10:30am Steel B Breakout Room Recap – Session 1: Angel Investing for Impact: Opportunities in CleanTech for Potential Investors: E8 Angels
Notes provided by student volunteer Frank Lin
On Friday, June 14th, KD Hallman from E8 Angels presented at the 2024 CleanTech Innovation Showcase about impact investing in clean tech companies.
• Former Microsoft VP shares insights on impact investing with a small group.
• E8’s member-driven approach to investing in clean tech companies helps to evaluate and diversify their portfolio.
Investing in clean tech companies with a focus on E8’s screening process and funding outcomes.
• Speaker invested in 20+ companies, had no experience in clean tech.
• Karen Kidder introduces herself as executive director of a small nonprofit that connects investors with companies.
• Of 3 companies per month, 1-2 may get funded, with amounts ranging from $25k to $1M.
• Requests data on carbon removal and sequestration from companies.
• Invests in early-stage companies with bench lab quality data.
• Companies come with investment terms, including notes or stock.
• Investors follow-on investments after initial raise.
• Members invest in companies, accept terms set by others, and provide feedback to companies.
• Investors can build relationships with founders, participate in follow-on investments, and save money for future rounds.
• E8 Accelerator nonprofit supports startups with funding and mentorship.
If you would like to learn more about the companies or get connected with any of the speakers, please email info@cleantechalliance.org.
11:00am Steel B Breakout Room Recap – Session 2: Angel Investing for Funders – E8 Angels
Notes provided by student volunteer Frank Lin
Jordan Schwartz from E8 Angels presented at the 2024 CleanTech Innovation Showcase about crafting compelling pitch decks for startups, with a focus on building a strong narrative, clearly articulating the problem being solved, and providing specific details about the solution.
• Jordan highlighted the importance of building a strong narrative in pitch decks. Investment strategies, exit plans, and due diligence for startups.
• Emphasized the importance of ask in pitches and investment in these technologies.
• Angel investor exit strategies, ROI, and due diligence.
• Advice on having multiple potential acquirers in mind for a credible exit strategy. Customizing investor decks for different audiences.
• Advice against relying on a single investor and highlights the importance of diversity in partnerships.
• Emphasize the need to tailor investor pitches to the specific needs and criteria of each investor.
• Advice for new companies to focus on customer needs and market fit when pitching to angel investors.
• Angel investors prioritize companies with a clear path to return on investment, rather than just environmental impact.
• Investors prioritize environmental impact and measurable results, while also considering financial returns.
• Entrepreneurs pitch their startups to a Zoom meeting of angel investors, with a diligence team assembled based on interest.
• Jordan provides a list of 14 funding sources for startups, including VCs, Angel groups, incubators, and accelerators.
If you would like to learn more about the companies or get connected with any of the speakers, please email info@cleantechalliance.org.
11:30am Steel B Breakout Room Recap – Fund Tracking & Grant Development – Momentum
Notes provided by student volunteer Viswanath Chilakala
Matthew Hart and Jennifer States from Momentum presented at the 2024 CleanTech Innovation Showcase about investment.
- Matthew: approach to application – Try to identify what the funders want to fund.
- Washington Department of Commerce – Interests
- Applications to grants – nuances, tips and tricks
- Start grant strategy early.
- Assess if the project can be done by 80% of grant. Think about 20% of the money towards bridging the gaps.
If you would like to learn more about the companies or get connected with any of the speakers, please email info@cleantechalliance.org.
1:30pm Steel B Breakout Room – Founder Financial Wellness – Pike Place Partners at Morgan Stanley
This session featured Jack Karasky and Seth Rapkin from Pike Place Partners at Morgan Stanley
There are no notes or photos from student volunteers for this breakout session. If you would like to learn more about the companies or get connected with any of the speakers, please email info@cleantechalliance.org.
2:00pm Steel B Breakout Room – Entrepreneurial Qualities to Get Pre-Seed/Seed Funding – Washington Maritime Blue
This session featured Brian Hoffman from Washington Maritime Blue.
There are no notes or photos from student volunteers for this breakout session. If you would like to learn more about the companies or get connected with any of the speakers, please email info@cleantechalliance.org.