588: Saving the Planet & Making Money, Elena Foukes, host of Climate Avengers Podcast!
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Episode Description
We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast
Are you interested in learning more about the intersection of technology, venture capital, and climate solutions? Then you'll be as excited as all of us at SunCast are about the soon-to-launch Climate Tech focused " Climate Avengers" Podcast hosted by Elena Foukes.
Elena and Nico Johnson, the creator and host of SunCast, share a passion for all things climate-related. Both are venture partners with Climate Avengers, an investment fund started by their mutual good friend, Kyle Cherrick.
Kyle is an entrepreneur, a climate investing specialist, and lead investor for Climate Avengers. From a side project he started in 2021, it's grown to a venture capital community of more than 400 angel investors.
"We're finding the startups ready for capital and then getting more people and their capital into those scalable climate tech startups. So you're making money and saving the world at the same time, and it's a beautiful thing," Elena said.
Now she's creating another beautiful thing — an insightful, impactful podcast. If you don't know Elena, you should. She's an investor, coach, and climate entrepreneur who upgraded her career from a low-level analyst at a public utility to co-founder and CEO of a climate-tech startup — and earned a "good job" from Elon during a stint at Tesla.
She also develops programs to help others build purpose-filled climate careers.
In today's podcast, Nico pulls back the curtain to give our listeners a glimpse of the driven, determined person heading our new show.
From a humble childhood in Detroit, where she said her family was more comfortable talking about cars than feelings, Elena created a unique path to success.
She earned a triple major in Economics, Political Science, and International Studies from Loyola University Chicago and a Master's of International Economics focusing on China econometrics and energy policy from UC San Diego.
"Moving to the West Coast and learning what emotions are and what communication is has been a journey and continues to this day," she said.
Since 2020, she's lived off-grid in various places, including Joshua Tree National Park California, on a mountain top in southern Oregon, and on a sailing catamaran.
Elena will blend the kaleidoscopic impact of all those influences in the new podcast, which launches Wednesday, April 26. She promises to demystify the world of climate tech venture capital.
- Discover how climate tech makes a difference: The world faces a climate crisis, and technological breakthroughs are urgently needed. Elena will explain the crucial role climate tech plays in preserving our planet and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
- Learn from successful founders and investors: Through interviews with leaders in the climate tech ecosystem, Elena will provide valuable insights into the industry and its growth potential. Hearing from those succeeding in this field will give listeners inspiration and knowledge that can help them on their own journey.
- Explore the world of venture capital: Learn how venture capital accelerates the delivery of scalable solutions with measurable impact. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the role of investors through a better understanding of how venture capital works.
- Join the movement to save the planet: Elena and her team are committed to finding and funding climate tech breakthroughs. We invite you to listen to this podcast to become part of this movement and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Listen to today's podcast for more details about Elena's plans for the Climate Tech Podcast. We assure you it will fast become a go-to resource for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, venture capital, and climate solutions.
And as a special bonus today: download Elena’s top five tips for career change confidence here!
RESOURCES:
Connect Elena Foukes on LinkedIn and on her website.
Follow Climate Avengers on LinkedIn and Twitter and reach out directly via AngelList.
NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:
“We’re finding the startups ready for capital and then getting more people and their capital into those scalable climate tech startups. So you’re making money and saving the world at the same time, and it’s a beautiful thing”
— Elena Foukes
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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.
You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.
If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.
Noteworthy Quotes:
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Nico Johnson
Entrepreneur & Podcaster
In my 20 year career, I've worked with dozens of entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and professionals in transition to clarify their mission, set or stretch their goals, and work through the barriers to their growth.
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