NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Panelists:

• ​Daniel Barker (President & CEO, Halcyon)
• ​Kelly Bryan (Director, US Ventures, Village Capital)
• ​Erin Davis (COO & Co-Founder, Enduring Planet)
• ​Jay Lurie (Head of Commercial Finance and Capital Markets, Odyssey Energy Solutions)
• ​Additional speakers TBA

​Summary:

​Traditional investment models often fall short in supporting climate innovators, particularly those in underserved and low-income communities. This panel will introduce purpose-suited capital, a philosophy that tailors investment structures, whether debt, equity, or alternative models, to meet the specific needs of climate-focused startups. Given the longer development timelines for many climate innovations, this approach also emphasizes the need for more patient capital to allow these solutions to scale effectively.

​ Key Discussion Points:

• ​How purpose-suited capital expands access to funding for diverse climate entrepreneurs.
• ​Examples of innovative finance that align investment terms with the realities of climate innovation.
• ​Why climate solutions require more patient capital and how investors can rethink traditional VC models to support them.

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of DC Climate Week.