In this episode of Investor Connect, Hall Martin welcomes Brian Kerns, a mentor, angel investor, and product executive working with VentureWell, to discuss why climate tech can be a tougher fit for traditional angel investing. Brian explains that many climate tech startups involve deep technology that requires more capital, longer timelines, and multiple rounds, and some segments—like ocean and built environment—lack the big “proof point” exits many investors look for.

The conversation covers how founders often inflate their capital asks, why the funding gap is widening as VCs move later-stage, and how specialized angel groups with domain expertise can better assess risk and navigate non-dilutive funding. Brian also shares his work as a co-founder of Unventure Capital, which targets strong, profitable companies that don’t match the unicorn/VC model, using alternative approaches such as debt-based financing, embedded operator support, and different ownership structures to help companies reach profitability and optionality.

Hall and Brian also dig into how the grants landscape has become less reliable, why corporate venture typically waits until Series A, which climate areas still fit angels (software, IoT/light tech, and key supply-chain components), and why today’s market is pushing founders to prioritize building real, durable businesses over impact messaging alone.

 

Reach out to at www.linkedin.com/in/brianlkerns/, and on venturewell.org/ 

 

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Disclaimer:
Hall T Martin is the director of Investor Connect, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the education of investors for early-stage funding. All opinions expressed by Hall and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Investor Connect. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for the basis of investment decisions.