#220 How This Top Investor Believes ClimateTech Startups Can Still Exit

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cleantechies.substack.comIn this issue:* Without exits, the venture ecosystem doesn’t work. That’s why it’s important to achieve outcomes sooner than later or ‘ClimateTech’ as a class will be doomed. * Under Trump, there are a few possible outcomes. 1) A Frankenstein IRA that is focused on ‘Energy Abundance’. 2) The M&A tap will be turned back on. 3) Lots of mergers and 1+1=3 situations. * Engaging with CVCs early, focusing on revenue, and conserving cash are the most important things ClimateTech founders can do to ensure survival. Listen Time: Full Show 38:51 (no ads) | Free Preview 31:19Today, we are speaking with Shaun Abrahamson from Third Sphere. Third Sphere is a leading ClimateTech investor that also has a debt strategy for high-volume production startups in the hardware space. They have backed companies like ChargeLab, ClimateBase, Gradient, OneWheel, Therma, Revivn, & Wasted (check out the episode we did with Revivn). This is Shaun’s third time on the pod — if this is your first time hearing him, you’ll understand why because he is very thoughtful. Check out the last episodes we did with him: Sponsor Message: Every ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com  (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelDuring NY Climate Week, the Third Sphere team put on a great event titled “Climate Tech Exits.” It was really well beloved by many NY CW attendees. They covered:* Why exits are so crucial to the success of Climate investing * The state of climate tech exits* How it looks compared to tech broadly* What to learn from the original tech winners like Google & Apple * What the paths forward might be* The patterns of successful founders In today’s episode, we recap the key points of their event and then dig into Shaun’s advice to founders on how to ensure they are doing things right, in order to see an exit. We are sure you’ll find it educational. Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out. 📝 Show Notes:Topics * 00:00 The Importance of Climate Tech Exits* 02:48 Current State of Climate Tech Investments* 06:06 Challenges in the IPO Market* 08:50 Corporate Venture Capital's Role* 12:08 Future Opportunities in Climate Tech* 14:56 The Shift from Mitigation to Adaptation* 18:11 Building Sustainable Business Models* 21:01 Navigating M&A Opportunities* 23:55 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks* Shaun Abrahamson | Third Sphere* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.