349 | Investing in Climate, Health and Equity Tech Startups with Dan Barker

Dan Barker is the President and CEO of Halcyon, an incubator and investor in early-stage, impact-driven startups from around the globe. Dan joined Halcyon from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth where he was vice president focused on supporting cutting-edge research on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. Prior to Mastercard, Dan was vice president for social impact at BlackRock.

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:


Interview Transcript with Dan Barker, CEO of Halcyon House

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Key topics Covered in interview with Dan Barker, CEO Of Halcyon house

Guest Introduction: Dan Barker

  1. Position: President and CEO of Halcyon.

  2. Background: Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, BlackRock.

  3. Initial career: International relations with a focus on diplomatic career.

  4. Parental influence: Social workers, pivot toward social impact.

  5. Private sector focus: Exploring scalable and sustainable models for impact.

Dan Barker's Insights

  1. Challenges and Strategies

    1. Selecting and accelerating impactful startups.

  2. Trussell Labs Case Study

    1. Translating handwritten texts to voice for the blind.

    2. Initial focus: Indian languages, expanding to multiple languages.

    3. Strategic growth without immediate equity fundraising.

    4. Successful investment on Shark Tank India.

Halcyon's Unique Model

  1. Physical Space

    1. Location: Georgetown, Washington, DC - historic property.

  2. Co-founders

    1. Dr. Sachiko Kuno and Kate Goodall.

    2. Space for developing impactful ideas.

Program Overview

  1. Traditional workshops and peer-based learning.

  2. Providing practical business skills.

  3. Understanding capital and engaging investors.

  4. Intensive programs: 8-week residential, 6-month hybrid.

Halcyon Incubator Overview

  1. 10-year milestone: Supporting 500 companies.

  2. Focus on innovation, scalability, impact, and team strength.

  3. Emphasis on businesses with embedded impact.

Halcyon Residency Program

  1. Hosting founders for 1-8 weeks.

  2. Resources: Funding, technical assistance, mentorship, supportive community.

  3. Importance of in-person connections.

Halcyon’s Focus Areas

  1. Transition from wide-ranging disciplines to specific focus on health, climate, and equity tech.

  2. Organizing programs around these critical areas and specific geographies.

Program Formats

  1. Residency formats

    1. 8-week residencies.

    2. Shorter one-week intensive sessions with virtual follow-ups.

  2. Example programs: Climate innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, initiatives in Greater Washington.

Program Goals

  1. Investment readiness, product market fit, leadership development.

  2. Learning about funding options and leadership transition.

Learning Process at Halcyon

  1. Practical guidance on scaling teams and companies.

  2. Comprehensive training in investment, market strategies, leadership skills.

Investment Drop in 2024

  1. 30% drop in VC and angels investment from 2023 to 2024.

  2. Impact primarily on people of color and women founders.

Shift to Sustainable Models

  1. Emphasis: Early-stage revenue and profitability.

  2. Focus: Investment readiness beyond venture capital.

  3. Alternatives: Non-dilutive tools, small business lending, innovation grants.

  4. Resilience: Founders embracing fundamental business practices.

Advice to Founders

  1. Understanding and solving customer problems.

  2. Aligning with mission-driven investors.

  3. Importance of "who" and "why" in business decisions.

Peer Case Consultations

  1. Founders sharing issues with peers.

  2. Receiving feedback and strategies based on others' experiences.

Community and Networking

  1. Network of over 500 alumni for support growth.

Leadership Coaching

  1. Pairing with leadership coaches addressing challenges and self-care.

Energy Management

  1. Importance of balancing work pace to avoid burnout.

Pro Bono Support

  1. Partnerships with Deloitte, legal firms, AWS for consulting services.

Leadership Coaching Insight

  1. Sustainable pacing for founders.

  2. Comparison with ultra-marathon runners.

Upcoming Content

  1. Interest in Halcyon's success stories and future directions.

Paul Zelizer