The Energy Gang: Why a Successful Cleantech Venture Capitalist Tripled Down on the Sector [PODCAST]

Nancy Pfund, the founder of DBL Investors, has supported some of the most successful modern clean energy companies, including Tesla, SolarCity, PowerLight and BrightSource.

And unlike many other venture capital firms, DBL isn’t backing down from some of the riskier, more capital-intensive investments. Other portfolio investments include CIGS manufacturer Siva Power, and storage companies Primus Power and PowerGenix. The firm is now in the process of raising a third fund worth $300 million.

In this podcast, we’ll talk with Pfund about what she looks for in company strategies, why Tesla and SolarCity have been so successful, and how she’s trying to bust political myths about cleantech.

Later in the show, we’ll debate a controversial new working study from Georgetown University economist Arik Levinson that concludes California’s energy-efficiency policies did little to lower the state’s energy use. We discuss that study, the counterarguments from efficiency advocates, and Levinson’s appearance on the podcast Freakonomics.

Finally, we’ll look at what’s behind SunEdison’s acquisition of Solar Grid Storage.

This podcast is sponsored by Kaco New Energy, a leading manufacturer of solar PV inverters for every size and module type.

The Energy Gang is produced by Greentechmedia.com. The show features weekly discussions between energy futurist Jigar Shah, energy policy expert Katherine Hamilton and Greentech Media Editor Stephen Lacey.

Greentech Media (GTM) produces industry-leading news, research, and conferences in the business-to-business greentech market. Our coverage areas include solar, smart grid, energy efficiency, wind, and other non-incumbent energy markets. For more information, visit: greentechmedia.com , follow us on twitter: @greentechmedia, or like us on Facebook: facebook.com/greentechmedia.