Navigating the Climate Tech Startup Landscape: Insights from a Serial Entrepreneur and Investor

Climate tech startups have been on the rise over the past decade, but faced a setback last year with a 40% drop in investments. However, in 2024, the sector is showing resilience with startups raising $8.1 billion in the first quarter. Steve Melhuish, a serial entrepreneur and venture builder, has pivoted to climate tech and invested in over 20 startups in Southeast Asia. He co-founded Planet Rise and Wavemaker Impact, focusing on companies tackling climate change and social inequality.

Melhuish’s journey into climate tech was inspired by his children and the growing climate crisis. He emphasizes the importance of economic incentives in driving climate tech adoption, particularly in Southeast Asia where opportunities lie in sectors like food, agriculture, and land use. By deploying existing technologies and creating incentives for businesses, climate tech startups can have a significant impact on reducing emissions.

Melhuish highlights the need for a focus on sectors like food, agriculture, and land use, which account for a significant portion of emissions in Southeast Asia. He stresses the importance of deploying existing technologies quickly and efficiently to address climate challenges. Additionally, he emphasizes the role of debt finance in supporting climate tech startups, as it is currently a missing piece in the funding landscape.

In terms of managing time, Melhuish admits to struggling with balance and prioritization. He has implemented strategies like dedicating specific days for meetings, calls, and personal time to maintain some level of structure. Despite the challenges, Melhuish remains committed to driving impact in the climate tech sector and building scalable ventures to address climate change.