-Life as a Climate Crisis Minded Venture Capitalist–
Climate crisis. What does it mean? I would venture to guess that even a mere school age child would be able to answer that question admirably at this point.
If you happen to agree with that sentiment, then I guess you could say that there has been some progress, at least from a general awareness standpoint concerning the climate crisis we all currently face.
Another buzzy—and arguably overused term—which is more or less understood would be sustainability.
These terms can elicit a myriad of emotions, as well as understandings relating to both our own failings and opportunities moving forward when it comes to the environment.
However, I would venture to say that having a grasp of these issues is no longer enough. The bar has risen. We are well past the point of self-congratulatory exultation.
What is required now is a major step forward, as far as building off the back of past climate-based ideologies, aforementioned understandings and data.
We need innovative assessment and approaches incorporating new strategies, theories, and the latest data put together in such a way that the dream of successful management of climate change issues transitions into reality.
Fortunately, there have been no shortage of expert minds and organizations proposing such ways forward. Even more encouraging is the fact that we are on the precipice overlooking further positive change.
There has been a steady flow of climate tech investment and opportunity taking shape, all of which is centered on heading off climate crisis related issues and finding ways for us to forge new circular pathways forward, which acknowledge our deeply complex relationship with our planet.
Our guest today is someone who is eminently qualified to speak on such matters, as you’ll soon find out.
Introducing
Michael Smith is a climate crisis minded venture capitalist and General Partner at Regeneration.VC, an early stage venture fund supercharging consumer-powered climate innovation. The firm focuses on seed and series A investments in circular and regenerative approaches to consumer industries.
Recent Buzz
You may have heard about his company recently in their successful closing of $45 million in funding to make sustainable consumer goods available across omnichannel.
The firm has also generated a certain buzz by attracting significant backing and advising from several high-profile individuals, including actor and film producer Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher as well as renowned architect and circular economy pioneer William McDonough, of whom Michael and his partner Dan Fishman have known for quite some time.
Skills and Background
In addition to investing in over 30 companies prior to this role, Michael brings years of environmental organizing experience, having formed Ponvalley, an environmental initiative comprised of philanthropy, research and impact investments.
As an example of not only Michael’s reach but also vigor towards making positive environmental impacts, he assembled an emergency climate summit following the 2016 election, with Former VP Al Gore, Gen. Wesley Clark, of the Dept. of Energy, and Harvard leadership.
He currently serves on the boards of PVBLIC Foundation (a registered non-profit that mobilizes media, data, and technology for sustainable development and social impact), the American Renewable Energy Institute, and the Sustainable Change Alliance. He is also a founding advisor to Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative and served as a Venture Fellow at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School.
Fascinating Backstory
In addition to his environmentally minded passions and activities, his early experiences read off as somewhat of a magical ride seesawing between high level success within arts and entertainment, as well as that of media and real estate businesses.
Take his years of being a highly successful global touring DJ performing alongside the likes Guns N Roses, Rihanna, and Diplo.
Add in his launching and scaling “The Playlist Generation”, a leading background music provider to over 10,000 retail locations.
And finally throw in his entrepreneurial efforts in co-founding the company “Creative Space”, an adaptive reuse real estate firm responsible for 80 projects in LA & SF.
Reasons to Listen
First off, anyone who cares about the environment and advancing their own personal or institutional agenda towards affecting positive change, will appreciate this talk.
Aside from examining Michael’s own career and life managing Regeneration.VC, we dive into discussions centred on concepts like circular economies, regenerative approaches and other critical matters which need to be understood in order for us to forge new and sustainably minded pathways forward.
It was a most enjoyable chat and I am confident that listeners will be able to glean a lot from all of the insights Michael so kindly shares.
Listen in for all this and more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“It’s heartbreaking at times. There aren’t a lot of firms doing what we’re doing. So when an entrepreneur comes to you and they feel like you’re a fit. It’s very hard. We can’t do them all. That is why we need more funds. We need hundreds of us, not one or two.”
Michael Smith
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Michael as he shares advice to those looking to get involved in sustainably minded enterprise and movements.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Michael and his work, you can find and connect with him through his company website Regeneration.VC. You can also follow him here:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
