?? 4 ways Trump may not destroy climate goals (Entrepreneurs for Impact Newsletter #182)

Welcome to my newsletter from Entrepreneurs for Impact (EFI).

I share lessons from working with 300 climate tech CEOs and investors—plus 25 years of meditation practice—to help people fight climate change profitably and, who knows, maybe even lead a happier life. ??

Join 20,000+ folks and access 180+ prior issues.

Four topics:

1. ?? Four ways Trump is GOOD for climate change?
2. ??? Podcast — Investing billions in climate tech. Leading with compassion meditation.
3. ?? 130 boring businesses to invest in
4. ?? Free AI courses from Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Google

1.

?? Four ways Trump is GOOD for climate change?

I know, I know. Your head might have just exploded reading those words.

And, yes, my hopes of quickly tackling climate change are currently like a jellyfish* dropped from the Eiffel Tower. With an extra anvil on top, just to be sure it’s smashed.

But let’s be creative for a minute.

Based on his own words, he might help grow…

1. Domestic supply chains for critical metals — Desires to reduce dependence on China? Expedited permits for mining projects? Other incentives to recycle and maintain these resources within the US?
2. Carbon capture markets — Maintaining the 45Q tax credit? Supporting the oil and gas industry’s goals? Streamlining permitting for CCUS projects?
3. Renewable energy infrastructure — Expediting federal permits for energy infrastructure projects? Benefiting Republican states where 60-90% of IRA dollars are flowing?
4. Advanced nuclear markets — Appointing nuclear energy supporters to key government roles? Supporting an "all-of-the-above" energy policy? Promoting the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act?

?? So what?

"Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems," says Scott Galloway, a serial founder, author, and NYU professor.

Let’s hope that’s true.

(* No jellyfish were harmed while writing this newsletter.)

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2.

??? Podcast — Investing billions in climate tech. Leading with compassion meditation.

Matt Eggers, Managing Director at Prelude Ventures, was my guest on a recent Entrepreneurs for Impact (EFI) podcast.

Prelude Ventures is a climate tech investment firm that began in 2009. It focuses on early-stage startups and invests primarily in seed and Series A rounds. The firm has about $2 billion under management.

Given his prior roles as an operator at Sunrun, Tesla, Genentech, and Bloom Energy, Matt is a unique investor who can relate to the challenges of CEOs he invests in.

He was formerly a Partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and we’re also happy to have him on one of our boards at Duke University, the EDGE Center at the Fuqua School of Business.

Here are four topics we covered:

1. Climate Tech Investment Strategy: How does Prelude make its investment decisions? Gotta listen to find out. (Hint: Great teams can overcome deficiencies in tech or business models and drive a startup's success.)
2. Creative Financing Solutions: Combining venture capital, grants, and equipment financing can make first-of-a-kind manufacturing facilities more feasible. He uses Lux Wall as an example.
3. Biogenic Carbon Capture: Why does he like their investments in Graphyte and Vaulted Deep? One reason is they address carbon removal and waste management — maybe two ways to get paid.
4. Personal Habits for Leaders: Matt discusses specific outdoor activities, compassion meditation, and self-reflection as his critical practices for mental well-being and helping leaders grow.

?? So what?

Listen to the episode and share your thoughts on my LinkedIn post.

Share

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3.

?? 130 boring businesses to invest in

Most of your work and mine focus on climate tech companies — often new and sexy — backed by VC, private equity, or sophisticated project finance.

But is there a different model?

I’m reading Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses by Codie Sanchez.

She’s a former State Street and Vanguard?finance pro?who switched to buying boring businesses that can’t attract VC capital.

And she’s on a mission to “create 1 million financially free humans through business ownership.”

The book is breaking my frame and causing some LOL — she curses like a sailor and does not mince words.

Her criteria for picking these businesses is “SOWS” (like cows.)

• Stale = minimal innovation (“I love fax machines!)
• Old = longstanding business (The Lindy Effect is real.)
• Weak = poor competition (The bar is so low that a drunk slug could leap over it.)
• Simple = simple but needed business (Patent pending? Run away.)

?? So what?

If you’re considering growing your first or next business, check out her Notion page: 130 Boring Business Ideas To Invest In.

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4.

?? Free AI courses from Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Google

Don’t be fooled by the AI Radar survey from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Its intel from 1,803 C-level executives shows that only 7% expect net job loss this year.

However, Goldman Sachs estimates 300 million jobs lost globally by 2030.

BCG’s survey also says that 33% of these large companies surveyed plan to invest over $25M into AI efforts this year.

?? So what?

Get. Smarter. On. AI. Now.

As NVIDIA's CEO says:

• "AI is not going to take your job. The person who uses AI will."

Here are some free AI courses to get you up to speed.

?? How else can I help you?

• Climate CEO peer group: Capped at 100 people, representing $40B of value or assets under management. Don’t be so “lonely at the top.” No one understands CEOs like other CEOs. Find your tribe here. Join the waiting list today.
• Executive coaching with me: I serve as a private thought partner to 2-3 CEOs, investors, or post-exit founders at a time. We cover business and personal opportunities for growth.
• Apply at our website: www.entrepreneursforimpact.com

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High fives and such,

Chris

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