How Catalytic Capital Can Support Innovation in Adaptation

Adaptation finance represents 10% of global climate finance, and only 1% of climate tech VC investments. The need to grow adaptation finance flows is dire, and philanthropy can play a critical role in attracting private capital and ensuring commercial innovation benefits the most vulnerable. Speakers will provide case studies of catalytic investments in adaptation solutions, followed by a Q&A with the room. Eugenia Kargbo will present the work of the City of Freetown, Sierra Leone to protect women from extreme heat at the market, and speak to Climate Resilience for All’s new Africa Heat Strategy, which blends together philanthropic support and market mechanisms. Emilie Mazzacurati will present Tailwind’s catalytic venture investment strategy to support early stage technology innovation for adaptation, featuring 2 impact startups that combat heat and flood. Sanjay Wagle will present CRAFT, Lightsmith’s catalytic PE fund focused on adaptation, and its Technical Assistance facility which supports technology transfers like water air capture from its portfolio companies to developing countries. The panel will be moderated by Maggie Cutts from Vibrant Data Labs, who brings extensive experience working with philanthropies on early stage climate tech investments and a fresh perspective on catalytic flows thanks to VDL’s work on the US Climate Finance Tracker.