đżÂ Hey Earth First Fam!
Welcome to Newsletter #18!
Whoâs leading the charge? None other than Spencer Hall from Anglet!
Hereâs what you can expect in this edition:
Who is Spencer Hall and Whatâs his Story?
Whatâs Anglet and What do they invest in?
đ In Conversation with Spencer: An Inspiring Climate Tech Leader
From the Fields of Cal to the Forefront of Climate TechđŁđ»
Spencer Hallâs route to the climate sector is a classic tale of twists and determination. At the University of California, Berkeley, initially, he dove into chemical engineering, eyeing a future in the environmental field. But life had other plansâhis crew coach suggested a major change to avoid conflicts with his rowing schedule. Spencer switched majors, but his environmental fervor didnât waver.
Navigating the Volatile Waters of the Clean Tech BoomâĄïž
Post-graduation, Spencer jumped into the professional world during the aftermath of the clean tech boomâa wild ride of high hopes followed by a market slump, where many early ventures struggled. Despite the challenges, this period stoked his interest in practical environmental applications, especially carbon offsets. Living in San Francisco, he saw companies pouring money into carbon offsets as part of their climate strategies, sparking his ambition to push for real corporate climate action.
Better Climate: Bridging the Gap Between Ideals and Actionsđ
Fueled by a drive to make a genuine environmental impact, he launched Better Climate. The startup targeted corporate carbon emissions right at the office level with employees, blending decarbonization into everyday business rather than just offsetting emissions elsewhere. Better Climate developed strategies and tools that companies could use to directly cut down theirs and their employees carbon footprints in homes, gaining traction and forming significant partnerships under his leadership.
Success, Acquisition, and New Beginnings đ
Better Climateâs fresh approach and solid results didnât go unnoticed. The acquisition by Watershed marked a major nod to his vision and opened the gateway to his next big venture. It was a clear sign that leveraging his experience and connections could amplify his impact in the climate tech sphere.
The Genesis of Anglet đ
Reflecting on his journey with Better Climate post-acquisition, Spencer saw a new chance to make a difference. He realized he could help other climate tech entrepreneurs overcome visibility and traction hurdles. Startups were eager for his direct involvement, valuing his insights and experiences. He began with small co-investments, teaming up with friends who shared his passion for the sector. As these initial investments showed promise, he and his partners decided to set up a venture fund, aiming to offer more than just money but also strategic guidance to help startups navigate their growth and scale complexities. Thus,
Anglet was bornâa VC firm meant to link these innovators with a broader ecosystem that could benefit from their cutting-edge solutions.
In his shift from founder to investor and advisor, he continues to significantly influence the adoption of sustainable technologies, effectively bridging the gap between innovative entrepreneurs and the broader market forces that drive global environmental change.
Get to know Spencer!
Favorite Book:Â East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Favorite Podcast:Â Bill Simmons Podcast
Favorite Mantra:Â "Infectious enthusiasm and optimism is a choice."
Biggest climate role model: Dr. John Foley (Founder of Project Drawdown)
Wishes people knew about the climate space:Â "People often overlook the simple, existing solutions that can make a significant impact on climate change. The focus tends to be on new, high-tech options like carbon capture, which, while important, won't solve the issue alone. Much like choosing fancy running shoes won't necessarily make you a faster runner, the basics can often be just as effective. We need to demystify the process and emphasize that practical actions, like changing a light bulb or improving energy efficiency, are accessible and impactful steps everyone can take."
Most excited about in the future:Â "I'm really excited about the upcoming demonstrations of progress from various companies and countries. We're approaching a period where we'll review our achievements and shortfalls from the past five years, from 2020 to 2025. While some findings might be daunting, I anticipate just as many, if not more, genuine instances of significant decarbonization progress. Very soon, we're going to see tangible results that prove large-scale environmental improvements are not just theoretical but are actually happening. This realization will hopefully shift the narrative from 'what if' to 'what is'âshowing real-world examples of substantial emission reductions and moving us closer to the idea of abundant, nearly free energy, though that might still be a bit off in the future."
đ Enter Anglet: Fostering Climate Tech Innovation and Strategic Growth
Deep Dive into Angletâs Operations and Philosophy âïž
Founded by Spencer Hall, Shane Lebow, and Hunter Dudley, Anglet serves as a catalyst for bridging innovative climate tech solutions with businesses ready to adopt sustainable practices. This venture was born out of Spencer's passion for making a tangible impact on the environment through practical and scalable business solutions.
Strategic Investments and Hands-On Support đ€
Anglet distinguishes itself by not just funding startups but actively participating in their growth. The firm writes follow-on pre-seed checks typically in the range of $25,000 to $100,000. With a base of around 50 diverse Limited Partners (LPs), Anglet leverages a broad spectrum of experiences and expertise. These LPs include seasoned professionals from sustainability sectors, experienced operators, and strategic thinkers who provide more than capitalâthey offer critical insights and mentorship to help startups scale their operations effectively.
Creating Go-To-Market Strategies and Operational Support đ
One of Angletâs core strengths is its capacity to be "strategically available." The team at Anglet, including those who have developed go-to-market strategies for various products, offers bespoke support to each company they invest in. Whether itâs a software solution or a hardware innovation, the skills within Angletâs network are highly transferable and tailored to the needs of climate tech products.
Guidance Beyond Funding đ
Spencer Hall and his team are committed to being as hands-on as the startups need. This approach is about building a relationship where startups feel comfortable returning to Anglet with questions and for advice, underscoring the trust and value of Angletâs involvement. Furthermore, Anglet hosts demo days to connect startups with potential investors and clients, providing startups with not just funding but also exposure and critical industry connections.
Honest and Realistic Business Advice â
Angletâs philosophy extends beyond typical investor-startup dynamics; they are honest about the viability of ventures seeking venture capital. Spencer advocates for bootstrapping as long as possible and advises startups transparently if their business model might better suit non-venture capital funding methods like grants or direct revenue pursuits. This candid approach is designed to steer startups towards the most effective strategies for their specific situations.
Committed to Project Drawdownâs Climate Solutions đŹ
Aligning with the principles of Project Drawdown, Anglet focuses on investments that accelerate meaningful decarbonization. They encourage startups to explore practical and impactful solutions rather than chasing the latest trends without substance. Spencerâs approach is about grounding investments in reality and ensuring that they contribute significantly to combating climate change.
Anglet is more than just a funding source; it is a strategic partner that empowers climate tech startups with the tools, insights, and network needed to succeed in a competitive and crucial industry.
Earth First TriviaÂ
What percentage of food waste occurs at the consumer level in industrialized countries?
A) 20%
B) 30%
Answer: C) 40%
By what year do many countries aim to cut food loss and waste in half, according to the Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3?
A) 2025
Answer: B) 2030
C) 2050
Until next time,
Earth First đâïž
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