EPISODE:
5
PUBLISHED:
3/7/24
To celebrate International Women's Day we're shining the spotlight on our incredible special ops team. For the past two years, our all-female Special Ops team has been deploying flexible non-dilutive financing to companies trying to reach that next stage of scale. S2G's Andrea Woodside and Marisa Sweeney break down what a special opportunity is, the role this type of funding plays in today's funding environment, and who should reach out to them (any asset-oriented climate company) and when (as soon as possible). If you are an entrepreneur looking for funding for an infrastructure-oriented company, this episode is for you!
Key Takeaways:
The state of climate funding today: Billions of dollars have gone into climate tech, much of it to clean energy technologies, enabling them to transition from early-stage venture to later-stage capital. There is currently a funding gap for capital-intensive climate companies that are at a point where VC is too expensive, but banks or other institutional investors may not have enough creativity or flexibility to structure solutions
The mission of Special Ops: The team is working to deploy non-dilutive capital to scale developers and other asset-oriented businesses efficiently.
What the team is looking for: They’re looking at credit and infrastructure-oriented investment opportunities. The special ops team is focused on downside protection, so opportunities with cash flows, collateral, and contracts that offer confidence around cashflow visibility are a good fit.
How this funding pairs with venture and growth equity funding: It’s not a replacement, but it can help reduce the amount of corporate equity a company needs.
S2G’s philosophy around fit-for-purpose capital: Examples of this approach in action
FOAKS: While they are not the focus of Special Ops, Marisa, and Andrea have some insights for companies looking to fund FOAK projects.
Who should reach out and when: Even if your company is pretty early stage, if you think this type of funding might be applicable at some point, Marisa and Andrea are happy to chat!
Resources:
Women in Climate Investing & Finance
Financing Pathways for Climate Tech: Looking Beyond Corporate Equity
Financing Pathways for Climate Tech: The Role of Alternative Financing
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Josie Lane
Art Director
Org
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This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.