The ZENERGY Podcast: Energy Leadership, Finance, and Technology

Insurtech Gateway invests early, to help mission driven founders from around the globe. They believe that insurance and technology can transform society. But, the insurance sector has yet to realize its emerging role as both the enabler and protector of high growth sectors.

Joining the podcast today is Director and Co-Founder of Insurtech Gateway, Stephen Brittain. Stephen is an experienced innovation consultant with a deep understanding of startups, design, strategic innovation and translating this to investors. As Hambro Perks first Creative Director, he supported their growing portfolio (including Sipsmiths, Laundrapp, Takumi, TheDots) through early stage development and testing. Stephen is now focused on supporting Insurtech Gateway’s founders tackling complex climate and social challenges.

Our conversation today is all about the intersection of insurance and climate. Stephen helps us understand the insurance side of things and what risks consumers and entrepreneurs alike must consider.

Show Notes:

[1:28] - Stephen shares his background and how he wound up at the intersection of insurance and climate.

[2:30] - He didn’t want to make the story about himself. He wanted to make a difference.

[5:01] - After founding, what is Insurtech doing now?

[6:12] - Stephen explains the reasons there aren’t solar panels on every single home. It all comes down to risk.

[9:13] - Insurance companies are not risk averse. They are risk-aware.

[11:56] - There are many problems and risks that consumers experience.

[15:40] - Stephen shares some examples from Insurtech’s portfolio of clients.

[19:04] - Stephen explains some causes and effects and the trickiness of some choices that consumers have to make.

[22:51] - How has Stephen helped navigate the insurance landscape?

[24:32] - Insurtech stands out by their reputation and technical practicality.

[26:50] - Stephen gives the example of creating protective layers for farmers in India experiencing heat waves.

[30:20] - Stephen compares this to the mortgage process.

[32:06] - Get in touch with Insurtech to discuss ideas and risks to consider.

In this conversation, we will be speaking to Shari Friedman, who leads the Eurasia Group’s climate and sustainability coverage, working across regions and sectors to help clients understand evolving policies and how they will affect clients’ businesses today and in the future.

Shari has been involved with climate and sustainability issues for over 25 years. She worked for the US government during the Kyoto negotiations and moved on to roles in venture capital, consulting, and banking. Immediately prior to joining Eurasia Group, Shari worked at the IFC, where she led climate strategy and managed a team of industry specialists focused on renewable energy, green buildings, battery storage, sustainable waste, electric vehicles, low-carbon cities, and emerging green technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture storage and utilization. During this time, Shari also launched the Climate Biz Podcast, which has served as a huge inspiration for the Zenergy Podcast Series. It was a real privilege and honor to interview Ms. Shari Friedman, and I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Joining me today is Eric Meyer. He is graciously sharing his career journey, how he ended up at Activate Capital, and what he sees as trends, not only in climate, but in the political climate as well.

Eric is a Principal at Activate Capital, where he focuses on deal sourcing, due diligence, execution, and supporting portfolio companies post-investment. He is a Board Observer at portfolio companies Voltus, Omnidian, PosiGen, Fictiv, Parsable, and Element Analytics. Prior to joining Activate, Eric was an Associate at ValueAct Capital, an activist hedge fund, where he covered investment ideas spanning several sectors including energy and industrials. Eric began his career as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in their Silicon Valley office.

Listen on to learn about his unique journey from his degree in Chemistry to Principal at Activate Capital and the process involved to be able to work at such an impactful investment company.

[2:05] - Eric shares his background as a Chemistry major and his career journey that led him to Activate Capital.

[4:42] - Eric decided to go to Business school which gave him the opportunity to get more involved in clean energy tech and make connections.

[6:56] - In 2019, he began his work at Activate Capital full time.

[7:55] - Be open and intellectually curious. What can you bring to the table?

[8:53] - In these early conversations especially, being genuine is key. There is a side of the business that needs empathy.

[10:21] - You need to have genuine humility in this business.

[11:38] - Eric describes the process at Activate Capital and what they might be looking for in early conversations.

[14:20] - Investors need to be fully aligned with a founder as they are signing up for a journey that is several years long.

[17:08] - Eric gives some examples of scenarios that show some of the changes in venture capital.

[20:50] - How is the current political climate playing into this and impacting the industry?

[23:32] - Eric sees the trend of both political sides driving towards the re-industrialization of America.

[28:50] - Eric explains why Activate has invested in an insurance company.

[30:40] - When it comes to advice for his younger self, Eric shares what he wishes he knew sooner.

“Where is that special spot in the universe that can channel all the energy I have and magnify it to make the most positive good as possible?” - Shuo Yang

An entrepreneur at heart, today’s guest is no stranger to the often confusing world of venture capital. Shuo Lang is a Partner at Lowercarbon Capital and in today’s episode, he shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor and what it takes to succeed in either role. 

In our conversation, Shuo talks a lot about superpowers, not only his own, but those of founders as well. Business plans change, but the constant is the team and Shuo is passionate about helping founders discover and hone their superpowers. In climate tech, where the stakes couldn’t be higher, this is crucial. 

Listen on to the episode to learn more about early stage startups, the investor-founder dynamic, the challenges that founders will face, and what this often misunderstood process looks like. With Shuo’s guidance, we can demystify the venture capital process and take steps to making a positive impact on the world.

[1:31] - Shuo shares his background and how he was driven to make a larger impact on the world.

[4:47] - The early stages of a business are exciting. One of Shuo’s “superpowers” is seeing the strengths and potential as an investor.

[7:16] - Be wary of people who give general answers to questions.

[7:56] - The investor-founder dynamic is built on tension.

[9:09] - Building trust with founders in the beginning can be tough, but Shuo emphasizes the importance of compassion.

[11:06] - There are a lot of challenges as a founder. A good investor will acknowledge this and build trust and drive.

[12:04] - What does the investment process look like?

[14:26] - It is always a two-way street and Shuo says that this is often overlooked.

[16:37] - “Part of the job is constantly digging for this buried treasure.”

[18:05] - Shuo describes a general timeline of the investment process.

[19:32] - The work is brutal. Shuo explains the importance of knowing what a founder’s mission is and the intentional plan of their venture.

Gabriel Malek | Chief of Staff at Fervo Energy

Matthieu Soule | Head of Innovation Lab, BNP Paribas

Tony Chan |  CFO of Bezos Earth Fund 

Fernando Castellanos I Head of Environment and Climate, United Nations Global Compact

The Zenergy Podcast interviews global climate leaders with prior guests including the founders of some of the world's largest renewable energy and electric vehicle companies including founders of SoftBank Energy, Azure Power, Ola Electric, and SunEdison. These conversations share industry developments, highlight clean tech investment opportunities, and shed light on how young professionals can increase their chances of employment in this fastly growing sector. We also discuss the energy transition across key emerging markets like India, and explore partnership opportunities for US companies.

Ashlie Burkart | Chief Scientific Officer at Germin8 Ventures (repost)