Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors

About Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors

Hey everyone! Cherry Swayne here, Founder of Above and Beyond Recruitment, Carbon13 Domain Expert, organiser of online ClimateTech communities and Mother of two small, wonderful children. Most importantly to you though, I'm your Host of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors💸 In a series of bitesize episodes, they will be sharing their opinion on the funding landscape for 2023, letting us know what they're most excited about in the ClimateTech sector and giving their advice to Founders looking to raise this year. Happy listening💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Cherry Swayne

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Mar 2023

Latest episode

3 May 2023

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 May 2023

   E11: Puja Balachander from Carbon13

   On the eleventh (and last!) episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Puja Balachander (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAA3EPkABbFQfL3X756mtPydACaDb30dbP-I), Head of Venture Launchpad at Carbon13 (https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon13/). The Carbon13 (https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon13/) Venture Launchpad is designed to surround start-ups with a carbon-obsessed ecosystem in order to achieve a potential carbon reduction of 10 million tonnes of CO2e per year once at scale. This is the only accelerator which can support a climate start-up from any sector, which hasn’t raised equity finance yet, to understand its true potential on carbon. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Puja Balachander and Carbon13 2:18: Puja delves a bit deeper into the Venture Launchpad 4:00: Who would be an ideal prospect for the launchpad and what stage should they be at? 5:50: Solid team, promising idea and progress on commercial and product 6:25: Are there any key themes that people are finding difficult that the venture builder can solve? 08:10: Needing funding to reach the next step 9:10: 1 on 1 coaching and community support 11:02: How do you see the funding landscape this year? 15:15: What can traction look like and how can Founders get it? 17:32: Are there particular parts of ClimateTech that are particularly interesting to VCs? 22:30: What tips would you give Founders looking to raise this year? 26:05: Are there any resources that you would suggest for someone to start to demystify the world of investment? 27:20: How can people get involved in the Venture Launchpad? 27:45: Cherry’s conclusion and the future of Funding a Better Future Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   3 May 2023

   E10: Kate Ronayne from Longwall Venture Partners LLP

   On the tenth episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Kate Ronayne (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAGe6QwBFY6BebCzzswCQ_a4Q9Pmxr6vFxU), Investment Director at Longwall Venture Partners LLP (https://www.linkedin.com/company/longwall-venture-partners-llp/). Longwall Venture Partners LLP (https://www.linkedin.com/company/longwall-venture-partners-llp/) support early-stage businesses that are harnessing the UK's expertise in science R&D to address the global challenges of tomorrow. They invest in companies that have the potential to disrupt an existing market or gain a material share of a new market, with a preference for B2B opportunities rather than consumer products. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Kate Ronayne and Longwall Investment 2:18: Kate delves a bit deeper into Longwall Investment 4:10: What support do Longwall Investment give people post-investment? 6:10: What’s your opinion on the funding landscape this year? 6:20: What it means to be a generalist investor and how other sectors compare to ClimateTech 8:15: What parts of the ClimateTech sector are you most excited about? 10:43: Looking creatively at incumbent manufacturing technologies and trying to disrupt those 12:30: What advice would you give to Founders looking to raise for the first time ever? 13:44: Understand the interests of the funder, ask if they’re actively investing and talk to people they’ve invested in 15:23: The importance of customer feedback and value proposition 22:58: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   21 Apr 2023

   E9: James Manktelow from Green Angel Syndicate

   On the ninth episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to James Manktelow (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAAe-X8BTFLFHQIUKTE-lK0Nl7O1czThDaU), Angel Investor and CEO Mentor at Green Angel Syndicate (https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-angel-syndicate/). Green Angel Syndicate (https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-angel-syndicate/) is the UK's largest network of specialist investors fighting climate change, searching out, assessing and selecting the innovations that will make a difference, and then investing in them to enable their development. They focus on companies whose radical grassroots innovations introduce the technology, machinery and process required for the practical changes needed throughout the global economy that will slow down, arrest and then reverse global warming. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to James Manktelow and Green Angel Syndicate 2:20: James delves a bit deeper into Green Angel Syndicate and their role 3:20: What’s your perspective on the funding landscape for this year? 4:35: Considering how inflation and interest rates affect Founders and their companies 5:23: Good news in the market 6:40: What are you most excited about? 8:02: E-mobility and the tech support of 8:29: Built environment, including commercial property 9:45: Biodiversity and the UK Kelp area 12:10: What stage of organisation and maturity do you focus on? 14:10: What advice would you give Founders looking to raise this year? 14:43: Getting profit ASAP 16:10: What resources can they use to make sure they’re being realistic with their PMV? 16:35: Angel Investor rule of thumb 17:41: The support of Green Angel Syndicate 18:56: Introductory pitch decks, thinking things through and coaching 21:37: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   12 Apr 2023

   E8: Adam Chirkowski from Albion Capital Group LLP Group

   On the eighth episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Adam Chirkowski (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAA1acxcBDemKLuZH8JiCNmQ4qeFE3uVeeWs), Investment Director at Albion Capital Group LLP (https://www.linkedin.com/company/albion.capital/) Group. Albion Capital Group LLP (https://www.linkedin.com/company/albion.capital/) have been established since 1996 - and they support visionary Founders with long-term capital and scale-up expertise. They choose startups with the potential to grow into enduring companies that reshape industries. Despite not being a pure-play Climate Investor; they have funded some pioneering companies in energy, AI for decarbonisation and battery technology. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Adam Chirkowski and Albion VC 1:38: Adam delves a bit deeper into Albion VC and their role 4:05: In your opinion, what does the funding landscape look like this year, both broadly and how Climate sits within that? 4:57: How ClimateTech investment compared to other sectors in 2022 and why 07:58: The balance between the cost of living crisis and will the demand from individuals for sustainable focussed services, products and technologies remain? 09:19: What parts of the ClimateTech sector are you most excited about? 10:08: The worldwide trend last year that was the energy crisis and the benefits (New solutions) 11:03: The shift of interest into property, from the focus on energy bills to the construction of property and the circular economy 11:18: The world of data 12:35: What do you look for in a good investment prospect and what advice would you give to a business looking to raise? 13:05: Marrying the vision and drive that they have with the commercial aspects to deliver it 13:39: Really understanding the problem they’re trying to solve, how valuable that is to customers and how it can scale 18:57: Is there anything you’re excited about in your own world of Albion VC? 21:05: Starting the conversation with Albion VC 21:22: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   31 Mar 2023

   E7: Irena Spazzapan from Systemiq Capital

   On the seventh episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Irena Spazzapan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/irena-spazzapan-741a53/), Managing Partner at Systemiq Capital (https://www.linkedin.com/company/systemiq-capital-earth/). Systemiq Capital (https://www.linkedin.com/company/systemiq-capital-earth/) backs climate tech entrepreneurs raising their late seed to Series A/B rounds. Their portfolio companies benefit from access to their unparalleled climate knowledge and networks. The pursuit of positive climate and biodiversity impact is at the heart of why they invest. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Irena Spazzapan and Systemiq Capital 2:09: Irena delves a bit deeper into Systemiq and their journey into the sector 5:15: In your opinion, what does the funding landscape look like this year, both broadly and how Climate sits within that? 08:02: What parts of the sector are less hot now? 10:33: What parts of the sector are you most excited about? 13:33: What stage of the start-up journey does Systemiq Capital invest and what does a good investment prospect look like for you? 15:03: What advice would you give to Founders in organisations that are looking for investment? 16:40: Being thoughtful about choosing an investor 18:31: What questions can Founders ask when they’re having initial conversations with Investors? 19:05: What are you excited about this year in your own world of Systemiq Capital? 20:13: Starting the conversation with Irena or Systemiq Capital more generally 20:54: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   28 Mar 2023

   E6: Ian Thomas from Turquoise International

   On the sixth episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Ian Thomas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-thomas-724564/), Managing Director of Turquoise International (https://www.linkedin.com/company/turquoise-international/). Turquoise International (https://www.linkedin.com/company/turquoise-international/) is a leading financial advisor and investor in climate technologies. With a 20-year track record in capital raising, they're the fund manager of Low Carbon Innovation Fund, which invests in early-stage companies making measurable reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions via the development of new technologies. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Ian Thomas and Turquoise International 2:09: Ian delves a bit deeper into Turquoise International 4:25: What’s your opinion on the funding landscape today and how has that evolved? 5:30: Clear demand if you can connect with investors and have the right technology 6:00: What innovations or sectors would you as a business be looking to invest? 6:30: Mobility, agri-tech, materials… A theme of low carbon 7:17: What would a key differentiator be to make you excited about an organisation? 7:20: Management and the skills present within the team 8:15: Commercial traction in some form 9:20: What advice would you give to Founders looking to raise this year? 10:15: Spending time identifying investors that are active in the sector you’re in, and stage you’re at 12:10: Evaluation: Overvaluing vs undervaluing and the importance of meeting in the middle 12:50: As a Founder, what should you be mindful of when presenting? 17:58: What’s the best way to get in touch with yourself or Turquoise International? 16:52: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   28 Mar 2023

   E5: Alex Hook from Nesta

   On the fifth episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Alex Hook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAHsOVABqMlVKVSpfe2EcTEDzB-JZpouAOg), Senior Investment Director at Nesta (https://www.linkedin.com/company/nesta/). Nesta (https://www.linkedin.com/company/nesta/) Impact Investments backs high-impact innovative tech businesses that are changing the world for good. They're committed to supporting outstanding entrepreneurs of Seed to Series A start-ups with not only investment but the skills, networks and resources of their team. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Alex Hook and Nesta 2:25: Alex delves a bit deeper into Nesta and how it differs from your traditional VC 4:15: Bringing more than just the cash: Strategic value 5:40: What is your opinion on the ClimateTech funding landscape this year? 7:30: Availability of capital 8:15: Where are you interested in investing in this year? 9:05: The use of data 10:20: A retrofit all encompassing service 11:25: A fundamental bottle neck: Skills 14:55: What advice would you give to Founders looking to raise this year? 15:25: Under-promise and overdeliver 16:50: Addressing customer pain points 20:25: Don’t present the business or yourself as perfect 21:40: Is there anything in Nesta’s world that you’re excited about? 23:45: What’s the best way to get in touch with yourself or Nesta? 24:28: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   28 Mar 2023

   E4: Florian Schabus from Planet A Ventures

   On the fourth episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Florian Schabus (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAC9ICE0BKzSlFCK-pxFNO4qaMGC-e4DT7IU), Investor at Planet A Ventures (https://www.linkedin.com/company/planet-a/). Planet A Ventures (https://www.linkedin.com/company/planet-a/) is an impact investor with a difference. They are the first European VC with an in-house science team that calculates life cycle assessments to quantify the impact of a start-up. They invest in bold and brave Founders who are the heroes driving our green transformation. And they help them build a scalable business, because when Founders profit, the planet profits too! Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:18: Cherry’s introduction to Florian Schabus and Planet A 2:20: Florian delves a bit deeper into Planet A 4:00: Their holistic approach into 16 investments so far… 6:15: How optimistic are you feeling about the state of ClimateTech investment in 2023? 6:45: How long-term investment allows us to remain positive 8:00: Is ClimateTech recession-proof? 11:10: What parts of the ClimateTech sector are you most excited about? 11:25: Decarbonising our economy 13:15: The chemical industry, green methanol to decarbonise shipping and cement 15:40: Carbon removal 19:05: What stages do Planet A invest in? 21:25: What advice would you give to Founders looking to rise this year? 24:22: Do some homework into the funds and what other Founders say about them 27:00: Think about your long-term vision 29:50: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   23 Mar 2023

   E3: Arjun Jairaj from A/O Proptech

   On the third episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Arjun Jairaj, Investor at A/O Proptech. A/O Proptech is Europe's largest VC Firm focused on the built world. They back mission-driven entrepreneurs who are focused on decarbonising the built environment and accelerating sustainable living🏡 Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:04: Cherry’s introduction to Arjun Jairaj and A/O PropTech 1:55: Arjun delves a bit deeper into A/O Proptech and their approach to decarbonisation 2:11: The built environment, design and energy use 3:00: How can we use technology to optimise the sector? 3:57: What is your opinion of the funding landscape for this year? 5:08: Is ClimateTech defying the odds when it comes to funding? 6:35: What are you most excited about in the ClimateTech space this year? 7:15: Tackling a range of parts of the supply chain: Water, waste management and circular business models 7:52: Energy transition and retrofit 11:45: What stages do A/O PropTech invest in? 12:35: What advice would you give to Founders looking to rise this year? 14:24: Recent layoffs in technology 15:15: When you’re considering investing in a company, what are the specific things that you look for? 18:13: The best way to get in touch with A/O PropTech 18:45: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    16 Mar 2023

    E1: Matt Ward from 4WARD.VC

    On the first episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Matt Ward, Founding Partner of 4WARD.VC. As well as investing in early-stage climate companies through 4WARD's Climate Syndicate, he is also a strategic advisor to many high-growth climate start-ups. He also hosts The Startup Tank, a platform where start-up Founders can pitch climate VCs for investment. Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:11: Cherry’s introduction to Matt Ward and 4WARD.VC 2:01: Matt delves a bit deeper into 4WARD.VC and who do they work with 3:47: The importance of making connections: They've have done the research so you don’t have to 6:00: Networked growth hacking 6:28: In your opinion, what does the funding landscape look like this year? 9:46: What parts of the ClimateTech sector are you most excited about? 9:58: Carbon accounting and carbon marketplaces: A controversial opinion (Or is it?) 10:32: Construction, waste management, circular economy, transportation, food and agriculture 11:58: Investing in a team over sector: Looking for the folks you would bet on regardless of what they’re doing 12:55: What can Founders be addressing in their business today to get them fit for funding? 14:07: Don’t let your ego get in the way 15:20: What are you most excited about for 4WARD.VC and other projects this year? 17:31: Getting in touch with 4WARD.VC 18:47: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

11. 

    16 Mar 2023

    E2: Nadav Steinmetz from Nomea

    On the second episode of Funding a Better Future: Expert Insights from ClimateTech Investors, I spoke to Nadav Steinmetz, Founder and CEO of Nomea. They support visionary entrepreneurs by investing in breakthrough ideas that will lead the world to carbon neutrality. They focus on themes such as electrification, renewable energy, and disruptive technologies that enable the transition to a decarbonised economy☁️ Timestamps: 0.20: About Funding a Better Future and Above and Beyond Recruitment 1:15: Cherry’s introduction to Nadav Steinmetz and Nomea 1:50: London Climate Connection Conversations and more about Nadav 4:15: What’s your opinion of the funding landscape across ClimateTech for 2023? 5:38: The UK hub for climate and innovation and the bottleneck that is funding 7:03: Are there particular parts of the sector that you’re interested in? 7:20: Where Nomea invests and their focus on sector 08:17: ClimateTech accelerator in Israel 09:29: 5 high-emitting sectors: Manufacturing and materials, energy, food, the built environment and transportation 11:10: Is there anything in particular that you’re looking for when you’re looking to invest? 12:20: What advice would you give Founders to give themselves the best chance in raising? 13:35: Finding the right balance of executing and speaking with investors 15:08: Exciting news for Nomea and getting in touch 16:00: Cherry’s conclusion Video versions of these episodes are available here (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5HxHGzImYjhcGf9awbOHLU4-5n66tYko). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.