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With a rollback of federal support, the rest of us must refine our messaging and networking. If we do it right, we can beat the headwinds to achieve our business and climate goals.

Many climate professionals are understandably concerned about what a second Trump Administration will mean for their industry and business outlook. Although there will almost certainly be a drop-off in federal support for climate action, we think this is an opportunity – indeed, a motivator – to lower the friction in the climate marketplace. What does lowering the friction mean? Simply put: having an environment where stakeholders can easily share the right information, make qualified business connections, and pursue their climate goals.

At climate hide, our biggest focus is storytelling: it’s critical for climate stakeholders to hone their storytelling so other players understand what they do in the market and pursue productive partnerships. We are especially excited about our new product, Climate Hive Connect, which is designed to streamline storytelling, networking and dealmaking. We didn’t plan the launch around this election, but it turns out Connect couldn’t have come at a more important time.

It’s a whole new world

The Biden Administration has been historically bullish on climate, with targeted tax breaks and grants that boosted opportunities for small- and mid-sized businesses especially. The past four years weren’t perfect – we missed out on permitting reform for clean energy projects, among other things – but when all is said and done, it’s been a good run for the climate and climate-focused businesses. Luckily, the concrete climate investments already made through the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal legislation will keep operating long-term and mitigating climate impacts.

The second Trump Administration is likely to move in the opposite direction, as evidenced by the Trump team’s statements plus nominations like fossil fuel investor Chris Wright for Secretary of Energy (Wright is all in on fossil fuels and has downplayed the climate crisis). On the policy front, the Administration is likely to scale back the funding and regulations that have spurred so much investment these past few years. Some of the rules and incentives from the last four years will take time to roll back, and some may be locked in long-term. JD Supra lists some of the major tax credits under threat, but also notes that lobbyists will keep fighting for climate-focused credits and may succeed keeping some alive. Still, the hard truth is we’ll have less federal support for a while.

New tariffs will also hit many components critical to the clean economy, from solar panels to batteries to transformers. Supply chains will almost certainly be rearranged, and getting quality components at a good price will be paramount for domestic manufacturers and end customers alike. On the flipside, companies that can provide quality parts at good prices – and advertise their products well – will find many grateful customers.

As Ivy Main writes, the clean energy revolution will continue. Even the most anti-climate politician can’t stop the basic economics that favors so much clean energy, and under federalism, many states will keep chugging ahead with concerted climate action.

Strategies to Survive & Thrive

In this new clean energy environment of less federal support and fresh tariffs, other entities – whether state and local governments, nonprofits, or for-profit businesses – ultimately need to streamline their operations to make up for new federal policies. Marketing will be a critical piece of that work. Stakeholders must expand and leverage their connections to find new clients, secure new investment, identify the best suppliers, share best practices, and more. Startups and smaller- and medium-sized businesses will likely face the strongest headwinds and need nimble, effective marketing.

In the end, though, the role of good marketing shouldn’t be to build name recognition or reputation alone. The role of good marketing is ultimately to connect stakeholders; marketing that “lowers the friction” connects the right stakeholders efficiently, so they can make deals and further their goals. For many businesses, getting the right deals in time will be a matter of survival: the cleantech 1.0 investment boom from 2006-2010 saw hardly any survivors, and we still face some of the same general market headwinds in cleantech 2.0 (plus a looming Trump term). Luckily, marketing that lowers friction can prevent climate companies’ early demise and lead to transformative growth.

Lowering the friction to further climate goals is why Climate Hive exists – and it has never been more important. As mentioned up top, we recently launched Climate Hive Connect to streamline storytelling, networking and dealmaking. Climate Hive Connect uses a simple formula that leverages our team’s specialties and connections to highlight our clients’ specialties, build their connections and achieve qualified business goals.

• Research the best possible audience and invite them to an exclusive webinar
• Shape and host an event that speaks to the audience’s concerns and needs
• Follow up with attendees to share insights and secure meetings

Our early clients have refined their messaging and secured productive meetings, and we look forward to helping more companies achieve their business goals. Climate Hive Connect would have been our contribution to lowering friction in the climate marketplace no matter who won the election. With the likely changes ahead, it’s all the more important.

Climate Hive Connect isn’t the only storytelling service we offer, but it’s a great product for reaching target audiences. If you’re interested in other storytelling partnerships and services, contact us anytime.

There’s plenty of uncertainty in our future – but states, local governments, and the private sector have a tremendous opportunity step up in the coming years to tackle the climate crisis. Let’s Connect to achieve our goals.

Those of you that see me on camera will probably notice my disability; those that meet me in person definitely will. When I was a teenager, I crashed my mountain bike and broke the fifth vertebrae in my neck, which left me paralyzed from the chest down. I get by using accommodations like a power wheelchair, voice dictation software, and a specialized minivan. My disability has given me lots of life lessons, gifted me with a great community, and certainly drilled home the importance of a well-functioning society.

Having a disability is also a huge reason why I do climate-focused work and why I want innovative climate tech to thrive. Above all, climate change disproportionately harms people with disabilities (PWDs) for a mix of medical and social reasons. Those of us with heightened needs for infrastructure and services – including electricity (e.g., for ventilators or wheelchairs), medication, healthcare, caregiving, and public transportation – are especially harmed when natural disasters disrupt them. Many disabilities also increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke while PWDs’ lower average income means we have less money for air-conditioning. That combination raises huge medical and social issues given increasing extreme heat. Further, climate change is projected to harm economic growth, which in turn will shrink the tax revenues that support vital infrastructure and services we need to survive and thrive. The list of disproportionate impacts goes on…

There are an estimated 1.3 billion PWDs in the world, or around 16% of the global population. If climate change hits PWDs especially hard, then every bit of prevented warming disproportionately helps us. According to Harvard visiting professor of law Michael Ashley Stein, “persons with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to die or be injured in climate emergencies including heat waves, hurricanes, and floods.” Mitigating as many of those emergencies as possible through new, transformative climate tech seems like a disability slam dunk. Limiting other systemic and slow-moving environmental changes is just as important for disability equity.

New climate tech can also improve PWDs’ safety over time. Just take the rapid expansion of battery energy storage in my home state of California (an industry we love to support). Grid-connected batteries have helped stabilize the grid and staved off both power outages and Flex Alert demand response events – a huge help for PWDs with power needs. And when utilities began Proactive Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to keep lines from sparking wildfires during Red Flag warnings, disability advocates demanded a utility-funded program to support PWDs with related power needs. County-level disability nonprofits used utility grants to develop a full PSPS response program including warehouses of portable 3 kWh batteries that they distribute to PWDs ahead of outages, helping power vital equipment. As the world transforms, more progress around batteries – including innovative new programs and use cases – will clearly help our community.

I love to work in a climate field where technologies mitigate warming and can safeguard PWDs’ well-being. I also know that game-changing products are being developed today. Whether fledgling or fledged, each innovation Climate Hive can help thrive in the market ultimately helps the folks most affected by the climate crisis. We believe that matters. It’s a big reason we do this work.

As the climate tech sector gains momentum, driven by the escalating urgency to combat climate change, the financing of these innovations has become a focal point for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Two prominent pathways for securing funding in this space are crowdfunding and venture capital (VC). Each method offers unique advantages and challenges, and understanding their interplay is crucial for startups aiming to scale while staying true to their mission.

The Mechanics: Crowdfunding and Venture Capital

Crowdfunding taps into the collective power of the public, raising small amounts of money from a large group of individuals through online platforms. Popular platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Republic allow climate tech startups to connect with environmentally conscious supporters. These platforms offer various forms of crowdfunding: reward-based, donation-based, and increasingly, equity-based crowdfunding, where investors receive shares in the company in exchange for their contributions.

Venture Capital (VC) funding, conversely, involves securing large investments from institutional investors. These investors typically seek startups with high growth potential, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational expertise. In return, they expect significant equity stakes and influence over company decisions, driving the startup towards rapid growth and high returns.

Advantages of Crowdfunding: Building a Community

Crowdfunding offers climate tech startups an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with their future customers and supporters. Take the example of Solar Roadways, an ambitious project that aimed to replace traditional asphalt roads with solar panels capable of generating electricity. Solar Roadways turned to crowdfunding to raise awareness and capital, eventually securing over $2.5 million from more than 48,000 backers on Indiegogo and Start Engine. This not only provided the necessary funds but also built a community of advocates who were deeply invested in the project’s success.

For many climate tech startups, this type of community engagement can be critical. Crowdfunding allows founders to validate their product ideas with real-world demand before fully committing to costly production processes. Furthermore, depending on the type of crowdfunding used, startups may be able to raise funds without giving up equity, preserving founder control — a crucial advantage for mission-driven companies.

The Limits of Crowdfunding: Capital and Exposure

Despite its benefits, crowdfunding has its limitations. The amount of capital that can be raised through crowdfunding often pales in comparison to what VC firms can offer. For example, GravityLight, a startup developing a gravity-powered lamp designed to bring light to off-grid communities, raised $400,000 through crowdfunding. While this was sufficient for initial development, scaling the production to meet global demand required far more capital than crowdfunding alone could provide.

Additionally, crowdfunding campaigns demand significant upfront investment in marketing to succeed. If a campaign fails to meet its funding goal, it can damage the startup’s reputation and momentum. Moreover, by putting detailed information about the product or service into the public domain, startups may inadvertently provide competitors with a blueprint to replicate or preempt their innovation.

The Power of Venture Capital: Fueling Rapid Growth

Venture capital has been instrumental in scaling some of the most successful climate tech companies. Tesla, for instance, would not have become the automotive and energy giant it is today without substantial backing from VCs. Early investments from firms like Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and others provided the capital Tesla needed to bring its electric vehicles to market and build out its charging infrastructure.

VC funding offers climate tech startups not just capital but also strategic resources and connections. This was the case for Nest Labs, the smart thermostat company, which attracted significant VC funding before being acquired by Google for $3.2 billion. VCs played a crucial role in Nest’s rapid growth, helping it to scale its operations, expand its product line, and ultimately become a household name in energy efficiency.

However, the involvement of VCs often comes with strings attached. Investors typically expect substantial equity in return for their investment, which can dilute the founder’s control over the company. This pressure to deliver high returns quickly can also push startups to prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability — sometimes at odds with the mission-driven nature of climate tech.

Synergies and Conflicts: Crowdfunding Meets Venture Capital

While crowdfunding and venture capital can sometimes be at odds, they can also complement each other effectively. WakaWaka, a company producing solar-powered lamps and chargers, initially raised funds through Kickstarter, which helped validate its market and mission. The success of its crowdfunding campaign attracted the attention of VCs, leading to a subsequent infusion of capital that enabled WakaWaka to scale its impact globally.

Yet, this synergy can also lead to conflicts, particularly when the goals of early crowdfunders and VCs diverge. Crowdfunders often prioritize the company’s mission and social impact, while VCs may focus on financial returns and exit strategies. This tension can create challenges, especially if the company needs to pivot or make strategic decisions that might alienate its original supporters.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

In the rapidly evolving climate tech sector, the choice between crowdfunding and venture capital — or a strategic combination of both — depends on the startup’s stage, goals, and the nature of its technology. Crowdfunding offers a way to build a dedicated community and validate market interest with less equity dilution, but it may not provide sufficient capital for large-scale projects. VC funding, while offering the financial muscle to scale, can come at the cost of control and long-term mission alignment.

For many climate tech startups, a hybrid approach may prove to be the most effective. Leveraging the strengths of both crowdfunding and venture capital can provide the necessary capital while maintaining the company’s mission and connection with its community. As the climate crisis intensifies, finding the right funding strategy will be critical for startups aiming to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Sources:

– [Harvard Business Review: Crowdfunding and Venture Capital: Complements or Substitutes?](https://hbr.org/2021/06/crowdfunding-and-venture-capital-complements-or-substitutes)
– [Forbes: The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding vs. Venture Capital](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/14/the-pros-and-cons-of-crowdfunding-vs-venture-capital/)
– [GreenBiz: How Crowdfunding is Revolutionizing Climate Tech](https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-crowdfunding-revolutionizing-climate-tech)
– [McKinsey & Company: The Role of Venture Capital in Scaling Climate Tech](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-equity-and-principal-investors/our-insights/the-role-of-venture-capital-in-scaling-climate-tech)

For most climate tech startups, securing the right investment is the difference between success and stagnation. With a competitive funding environment, it’s crucial for startups to develop quality products and effectively showcase their potential for a substantial ROI. Presentation, marketing, and outreach strategies are three key critical components to securing enough investment to truly succeed.

Understanding the Competitive Funding Environment

Climate tech is a field ripe with competition – meaning you’ll be fighting with other startups for precious investor dollars. Climate investors are on the lookout for products that both promise environmental impact and demonstrate financial viability. Some investors favor one over the other, but the more economically promising your proposition is, the more interest you’ll have.

Innovation Beyond Novelty

Innovation in climate tech doesn’t necessarily mean inventing something brand new. It can be about repurposing existing technologies or services in a way that’s more efficient or cost-effective. The key is to frame your product or service in a manner that highlights its unique value proposition: the combination of technology, application, unmet need, and revenue potential. Whether it’s about enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, or tapping into an unaddressed market segment, innovation comes in many forms.

The Power of Presentation

Investment pitches that fail usually fall short because they don’t make a compelling business case that investors can understand. An innovative product or service needs to be coupled with a compelling story that goes beyond electrodes and electrons. Showcasing your niche in the market, your roadmap for future development, and your strategies for scaling up can significantly bolster your pitch. A strong business case is a must-have. And the right background story – with compelling details, like how you first discovered climate change and any adversity you’ve overcome getting here – can help you stand out.

Finding Your Audience, Delivering Your Pitch

With your innovative idea and business model at hand, the next step is to reach out to potential funders. Platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable for making connections and pitching your idea creatively. Don’t overlook the power of your existing network; sometimes, the best opportunities come from within your Rolodex.

Leveraging Traditional Financial Institutions

Conventional and investment banks are often overlooked in the startup funding narrative, but they can be a robust source of capital, especially for startups with solid business propositions and good credit. Engaging with banks for a business account or a loan can provide the initial funding needed to get your project off the ground; it can also be useful for bridge funding through the growth process.

Carbon Offsets as Startup Funding

Carbon offsets can offer an innovative funding source for startups with the right product and pitch. A great example is Orora Global, a client of ours that assembles and installs small-scale solar projects in developing countries while empowering women entrepreneurs. Orora has leveraged their unique position to launch a carbon offsets campaign targeting large and small businesses alike. This approach not only supports their operations but also aligns perfectly with their mission.

Enlisting Outside Expertise

Utilizing industry experts can significantly enhance your investment appeal. This is where Climate Hive steps in. We specialize in providing marketing expertise to climate tech startups, helping them articulate their vision and value in ways that resonate with potential investors. Members of our Climate Hive Network can be great resources: Daniel Kriozere, for example, is an investment ecosystem guru that connects climate startups with key investors. Additionally, Climate Hive’s Fill the Pipeline and Top Funnel offerings directly connect you with customers – a key revenue accelerant you can use in your pitch to funders. After all, “we have a plan to expand business faster than our competitors” will more than pique investors’ interest.

Moving Toward Success

The journey to secure funding in the climate tech sector demands persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking. By understanding the competitive landscape, presenting your innovation effectively, and exploring both traditional and unconventional funding avenues, your startup can increase its chances of securing the investment it needs – and more.

Are you ready to take your climate tech startup to the next level? Contact Climate Hive for guidance and support in navigating the investment landscape.

Hello, Climate Hive community!

In the bustling world of cleantech startups, there’s a paradigm shift we’re excited to talk about. Gone are the days when cold calls and aggressive sales pitches were the go-to strategies for growth. Today, we’re championing a more holistic, genuine, and sustainable approach: Relationship Generation and Development.

Why Relationship Generation?

Imagine you’re at a networking event. You’re introduced to someone, and within seconds, they’re pitching their product or service, barely pausing for breath. How does that make you feel? Overwhelmed? Pressured? Perhaps even a tad disinterested? Now, contrast that with a conversation where someone genuinely wants to know about you, your interests, and your challenges. They’re not selling anything – they’re building a connection. Which approach do you think is more memorable and impactful?

Relationship generation is all about the latter. It’s the art of creating genuine connections without the immediate pressure of a transaction. It’s about understanding, empathy, and mutual growth.

The Power of Relationship Development

Once you’ve generated a relationship, the next step is nurturing it. Think of it as tending to a garden. You wouldn’t plant a seed and expect a full-grown tree the next day, right? Similarly, relationships need time, care, and consistent effort. They need to be watered with trust, pruned with understanding, and given ample sunlight through regular communication.

In the cleantech sector, where innovation and collaboration are key, these nurtured relationships can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and yes, even customers. But the beauty lies in the journey and not just the destination. By the time a business partnership blossoms, there’s already a foundation of trust and mutual respect, making the collaboration more seamless and effective.

The Cleantech Networking Magic

The cleantech world is vibrant, dynamic, and interconnected. Everyone knows someone who knows someone. When you invest in relationship generation and development, you’re not just connecting with one individual or company. You’re tapping into an entire network of potential partners, collaborators, and customers.

Instead of seeing every interaction as a potential sale, view it as an opportunity to expand your network. Today’s casual chat could lead to tomorrow’s introduction to a game-changing collaborator. It’s the ripple effect in action!

Conclusion: Embrace the Relationship Era

Cleantech startups and innovators, it’s time to shift our focus. Let’s move away from transactional interactions and embrace the power of genuine connections. Let’s prioritize people over pitches and relationships over revenues.

At Climate Hive, we believe in the magic of networks and the strength of relationships. We’ve seen firsthand how they can transform startups, opening doors that once seemed locked. So, let’s ditch the old playbook and write a new one together – one where relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Here’s to a future built on trust, collaboration, and genuine connections. Cheers to the relationship era in cleantech! 🌱🌍🤝

Hello, Climate Hive community!

Engaging in climate discussions can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned climate advocate or just starting your journey, you’ve likely encountered a mix of agreement and dissent. And that’s just fine! Diverse perspectives enrich our understanding and drive meaningful change. But how can we ensure these conversations are productive and respectful?

Drawing inspiration from our own interactions, here’s a guide to navigating climate conversations with grace, understanding, and positivity:

5 Don’ts for Climate Conversations:

1. Don’t Give Knee-Jerk Responses: It’s essential to genuinely listen to others. While you might be armed with all the facts, it’s crucial to ensure the other person feels heard and understood.
2. Don’t Dump Facts on People: While facts are vital, they alone don’t always sway opinions. Instead of bombarding someone with data, try pairing a fact with a relatable story or experience. Analogies, metaphors, and visual descriptions can help broaden perspectives.
3. Don’t Close Your Mind: Every conversation offers a learning opportunity. By understanding why someone thinks a certain way, we can bridge gaps and find common ground.
4. Don’t Tit-for-Tat: Engaging in a back-and-forth over every contentious point can be exhausting and unproductive. Focus on the broader picture and the shared goals.
5. Don’t Underestimate a Good Conversation: A successful discussion doesn’t always mean agreement. Sometimes, leaving with more questions than answers can spark deeper reflection and potential shifts in perspective.

5 Do’s for Climate Conversations:

1. Seek Common Ground: Start with shared beliefs and values, making the conversation relatable and grounded. For example, most people appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of clean water. Start there – or with any other frequently-held belief – and you’ll go far.
2. Ask Thoughtful Questions: As Socrates taught us, asking the right questions can open minds and encourage introspection. So, challenge your conversation partner (and yourself!) to arrive at conclusions organically.
3. Align with Their Values: A tip from the brilliant Katharine Hayhoe: By understanding and aligning with the values of the person you’re speaking to, you can foster genuine reflection and connection.
4. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Recognizing that we are “emotional creatures that think,” it’s essential to understand that true change often begins with emotion. Enhancing our EQ can lead to more empathetic and effective conversations.
5. Stay Positive: Remember, the goal isn’t always to “win” the argument. Instead, aim to foster open dialogue. Approaching discussions with optimism and seeing them as opportunities can set a positive tone for future interactions.

A Final Thought:

Passion is a beautiful thing. It drives us, motivates us, and gives our cause momentum. However, it’s essential to balance that passion with understanding. When engaging in climate conversations, always strive to understand the viewpoint of others and the context in which they express it. Also, recognize that your first conversation doesn’t have to be your last. If you lay a groundwork of understanding and leave room for dialogue, then future discussions can be even more fruitful.

In the end, it’s not about convincing everyone to see things our way but about building bridges, fostering understanding, and collectively working towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Happy conversing, Climate Hive community! Let’s keep the dialogue flowing, the understanding growing, and our shared mission glowing. 🌍🤝🌱

Hello, Climate Hive community!

In the dynamic world of business, productivity is often the key to success. But with a myriad of tasks, meetings, and responsibilities, how can we ensure we’re making the most of our day? Enter the Green Index Card strategy, a simple yet transformative approach I learned from my friend Chris Bogdan.

The Green Index Card Challenge:

Chris introduced a 30-day challenge that’s as straightforward as it is effective. Here’s how it works:

1. Grab some green index cards.
2. Every day, write down three things you aim to accomplish.
3. At the end of the day, review your card and reflect on your achievements.

I took up this challenge, and by day 32, I found that my productivity had tripled! But why does this seemingly simple method work so well? Let’s dive in.

Why the Green Index Card Strategy Works:

1. Embracing the Pareto Principle: This principle suggests that 80% of our results come from just 20% of our actions. By identifying and focusing on the top three priorities for the day, we’re honing in on tasks that yield the most significant impact.
2. Sharpening Your Focus: Taking a few moments each morning to determine your top three tasks can significantly enhance your clarity and planning. It helps you discern what truly matters and where you should direct your energy.
3. Maintaining a Record: With these cards, you have a tangible record of your daily accomplishments (and the tasks that slipped through the cracks). This allows for reflection, helping you identify areas of improvement and celebrate your wins.
4. Cultivating Great Habits: As the saying goes, “We are what we repeatedly do.” By being mindful of your daily processes and consistently jotting down tasks, you’re fostering excellent habits. For instance, one of my daily tasks was a 45-minute exercise routine. Over time, this became a habit I now cherish.
5. Simplicity is Key: In our tech-driven world, it’s easy to get lost in complex productivity apps and tools. The beauty of the green index card lies in its simplicity. The vibrant green also ensures it stands out, serving as a constant reminder of your goals for the day.

Taking Up the Challenge:

I’m incredibly grateful to Chris Bogdan for introducing me to this challenge. It’s transformed my daily routine, and I encourage you all to give it a try. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business journey, this method can offer clarity, focus, and a significant boost in productivity.

To learn more about Chris’s work, check out his LinkedIn!Happy planning, Climate Hive community! Let’s make every day count, one green card at a time. 🌱📗📈