Riding the Next Big Disruption: Tech VC Serena Betting Big on Bold Climate & Water Innovations (#063)

When you think of venture capital, you might picture fast-paced deals, tech unicorns, and ambitious growth strategies. But what if it could also drive real, measurable change for the planet?

That’s exactly the vision behind Serena, whose co-founder Xavier Lorphelin joins me today. Xavier is here to explain, among other things, why the firm integrates impact considerations into every decision, moving beyond the traditional investment approach.

Serena isn’t a typical VC firm. Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, it blends financial ambition with a mission to support innovative startups that serve a better world. With €1 billion in assets under management, Serena invests in transformative sectors like climate tech, AI, and sustainability – all while delivering impressive double-digit financial returns.

Xavier’s journey to this mission-driven approach is deeply rooted in his time in Silicon Valley. After earning his master’s degree at Stanford during the rise of the internet boom, he gained a front-row seat to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to drive societal change.

Today, Xavier is with us to explain how Serena is aligning financial success with sustainability by introducing groundbreaking concepts like climate dividends and embracing cutting-edge technologies such as AI to address biodiversity challenges. In this conversation, Xavier dives into Serena’s investment process, the evolution of impact investing, and the powerful business case for sustainability.

Tune in to learn how venture capital is being transformed into a force for good – and why it might just be the key to tackling our planet’s biggest challenges.

Don’t miss it!

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About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights into how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors.

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Key Takeaways:
Intro (00:00)
Xavier Lorphelin’s background and education (02:52)
Silicon Valley experience (12:24)
Transition back to France and career development (19:02)
Founding Serena (25:48)
Serena’s mission, investment focus & theory of change (33:11)
Serena’s investment process (42:34)
Conducting pre- and post-investment ESG assessments (59:11)
Serena Squad and operating framework (01:15:38)
Opportunities in Measure, Report, Verification (MRV) solutions (01:20:32)
Rapid fire questions (01:28:14)
Contact info (01:32:52)

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Additional Resources:

Xavier Lorphelin LinkedIn
Xavier Lorphelin's e-mail: xavier@serena.vc

Serena Website
Serena LinkedIn

VC Funding Trends in Nature Tech
Terrahui Foundation
Climate Fresk