How to Avoid the “Valley of Death” in Sustainable Tech Startups

How to Avoid the “Valley of Death” in Sustainable Tech Startups

Author: Paul Ellis September 22, 2025 Duration: 17:35
The “Valley of Death” has become a popular term to describe a challenging period for sustainability focused startups. Bridging this “valley of death” in commercialization of sustainable technologies is a key role today's guest believes her company can play for their clients. Cindy Jia is Head of the Sustainable Solutions Group at ING Capital. Her goals for the ING team include accelerating adoption of sustainable tech and facilitating an easy transition between the different capital pools that are available. Today we're going to discuss the challenges in achieving these goals and how ING has progressed.

Hosted by Paul Ellis, The Sustainable Finance Podcast is a resource for investors and financial advisors looking to move beyond the buzzwords and understand the practical realities of integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into portfolios. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of direct conversations with the people shaping the industry-from asset managers and analysts to corporate leaders and policy experts. Each episode digs into how sustainability metrics are being applied, what constitutes genuine impact versus marketing, and where the real financial opportunities and risks lie. You'll hear detailed discussions on evolving regulations, new investment vehicles, and the tangible data driving decisions. By focusing on these candid interviews with pioneers, the podcast provides a clear-eyed view of a rapidly changing landscape, offering actionable insights for anyone navigating the intersection of capital and responsibility. Tune in for a grounded perspective that equips you to participate in this critical shift within modern finance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Sustainable Finance Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Why University Leadership Is Critical for Solving the Climate Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
On today’s program we talk about how universities are key innovators in solving the climate crisis. At the same time, as we read daily in the news, they’re dealing with tremendous uncertainty. So how is Lisa Sachs, the D…
The Future of Sustainable Investing: What Needs to Happen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
How does an “immigrant kid” become the Founder of a firm that provides sustainable solutions for institutional investors, including ESG market analysis and education, regulatory risk management and investment process des…
Bridging the Missing Middle in Climate Infrastructure Financing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
Low-carbon infrastructure projects that rely on proven technologies are often overlooked as too early-stage or lacking the scale to attract infrastructure investors. My guest today, Joshua Kaufman, CEO and Co-Founder at…