E57: Maybe DON’T take venture capital for your climate tech startup

Every thriving ecosystem needs connectors, support systems—pollinators, in fact. This week, Molly is joined by Jon Bonanno, the managing partner of Factor, to talk about building great climate companies with a combination of human skills, networking and introductions, and smarter ways to raise money. Jon pivoted into climate tech after the attacks of 9/11 left him deeply shaken. He emphasizes the violence and centralization of the fossil economy and the need for a transition to a clean economy that benefits all communities. He also explains the grant-making process and how it can be used as a commercialization tool for companies without requiring them to give up huge amounts of equity in their companies. Factor is a grant writing and advisory firm that helps climate companies navigate the grant application process.

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