Survey Results, Pt. 2 - The Hypotheses

PART 2

A few weeks ago, we shared the results of the survey we sent out to get a better understanding of our community, stakeholders, and VertueLab’s existing strengths and weaknesses. We conducted additional research across the climate tech sector in the region, building upon the findings and feedback from the survey to shape an emerging organizational strategy. Here’s what we’ve discovered so far.

Where we can lean in for greater impact

The feedback overall supported two key areas where VertueLab can lean in and deepen our impact in accelerating a Just Climate Tech Transition in the Pacific Northwest:

1. As a provider of catalytic capital and provider of Federal Funding Assistance.

2. As a place-based service provider that works in partnership with community, partner organizations and institutions to serve those least served in climate tech. 

The role of Catalytic Capital to Accelerate Climate Solutions - Key Quotes

• “Invest in companies with a chance at significant impact, especially in companies that would struggle to raise funds via traditional sources.”

• “The funding opportunities provided by VertueLab have been impactful, but there may be potential to explore additional financial support mechanisms for startups at different stages of development.”

• “Connecting the wave of federal funding to NW clean-tech start-ups, including an equity lens.”

• “The ability to act as a node (enzymatic point) attracting capital of various types and distributing that to founders, inventors, changemakers, and smaller initiatives sometimes unseen at a macro level.”

• “Set up an entrepreneur fund to help people who have just started their own business.”

• “Foster the growth of sustainable Green, tech related businesses and entrepreneurs.”

• “Provider of holistic support programs for climate tech innovators from very early stage to investment opportunities.”

A technical assistance provider working hand and hand with institutions, partner organizations and  communities within the climate tech ecosystem - Key Quotes 

• “Funding and other support to founders/entrepreneurs and other change makers trying to have transformational, equitable, accessible impact on the planet and people.”

• “VertueLab creates opportunities in an incubator setting for clean tech start ups to learn, thrive, and be supported. The goal is to help others combat climate change through support, grants and exposure to decision makers and the public.”

• “VertueLab gives communities + entrepreneurs that others overlook a fighting chance to succeed within a sustainable context.”

Thank you.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to all who participated in our survey – your honesty and candid feedback is an integral part of our work in developing new innovative programs and redesigning our existing ones to better catalyze a radically inclusive climate tech future. We’ll be continuing to share more updates throughout this process, so be sure to sign up for our mailing list to stay in the loop. 

If you didn’t have a chance to participate in our survey and would like to, please contribute here. You can also always reach out directly at jfcl@vertuelab.org if you would like to share thoughts and feedback. 

Your feedback is shaping our path forward, and we couldn't be more grateful to have you with us on this journey.