The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched of a new Investor Advisory Board to support its efforts to accelerate new technologies and provide broader exposure for emerging companies to the investment community.
The 10-member board came together in New York City for the first time and represents some of the most active and prestigious early-stage financial and corporate investors in the clean energy space.
Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “The expertise of the Investor Advisory Board will ensure New York state is investing in innovative and game-changing technologies, products and services needed to help us reach Gov. Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy and climate goals. New, disruptive technology is critical to hastening our clean energy future and aggressively fighting climate change, and we are proud of the role that NYSERDA plays in cultivating innovative clean energy solutions here in New York.”
The board features highly distinguished financial and corporate investors focused on early-stage clean energy companies. The board will assist NYSERDA in developing long-term strategic plans and increasing near-term programmatic impact to accelerate the pace of clean energy innovation in New York state. Board members will share best practices about due diligence, portfolio management and syndication of deals to help emerging companies develop and bring technology to the marketplace more quickly.
In addition, it is expected that the board, through the powerful global networks of its members, will effectively promote and raise the profile of NYSERDA’s Innovation portfolio of programs and clean energy companies. The board will allow NYSERDA to more closely align with the market and ensure that its programs are optimized for entrepreneurs, investors, and trends in the broader energy markets.
The inaugural members of the board are: Bill Lese, managing partner, Braemar Energy Ventures; Libby Wayman, investment and company building, Breakthrough Energy Ventures; John Santoleri, partner and board member, Clean Energy Venture Group; Gail Greenwald, board member, Launchpad Venture Group; Emily Kirsch, founder and chief executive officer, Powerhouse; Johanna Wolfson, principal, Prime Impact Fund; Henrik Holland, head of corporate development, Electric Mobility, Shell; Rob Day, general partner, Spring Lane Capital, and Barton.
Since 2009, NYSERDA’s direct investments across its Innovation portfolio have leveraged $1.1 billion in private capital and $349 million in non-NYSERDA grants. From concept to commercialization, NYSERDA administers numerous programs and initiatives through its Innovation portfolio to provide entrepreneurs and early-stage companies exclusive access to development partners, investors, and talent.
A suite of strategically located resources throughout the state, including clean energy incubators, proof-of-concept centers, manufacturing development sites, and a statewide mentoring program, supports various stages of technology development and commercialization.
Overall, NYSERDA is deploying $800 million over 10 years as direct investments and commercialization support for early-stage ventures. The objective is to invest primarily in emerging and early-stage companies to de-risk technology, validate markets and define customers, and build teams.