Idealab’s Bill Gross: Converting radical ideas into climate tech companies

Bill Gross founded Idealab, the world’s longest running technology incubator, and he knows a few things about why startups succeed or fail (see his TED talk on this topic here). Over the past 30 years, he has started more than 150 companies, leading to more than 50 IPOs and acquisitions, including 7 billion-plus exits.

Gross is also one of the world’s leading climate innovators, and we’re delighted he is joining the impressive lineup at the SOSV Climate Tech Summit (Oct 20-21). Be sure to register right away.

Gross’ journey in climate tech entrepreneurship started when he was a teenager, selling plans of DIY solar panels. A few decades later, he is the founder of three notable startups, two of which are already headed for valuations over a billion dollars:

  • Heliogen, a modular, AI-enabled concentrated solar power plant, which announced its plans to go public in a $2B SPAC deal.
  • Energy Vault, an energy storage system converting renewable energy into potential energy, using robotic cranes to stack and lower heavy blocks. The company recently announced a $1.6B SPAC deal.
  • Carbon Capture, which aims to remove CO2 by permanently depositing it underground or recycling it as a raw material.

Gross will share about his climate tech journey, why he thinks persistence is paramount in climate tech, and why he believes we are well prepared for the challenges ahead.

SPEAKERS

Bill Gross, Founder Idealab, Heliogen, Energy Vault, Carbon Capture

The SOSV Climate Tech Summit is taking place online on October 20-21. It is a gathering to support Climate Tech innovators and investors across all sectors.