A New Chapter & Renewed Mission: Why I am Joining SE Ventures

By Carlos (CK) Kokron

New Year, fresh start! This new year marks a fresh start in my career and purpose. I’m thrilled to announce that as of January 1st I’ve joined SE Ventures as a General Partner. While I have been investing in startups for 20+ years, in this new role I am very much looking forward to aligning my values with my work and focusing on where I can create the greatest impact for people and our planet.?

A $1B+ global fund based on Sand Hill Road, SE Ventures invests in entrepreneurs who are innovating in climate and industrial tech to build a more sustainable future.? ?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work in both pure VC and corporate-backed venture at Intel Capital and Qualcomm Ventures. As I experienced the strengths of each model, it became clear that the greatest potential for impact exists at the intersection of financial and strategic investing. This is exactly where SE Ventures is positioned, and one of the main reasons I am so excited to join this exceptional platform.? ?

Here's why I am ready to roll up my sleeves with SE Ventures:?

The Mission & Investment Themes?

SE Ventures is laser-focused on solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. With digital transformation and AI enabling the rapid re-architecting of entire industries, there is an unprecedented opportunity for product and business model innovation. Decades-old industrial processes are primed to be rewritten; and our electrical grid and energy consumption as we know it stand to be modernized and/or disrupted.??

Climate tech and industrial tech startups will be the shepherds of this transition, laying the foundation for a more decarbonized and sustainable world. What really stood out to me in the market is that the capital SE Ventures invests comes from the #1 Most Sustainable Company in the World*, 施耐德电气 .

Schneider, a nearly 200-year-old company that continues to reinvent itself, had the foresight to recognize the importance of investing in sustainability 20 years ago, and clearly understands that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s smart business. Having values-aligned corporate backing, with global leadership who walks the walk, is a huge indicator that SE Ventures is set up for success and can drive significant value for the portfolio.? ?

The Specialist VC Model?

SE Ventures brings together the best of both worlds: a team of expert financial investors who earned their chops in Silicon Valley, paired with one of the most results-oriented and strategic Business Development teams I’ve encountered. This dedicated BD function works closely with Schneider to drive partnerships that deliver real value for startups. With aligned incentives and a clear playbook for execution, SE Ventures & Schneider work in concert to accelerate revenue and commercialization for the portfolio companies.?

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The Opportunity to Build?

SE Ventures is still a relatively young platform, and under Amit Chaturvedy ’s leadership, the team has established a strong foundation to build upon. I see opportunities where I can not only bring my decades of investment judgment to the Investment Committee, but also help further develop the team and processes to help guide the next chapter of growth for the platform.?

As I step into this new role, in a way I feel like my career has come full circle. I began my professional journey as a chemical engineer interested in alternative energy solutions, driven by concerns about our ever-growing energy needs. Joining SE Ventures feels like returning to those roots—but with a more deliberate mission and a stronger platform to affect change.? ?

To my fellow entrepreneurs, co-investors and industry friends: I very much look forward to working together to support bold founders and create a more sustainable, electrified future.? ?

Let’s get to work!? ?

*As named by Corporate Knights, as well as TIME & Statista: The story behind the world's most sustainable company of 2025