As we reflect on an inspiring week of connections and conversations at San Francisco Climate Week, we're more convinced than ever that breakthrough technologies are key to solving our most pressing environmental challenges.

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Climate Crossroads: The Power of Catalytic Capital

Last week, LabStart joined Vibrant Data Labs, Cool Climate Collective, and Reciprocal to host our Climate Crossroads event as part of San Francisco Climate Week. This gathering united corporate foundation leaders, philanthropists, impact investors, and venture capitalists to explore how catalytic capital is critical to accelerating breakthrough environmental solutions.

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As our CEO Deepa Lounsbury noted during the event, "Just like there is no silver bullet climate solution, there is also no silver bullet TYPE of capital. The reality is that most of the successful climate innovators are also capital innovators." The dynamic panel discussions highlighted how early-stage, patient capital plays a crucial role in bringing frontier technologies to market.

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Our panelists examined how they use their philanthropic funding today to de-risk innovative solutions at the earliest stages, creating pathways for later commercial investment. First-hand accounts from climate tech founders emphasized that with the right capital structure, we can unlock technologies that address our most pressing environmental challenges—particularly in sectors requiring longer commercialization timelines.

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Fellow Showcase: Bridging the Gap from Lab to Market

Also during SF Climate Week, our second annual Fellow Showcase lunch at DLA Piper demonstrated how the most recent batch of LabStart graduates are bringing cutting-edge technologies from research labs to commercial applications with environmental impact. 

Our fellows shared their journeys of identifying promising technologies, navigating complex tech transfer processes, and adapting laboratory innovations to meet market needs. The showcase illuminated the critical role that entrepreneurial talent plays in commercializing breakthrough solutions.

Attendees learned firsthand how LabStart Fellows built their companies through the 2024 Cohort and about what’s next for them after graduating from the program, including launching seed funding rounds, signing customer deals, and finalizing technology demonstrations. 

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Fireside Chat with CEC Chair David Hochschild: The Power of Long-Term Vision

Our Fellows Showcase also featured an illuminating fireside chat with David Hochschild, chair of the California Energy Commission, who shared compelling insights on climate innovation and policy. 

Commissioner Hochschild emphasized the crucial role of forging "unusual coalitions" to advance environmental solutions and the importance of making clean technology "as unpolitical as a cell phone." He pointed to California's impressive achievements, including developing the world's largest battery project, as examples of what's possible with sustained commitment. The discussion underscored how short-term policies often fail to create lasting change, while California's focus on longer-term policy frameworks has yielded remarkable results.

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"I really appreciate LabStart's vision to invest in an ecosystem that reflects our environment," noted Chair Hochschild. He shared his perspective on the importance of public-private partnerships and LabStart's role in helping early-stage companies succeed and be ready for public and venture funding. He also highlighted the vital importance of mentorship for emerging entrepreneurs, encouraging attendees to boldly reach out for support, noting that "people will say yes when you ask."

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Looking Forward With Hope

The conversations at SF Climate Week have energized our team and reinforced our belief that bridging the gap between lab innovation and market impact is essential for meeting our environmental goals. 

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As Deepa reminded us, "While it is tempting to 'wait and see', LabStart continues to move and make progress. Climate progress is not binary. Leadership means moving forward even when it is messy, even when the stars are not aligned." 

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While challenges remain, we see tremendous cause for optimism in the brilliant researchers, dedicated entrepreneurs, and committed funders coming together in this space. The path from lab to market may be challenging, but with the right support, talented entrepreneurs can bridge this gap and create lasting environmental and human impact.

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