Welcome to Newsletter #2!
A quick FYI - our newsletter cadence is Monday & Wednesday every 2 weeks!
Buckle up for a deep dive into the world of Venture Capital (VC) with a special focus on climate tech innovation. This world isn't just about big bucks; it's about big dreams and even bigger impacts.
Who’s leading the charge? None other than Priscilla Tyler from True Ventures!
Here’s what you can expect in this edition:
Who is Priscilla Tyler and What’s her Story?
What’s True Ventures and What do they invest in?
What’s Venture Capital?
🌟 In Conversation with Priscilla: An Inspiring Climate Tech Leader
Meet Priscilla, affectionately known as PT at True Ventures. She's not your everyday investor; she's a trailblazer in the VC world, especially when it comes to climate tech. Her journey is a fascinating blend of heart and smarts, deeply rooted in personal experiences and a keen understanding of the market.
Let's dive into how PT is making waves in the world of green investing! Her path is a beacon for anyone looking to make a real difference in the world. Her venture into climate tech isn't just a career choice; it's a calling.
To the Frontlines ➡️🌍
Starting her career in traditional VC, PT was engrossed as a learner of all industries but was especially drawn to impact and mission-driven markets like health care, climate, and ed tech.
Personal Passion Fuels Professional Pursuits 🔥
Two years into her career at True, she saw her now husband fighting the Mendocino Complex wildfires in the El Dorado Forest. The experience was ultimately a spark that further ignited her climate journey. PT recalls,
I met my now husband, a wildfire firefighter... and as a result, both personally and professionally, committed our lives to fighting the broader climate crisis in different ways.
At the edge of clean tech 1.0 transitioning to clean tech 2.0, this personal connection to climate issues influenced her investment decisions and she began to work on adaptation and resilience investments. PT’s interests further extend into areas like grid and infrastructure, electrification, energy, and the role software plays in these markets.
Going Against the Grain 🔄
True, where PT is a pivotal figure, thrives on backing the unconventional.
She notes that "True loves going against the grain," reflecting on the firm's passion for backing businesses that not only promise financial returns but also champion positive environmental impact. This philosophy resonates deeply with her, as she finds a harmonious blend of her personal mission and professional environment at True.
"True will support their people until the very end," she highlights, underscoring the firm's culture that encourages pursuing passions and breaking norms.
Founder First: The Heart of the Investment 💖
For PT, investing is all about the people behind the ideas: "It's the deep domain expertise... Founder market fit is super, super important for us".
She considers not only the founder’s vision and expertise but also their potential as leaders and motivators. “It’s both a gut feeling and doing your homework”; thinking about whether she would feel fired up every day to work for the founder at a startup she’s considering investment.
Balancing Profit and Planet: A Delicate Dance 💸🌿
Navigating the balance between profitability and environmental impact is a challenge PT embraces. She believes in the potential of businesses to be both financially successful and environmentally impactful.
Top of mind is returning the funds we raised from our LPs, but we have the opportunity to be stringent on how far down the rabbit hole we go to make sure the investment we’re making truly does have the potential to have a deep and lasting impact on the climate crisis.
For PT, it’s about harmonizing market impact with climate impact, ensuring that their investments not only yield returns but also contribute meaningfully to mitigate the climate crisis.
Get to know PT!
Favorite Book: The Second Mountain by David Brooks
Favorite Podcast: Catalyst with Shayle Kann & The Daily by The New York Times
Favorite Mantra: “Follow your Joy”
Biggest climate role model: Lily Bernicker (Principal at Wireframe Ventures), Jon Callaghan (co-founder of True, and Philip Black (co-founder of True)
How she steps away: “Being outside and appreciating what we have.”
Most excited about in the future: “My baby in 5 weeks!”
🌍 Enter True Ventures: Pioneering a Greener Tomorrow
True Ventures stands out with its profound commitment to empowering extraordinary founders from all walks of life. Their philosophy revolves around the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere, and it's their mission to nurture these ideas to fruition.
Building Relationships First 🤝
At True, relationships are the cornerstone of their investment approach. They understand that supporting founders throughout their creative lives is crucial, often investing in their companies multiple times. This long-term, relationship-first approach is what sets them apart in the VC landscape.
Empowering Founders: The True Philosophy 🚀
True empowers founders to take risks, encouraging them to push boundaries and think outside the box.
Every investment made by True is a testament to their belief in the transformative power of good ideas. They're not just investing in businesses; they're investing in a future where technology, creativity, and environmental stewardship intersect to create a better world.
Climate Tech Portfolio 🌿
Their diverse climate tech portfolio includes ventures in climate management software, sustainable food & agriculture, and more, highlighting their dedication to tackling environmental issues.
Some investments include: WattCarbon, Carbon13, Gridware, CarboCulture, Kettle, Emitwise, Prime Roots, Better Place Forests, Neoplants, Scythe Robotics, Fork & Good
Further Collaborating on Climate Progress 🌱
Through initiatives like the Climate Action Guide, True aids founders in integrating carbon reduction with business development, proving that environmental responsibility and business success are mutually supportive.
🚀 Venture Capital 101: Starting with the Basics of Climate VC
Venture capital is like the adrenaline of the business world, pumping energy, resources, and money into the heart of bold, innovative ideas, especially in the thrilling world of climate tech. These investors aren't just looking for a quick buck; they're scouting for game-changers, earth-shakers, and risk-takers.
Think of VCs as experienced gardeners helping young saplings grow into mighty oaks.
Spotting the Climate Tech Unicorns 🦄
So, what makes a climate tech startup stand out in a sea of pitches?
It's a mix of groundbreaking technology, a killer team, market potential, and a vision that goes beyond profits - a vision that dreams of a greener, cleaner earth.
The Big VC Play: Risk vs. Reward 🎲
VCs are like modern-day explorers, seeking out territories uncharted by traditional markets. They're ready to bet on the next big thing.
But they're not just throwing darts in the dark. It's a calculated game where understanding market trends, technological feasibility, and potential monetary and environmental impact is key.
The Earth First Angle 🌎
Here at Earth First, we're not just about reporting the cool stuff; we're about understanding the 'why' and the 'how'. Why do VCs bet big on certain climate tech startups? How do they decide where to invest their green? How does this all contribute to our mission of a healthier planet?
Stay tuned as we continue to unravel these questions from different perspectives and bring you the insider scoop on the movers and shakers of the climate tech world. Because when it comes to saving our planet, every bit of knowledge counts.
That's it for now, Earth First Fam! Keep your eyes peeled for our next deep dive, and remember, every small step towards sustainability is a giant leap for mankind!
Earth First Trivia (from Monday!)
In developed economies, guess how much CO2 emissions the cold chain accounts for? Answer: 3.5%
A 1987 treaty aimed to protect the ozone layer. What's it called Answer: Montreal Protocol
Until next time,
Earth First 🌍✌️
Have any climate related feedback or content topics you’d like to see in Earth First? Feel free to reach out team@theearthfirst.co
If you are a climate tech startup or investor making real impact - hit us up! - we would love to chat woovin@theearthfirst.co or haley@theearthfirst.co
If you’d like to partner with us or be featured as a sponsor reach out! evan@theearthfirst.co
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