Rooted & Rising: The Next Generation
This Spring, VertueLab is asking: what must we build today to ensure the next generation inherits a thriving climate innovation ecosystem?
VertueLab’s staff: Kris Licciardello, Phoebe Stein, Mike Witteman, Leo Ochoa, Joy Ren, Jacqueline Benitez-Harvey, Felicia Kang, Aina Abiodun
The next generation of leaders will build systems that will not only effect change, but also endure.
The Environmental Defense Fund explains: “To achieve our global climate goals and secure the strongest possible future, studies by climate scientists find that we’ll need new solutions that aren’t ready for the market — yet. This is where climate innovation comes in.”
(NatashaVidangos, EDF)
It’s with this in mind that VentureLab endeavors to create an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, and the communities most impacted by climate change.
Lisa Stiffler, Geekwire; Anne Carlson, Jiminy’s; David Gory, Airbuild
We support climate tech entrepreneurs with three things in mind: funding to get technologies off the ground, mentorship from people who’ve built companies in this space, and connections to the partners they need to scale. The World Economic Forum emphasizes the importance of backing clean technology and sourcing the support that will ultimately contribute to a more equitable climate future.
They emphasize:
“Specialized funding
Coaching for founders
Targeted support for climate tech addressing the heaviest emitting sectors
Leveraging of networks”
(Byrne & Herweijer, World Economic Forum)
These are the core tenets of VerueLab’s mission. Getting innovations from the lab to communities requires entrepreneurs who understand local needs, investors willing to take early risks, and policies that support adoption.
VertueLab exists to be that bridge.
The next generation of PNW climate entrepreneurs rely on community, resources, and guidance. That’s exactly what VertueLab provides — but we can’t do it without your support.
