340 | Building a Community of Climate Entrepreneurs in New Mexico with Ward Hendon
Ward Hendon is an investor, teacher and entrepreneur. His career has included a legal practice, starting and exiting a legal tech company, teaching MBA, legal, and incarcerated individuals, and impact investing. He is currently a General partner in Dangerous Ventures, a VC firm that backs companies building a more sustainable and resilient feature. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
New Mexico Leep Program (Sandia and Los Alamos Labs)
Climate Entrepreneurs in New Mexico: Interview Transcript with Ward Hendon
NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer a transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.
You can read the full transcript of this episode here
Key Topics on Building a Community of Climate Entrepreneurs in New Mexico with Ward Hendon
1. Quality of Life in New Mexico
Day-to-day stress of living in cities.
Increased quality of life in New Mexico.
2. State Investment COucil
New Mexico’s first sovereign wealth fund.
Focus on investing federal and state dollars in energy transition, electrification, EVs, and solar power.
Emphasis on "just transition" to a renewable economy.
3. Inclusivity and Fairness
Importance of not leaving behind underserved communities.
Making capitalism more accessible and fair.
Encouraging kindness and paying it forward.
4. Contact Information
Ward Hendon reachable through Dangerous Ventures site and LinkedIn for more information about his work with Dangerous Vendors and State Investment. Council.
5. Podcast Promotion and Audience Engagement
Paul Zelizer’s gratitude for Ward's work.
Invite listeners to share and promote the Awarepreneurs podcast.
Encouragement for climate entrepreneurship in New Mexico.
6. Scientific and Educational Resources
High proportion of PhDs in New Mexico.
Contributions of Sandia Labs and Los Alamos Labs.
Sandia Labs’ LEEP program for tech startups.
Academic partnerships and involvement with institutions like Stanford, UCLA, and UNM Anderson.
7. Dangerous Ventures and Grassroots Approach
Overview of Dangerous Ventures’ 8-month-old grassroots, collaborative approach.
Focus on connecting with ecosystem leaders.
Emphasis on building a community of givers.
8. Renewable Energy Transition in New Mexico
Historical impact of the oil and gas industry.
Need to build new institutions for sustainability.
Tax credits attracting the entertainment industry.
Challenges of finding venture-ready entrepreneurs.
Development of infrastructure and training programs.
9. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Climate Tech
Recruitment of companies and building relationships with entrepreneurs.
Partnerships with state stakeholders and academic institutions.
Aim to be a leader in the climate tech ecosystem.
Raising funds for series A and B investing.
Attraction of other capital allocators.
10. Resources for Climate Entrepreneurs
Encouragement for homegrown climate entrepreneurs.
Importance of forming relationships and attending local events.
Specific climate-related resources and meetups (e.g., Batteries and Beer, New Mexico Startup Forum)., New Mexico Angels, UNM Anderson Business School and more.
11. New Mexico as a Startup Destination
New Mexico's quality of life, natural resources, and cultural diversity as compelling reasons.
Need for a business case for startups considering relocation.
12. Structure and Funding of Dangerous Ventures
Structure mimicking a typical venture capital firm.
Specific focus on climate change solutions.
Diverse energy resources and intellectual property in New Mexico.
Initial funding from the State Investment Council.
Partnership with the New Mexico Finance Authority.
13. Investment in Climate-Focused Ventures
$100,000,000 State of NM investment in climate-focused ventures and underrepresented founders.
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in New Mexico's economy.
Commitment to impactful change.
14. Personal Background of Ward Hendon
Diverse career including legal practice, teaching, and impact investing.
Personal passion for climate preservation.
Influence from upbringing in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Move to New Mexico around 2020.
15. Sustainable Initiatives in New Mexico
Growing interest in New Mexico within the climate ecosystem.
Specific mention of sustainable agriculture initiatives.