to save over 24,000 tCO2e within their first year of implementation! 💡 Highlights include: * Pozzi's advanced heat recovery system for the textile wet processing sector * Grant Thornton's innovative approach to energy conservation in the lubricant industry * Amphico's cutting-edge color-mixing technology for textiles, creating vibrant fabrics with reduced environmental impact A huge congratulations to these trailblazers for their commitment to a sustainable future. Learn more about their projects and how Aii is driving decarbonization efforts across the industry #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Decarbonization #FashionIndustry #ApparelImpactInstitute #InnovationForImpact #CSPGrantees #SustainableFashion #Decarbonization

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Early stage climate investing impacts of Trump 2.0 through the lens of an LLM observing our teams post election investment committee discussions - 1. IRA Implementation Challenges reflect deep concerns about program execution rather than just policy changes. The team noted that even without formal rollbacks, administrative cuts or friction could effectively neutralize IRA benefits. They discussed how bureaucratic slowdown and uncertainty around decision-making could make programs practically inaccessible even while technically remaining in place. This led them to pass on at least one investment opportunity that was heavily dependent on smooth IRA implementation, demonstrating how these concerns are actively shaping investment decisions. 2. The Municipal/State Level discussion focused on the potential for local action to provide some stability amid federal uncertainty. The team explored how in the past some cities and states led on climate initiatives and could continue pushing climate initiatives forward regardless of federal stance. This created an interesting tension between seeing local government as a source of stability while recognizing its resource limitations. 3. Market Psychology emerged as a crucial factor in their analysis. The team explored how regulatory uncertainty affects behavior throughout the market - from individual bureaucrats becoming more risk-averse in approvals to customers hesitating on purchasing decisions. They highlighted how market participants' fear of potential changes can freeze activity even before any actual policy shifts occur. This psychological impact appears to act as a force multiplier for regulatory uncertainty, potentially affecting markets faster and more severely than formal policy changes. 4. Unsubsidized Business Models. The team is continuing to focus on finding companies that can succeed primarily on economics rather than regulatory support. They discussed adjusting valuations to account for increased regulatory risk and showed particular interest in business models that could maintain growth even in adverse political environments.

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Throughout the year, Buyouts gathers intel about the most talked about emerging funds in the market from our networks of LPs and fundraisers. Emerging managers, including first-timers, remain of interest even in the tough fundraising markets. In a Probitas Partners survey last year, 75% of 69 institutional investor respondents said they were interested in exploring new firm spin-outs. Only 2% of respondents had no interest in first-time funds. The updated list includes around 45 names of funds in market that have gotten the attention of investors, including Otro Capital, Iron Path Capital, 5th Line Capital Century House Partners, Dynasty Equity, Citation Capital, Broad Sky Partners, Allied Industrial Partners, and Highland Rim Capital. #Venturecapitalists #Emergingfunds #EmergingManagers #Limitedpartners #Generalpartners #Investments #fundraising #Newfunds #Buyouts #LPs #GPs #VCs #Funds

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🌍 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

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I did this podcast a few weeks ago & talked with Michael Wood III and Hope Pratt of Energy Terminal on the FOAK problem. We went through: ✅ FOAK definition and example FOAK projects ✅ Areas of risk in FOAK ✅ Types of funding available for FOAK ✅ When in a company's lifecycle to think about FOAK ✅ Potential solutions for FOAK challenges ...and a couple of other fun topics! Give it a listen if you have a moment. Thank you, Michael and Hope, for your thoughtful questions and all of what you do for your community at Energy Terminal! #foak #climatetech #energy

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The 4 California's Circular Economy Champions of this week! #climatetechquartet #20. As a Californian, I'm always excited to spotlight the #sustainability startups that call the #GoldenState home. This week, we've got a Climatetechquartet of innovative companies crushing it in the circular economy game. Let's take a look at the four #startups of this week: Brimstone https://www.brimstone.com/ HQ: California, USA, Founders: Cody Finke, Ph.D. and Hugo Leandri Brimstone is revolutionizing the cement industry by producing industry-standard cement using carbon-free calcium silicate rock instead of traditional limestone. This innovative approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint of cement production, addressing one of the largest sources of industrial CO2 emissions and providing a more sustainable solution for the construction industry. Novoloop https://www.novoloop.com/ HQ: California, USA, Founders: Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao Novoloop transforms post-consumer plastic waste into high-performance materials, including their proprietary XIRC® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). By creating a closed-loop system for plastics, they're tackling plastic pollution head-on and promoting resource conservation. Vericool Inc. https://lnkd.in/gD2XHcg9 HQ: California, USA, Founder: Darrell Jobe Vericool Packaging is at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions. They offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials like styrofoam, helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint without compromising performance. unspun™ https://www.unspun.io/ HQ: California, USA, Founders: Walden Lam, Kevin Martin, and Beth Esponnette Unspun is reimagining the fashion industry with its on-demand, custom-fit jeans. Using 3D body scanning technology and automated manufacturing, they create perfectly fitted jeans while eliminating overproduction and reducing waste in the notoriously resource-intensive fashion sector. Curious about more early-stage company updates in the climate tech sector? Stay in the loop on the latest innovations. #circulareconomy #climatetech #GreenStartups #california #Innovation #cement #fashion #plasticwaste #packaging #growthinflection

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In 2023, the largest segments in the climate tech vertical were low-carbon mobility, industry, grid infrastructure, intermittent renewable energy sources (solar and wind). 50 VC deals for climate tech companies in 2023 exceeded $150 million, and of these, nine exceeded $500 million. Companies that need a lot of capital to execute on a big vision can succeed today. #climatetech #climateVC #climate

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Who doesn't love a good top 50 list?! Very excited to launch Congruent Ventures and SVB's inaugural 50 by 2050, focused on identifying the companies with the highest potential to drive carbon reduction over the next 25 years. I'm 100% certain that we've missed some amazing companies. I'm also 100% certain the companies on the list are awesome. Sadly, by our own methodology many or our incredible companies at Congruent didn't make the list (but suppose that is as it should be). Check out the report below. Live / interactive list here: https://lnkd.in/dYgCfEv8 Tim De Chant TechCrunch coverage here: https://lnkd.in/dkUJm_Sn The Congruent/SVB team collaboration was awesome Dan Baldi Eliza Cushman Marianne Wu Joshua Posamentier!

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Excellent blog post on the realities of Climate & VC. While these are "tough times for the transition," there are also many opportunities. Significant capital will continue to flow, with Corporate VCs playing a larger role in financing this transition. Through this process, they will strengthen their LP positions in funds tackling climate challenges. I receive weekly calls from large Holding & Corporate VCs seeking introductions to Climate / Energy / Infra VC Funds. When I ask about their target sub-verticals within Climate / Energy, they often mention that they default to focusing on specific regions due to limited resources and coverage. In other words, rather than evaluating whether a DACH VC is better positioned for solar or grid-tech compared to a Nordic or US VC, they simply pursue whichever regions they can access—a haphazard approach at best. I always advise LPs to evaluate VCs within their operating market context. Since sourcing is crucial in venture capital, Holding Cos. and Family Offices should carefully assess a VC's location, regulatory context, and market environment before investing and building a portfolio of Funds. I've heard "I wish I had discovered this VC / region sooner" far too many times... * At ComposeVC's Built World Fund, we do not invest in Climatetech or Energytech directly, only as it relates to our Built World thesis.

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One of our focus areas: AI + Climate The Bezos Earth Fund today unveiled an AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge – under which up to $100 million in grants will be awarded. In its first round, the Grand Challenge will advance solutions in three focus areas: Sustainable proteins Biodiversity conservation Power grid optimization It will also include a “Wild Card” category for powerful ideas outside the focus areas. https://lnkd.in/eU8t8pPE Remarkable Ventures Climate

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