Patient Capital, Potent Change: Ecliptic Capital’s Quest for Climate Tech Breakthroughs with David J. Neff, Operating Partner

Austin Next

In this episode, we dive into the world of patient capital and its potential to bring about transformative changes in climate technology. Joining us is David J. Neff, Operating Partner at Ecliptic Capital, who sheds light on Ecliptic's forward-thinking climatetech investment strategy, how they find innovations, and Austin's future as a hub for the sector.

Episode Highlights

• Ecliptic Capital champions climatetech by prioritizing investments in adaptation, building and electrification, and then climate-friendly materials, aiming for long-term impact on climate issues and sustainable innovation.
• David outlines a triad for university tech transfer success: forging ties with venture capital, aligning mutual goals, and employing discerning professionals to sift groundbreaking technology from incremental improvements.
• The episode tackles the intricate regulatory landscape in climatetech, spotlighting the prolonged time to market and evolving environmental regulations as challenges.
• David emphasizes Austin's potential to transcend its software and SaaS prowess and emerge as a stronghold for climate technology and material science innovation.
• What’s next for Ecliptic Capital? “I think what's next for Ecliptic Capital is continuing a laser focus on really working with our founders, the people we've deployed capital to you. So I think we're continuing to do that. I think in fall of this year, we'll start talking about fund two and raising for fund two with very similar thesis.”
• What’s next Austin? “I hope people are thinking about climate. And the climate crisis is one of the fundamental biggest problems of this generation and the next generation. They quit that big tech job to go work on climate and I hope I see a lot more of that in Austin. It would make me very, very happy and our kids and our grandkids very happy that that's the problem you chose to work on.”

Episode links

David J. Neff: LinkedIn, Twitter

Ecliptic Capital: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter

Embracing Systemic Complexity: The Ecliptic Capital Climate Thesis

-------------------
Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
Ecosystem Metacognition Substack