Carmichael Roberts & Sean O'Sullivan at Disrupt

Addressing a Warming Planet Through Innovation

The increasing impacts of a warming planet, ranging from more frequent and severe flooding events to intensified hurricanes and prolonged droughts, have motivated both activists and governmental bodies to implement solutions. This has also encouraged a rising number of entrepreneurs to establish technology startups dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Central to this movement are venture capitalists, who are tasked with identifying the startups – and the technologies they employ – that offer the greatest potential for planetary decarbonization while simultaneously delivering financial returns. Climate tech differs from other investment areas due to its broad scope, encompassing numerous diverse industries.

Investors may engage with a founder pioneering plant-based textile development one day, and another presenting advanced carbon capture technology the next.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2021: A Climate Tech Focus

TechCrunch is pleased to announce that Carmichael Roberts, co-leader of the investment committee at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Sean O’Sullivan, managing general partner at SOSV, will participate in a discussion on our virtual stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2021. The virtual conference will be held from September 21st to September 23rd.

Roberts and O’Sullivan will explore the definition of climate tech – and what it excludes – their investment strategies, the most promising technologies within this sector, and the potential consequences of unsuccessful investments.

Expert Insights from Industry Leaders

Both panelists possess significant expertise in the field. Roberts is also the co-founder and managing partner of Material Impact, a fund focused on building resilient companies that develop products utilizing innovative materials to address real-world challenges.

Prior to his venture capital career, Roberts co-founded multiple ventures, serving as president, CEO, or chairman. He also held positions in business development at GelTex Pharmaceuticals, later acquired by Genzyme for $1.3 billion, and in new product and business development at Dow Chemical (formerly Union Carbide Corporation).

O’Sullivan founded SOSV after previously establishing MapInfo. This company achieved $200 million in revenue and grew to over 1,000 employees, popularizing digital street mapping. He is also credited as a co-creator of the term “cloud computing” and co-founded NetCentric and Dial2Do.

Investment Discussions at Disrupt 2021

This panel represents just one of many investment-centered discussions planned for Disrupt 2021. As the moderator, it is the session I anticipate most eagerly.

The discussion will provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of climate technology and the crucial role of venture capital in driving innovation for a sustainable future.