The Business Case for Climate: Skip the Impact Pitch (Raleigh-Durham Climate Week)

The climate companies that thrive aren't just selling climate impact, they're also solving critical business needs. So what does it take to build a company that wins in the market and still delivers on climate? The strongest climate startups deliver real results in areas like resilience, manufacturing operations, and supply chain efficiency. This session looks at the business fundamentals that make them competitive and financially sustainable at scale. Dig into unit economics, the technology that drives future cost competitiveness, and how to frame your climate story as a business story. Climate leaders will share how they think about financial viability in their own companies. You'll leave with a sharper way to judge whether your business holds up on fundamentals, and how to make that case to customers and investors.

Speaker

Jeff Soplop

Jeff Soplop is a seasoned cleantech leader with over 20 years of experience in AI analytics, SaaS, automation, intelligent buildings, and utility demand-side management. He has contributed to several successful exits at industry-leading companies such as Brightly Software, ICF, EnergySavvy, Phoenix Energy Technologies, and Rockwell Automation. In 2023, he founded Nimble Energy to provide energy and facilities teams with a personalized, AI-powered platform to optimize energy and utility demand-side management. Jeff is also an adjunct professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Moderator

Malhar Shah

Malhar Shah is the Founder/CEO of microWatt, a carbon intelligence platform that helps durable goods manufacturers profitably decarbonize their value chains. Over the past decade, Malhar has built a depth of experience leading teams at John Deere within product management, tractor program management, and technology commercialization. He holds an MBA from the Jenkins MBA program at NC State and a BS in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration from Penn State University. Malhar enjoys working at the intersection of sustainability, business, and tech. He coaches student teams at the NC State B Corp Clinic and serves as a Board Member at B Local Triangle - reflecting his belief that business can and should be a force for good.