🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition.
Today, we are talking to Mike Jackson from Earthshot Ventures.
We discuss…
Strategies for startups to prepare for project finance
Promising business models in ClimateTech
What he learned from CleanTech 1.0 and what parallels he sees today
And a lot more.
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The Guest: Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson is the Managing Partner at EarthShot Ventures
His “climate career” started when he was a kid and donated part of his allowance to environmental groups — this reminds me a lot of John D. Rockefeller who did the same
With a background in Biological Science and Earth Systems, Mike co-founded an early carbon offset market in cleantech 1.0
Before leading EarthShot Ventures, he played a key role at the Westly Group, where he rocked from intern to partner in 5 years due to his ability to source and execute on great climate companies (he batted at 90%…)
He spent some time in project finance, underscoring a deep commitment to harnessing entrepreneurial and financial strategies in the fight against climate change
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The VC: Earthshot Ventures
One Liner: Invests in entrepreneurs solving the toughest climate challenges
Earthshot Ventures invest in both hardware and software companies from Pre-seed through Series B across energy, mobility, food & agriculture, industry, and carbon.
They help supercharge our portfolio companies' growth by plugging them into our global network of customers, investors, and policymakers.
Prior to Earthshot Ventures, their team has collectively invested in over 200 climate tech companies and celebrated more than 25 exits. They have deep experience working alongside entrepreneurs as they deploy technology with customers.
📝 Show Notes:
Topics
06:49 Journey from Childhood to Leading a Climate Fund
12:54 Lessons from Cleantech 1.0
15:54 Preparing for Project Finance
25:13 Importance of Business Models
32:35 Rising at the Westly Group
34:37 Building a Complementary Team
39:48 Why Earthshot is a "Network Fund"
43:14 Investing Earlier in ClimateTech
45:02 AI and its Impact on Climate
48:31 Attracting Capital from Generalist Investors
49:50 Advice for VCs
Links
This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.
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Here’s the thing: Somil and I both have day jobs, so if you’re in the helping mood, we both have an ask for you today.
Somil: I’m currently seeking to connect with founders in the built environment space for a project I’m working on. If you’re in that space, schedule a chat here!
Silas: As many of you know, my day job is solving people’s hiring headaches in climate - do you have a hiring headache? Well, let me be your Advil. (booking here)
🚨🚨🚨 Early-stage founder looking for top-tier talent - reach out to Silas, and he’ll save you hundreds of hours with your critical searches.
🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode!
#168 Advice for Project Finance, AI x Climate, CleanTech 1.0, Late Stage Investing, & More w/ Mike Jackson (Earthshot Ventures)