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
Position: President and CEO of Halcyon.
Background: Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, BlackRock.
Initial career: International relations with a focus on diplomatic career.
Parental influence: Social workers, pivot toward social impact.
Private sector focus: Exploring scalable and sustainable models for impact.
Dan Barker's Insights
Challenges and Strategies
Selecting and accelerating impactful startups.
Trussell Labs Case Study
Translating handwritten texts to voice for the blind.
Initial focus: Indian languages, expanding to multiple languages.
Strategic growth without immediate equity fundraising.
Successful investment on Shark Tank India.
Halcyon's Unique Model
Physical Space
Location: Georgetown, Washington, DC - historic property.
Co-founders
Dr. Sachiko Kuno and Kate Goodall.
Space for developing impactful ideas.
Program Overview
Traditional workshops and peer-based learning.
Providing practical business skills.
Understanding capital and engaging investors.
Intensive programs: 8-week residential, 6-month hybrid.
Halcyon Incubator Overview
10-year milestone: Supporting 500 companies.
Focus on innovation, scalability, impact, and team strength.
Emphasis on businesses with embedded impact.
Halcyon Residency Program
Hosting founders for 1-8 weeks.
Resources: Funding, technical assistance, mentorship, supportive community.
Importance of in-person connections.
Halcyon’s Focus Areas
Transition from wide-ranging disciplines to specific focus on health, climate, and equity tech.
Organizing programs around these critical areas and specific geographies.
Program Formats
Residency formats
8-week residencies.
Shorter one-week intensive sessions with virtual follow-ups.
Example programs: Climate innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, initiatives in Greater Washington.
Program Goals
Investment readiness, product market fit, leadership development.
Learning about funding options and leadership transition.
Learning Process at Halcyon
Practical guidance on scaling teams and companies.
Comprehensive training in investment, market strategies, leadership skills.
Investment Drop in 2024
30% drop in VC and angels investment from 2023 to 2024.
Impact primarily on people of color and women founders.
Shift to Sustainable Models
Emphasis: Early-stage revenue and profitability.
Focus: Investment readiness beyond venture capital.
Alternatives: Non-dilutive tools, small business lending, innovation grants.
Resilience: Founders embracing fundamental business practices.
Advice to Founders
Understanding and solving customer problems.
Aligning with mission-driven investors.
Importance of "who" and "why" in business decisions.
Peer Case Consultations
Founders sharing issues with peers.
Receiving feedback and strategies based on others' experiences.
Community and Networking
Network of over 500 alumni for support growth.
Leadership Coaching
Pairing with leadership coaches addressing challenges and self-care.
Energy Management
Importance of balancing work pace to avoid burnout.
Pro Bono Support
Partnerships with Deloitte, legal firms, AWS for consulting services.
Leadership Coaching Insight
Sustainable pacing for founders.
Comparison with ultra-marathon runners.
Upcoming Content
Interest in Halcyon's success stories and future directions.