Basics… 11 Criteria for Successful Cleantech Investment 2 Feb 20261 Feb 2026 Over the past 15 years of impact investing in cleantech, I've learned that traction alone doesn't always predict success. A startup can have impressive revenue numbers, a trustworthy founder, and…
Basics… Understanding Logic Models and Theory of Change 7 Jul 20255 Jul 2025 Introduction What is a logic model / theory of change? A logic model and a theory of change are tools used to plan, describe, manage, and evaluate programs and initiatives.…
Basics… Uncapped SAFEs 21 Aug 202321 Aug 2023 I have recently been offered the opportunity to invest in a YC cleantech startup, alas via an unpriced SAFE. Pursuant to my personal investment rules, I don't fund uncapped SAFE…
Basics… How to Improve your chances of raising a seed round 24 May 202226 Apr 2022 This is a co-authored post with Jorge Goncalves, who is also a lawyer and the co-founder, and CEO of 4YouSee Arenas. We offer some perspectives and tips on how entrepreneurs…
Basics… Building unicorns 12 Apr 202222 Mar 2022 For early stages investments, this is more art than science, nevertheless, there are some common traits that can be easily identified for founders of startups that can go from Zero…
Basics… An exit and two bankruptcies 18 May 202115 May 2021 Investing in startups entails an emotional ride. That is why you need to have an investment framework to validate your decisions and curtail your emotions. I will recount the lessons…
Basics… Anti Purpose-Washing 30 Mar 20219 Feb 2022 Achieving social impact An a priori to achieve social impact is to be able to articulate your business’s purpose clearly. Defining your Theory of Change is one of the variables…
Basics… Average “ticket size” 14 Jul 202013 Jul 2020 I could start with, “it depends”, but I will try to give you a more straightforward answer. If you are a founder and have landed on this page, why are…