During the pandemic, many in the tech community and beyond have asked themselves a simple question: What should I do next?
The question has sparked a wave of resignations, a jump in entrepreneurs, and career changes for many. But for Bijan Sabet — cofounder of Boston VC firm Spark Capital and an early backer of Twitter and Tumblr — it forced him to rethink a question that’s always driven him: If he wasn’t a venture capitalist, where would he work?
As he mulled it over during the past two years, the answer became apparent for him: climate technology.
In a recent phone call, I caught up with Sabet to learn more about his shift, and how, among successful venture capitalists, he’s not alone in wanting to solve climate problems.
Sabet said multiple factors went into his decision. Over the past year, a growing number of climate technology firms and funds came to him looking for investment, allowing him to analyze the strengths of the sector. Additionally, he saw the “best and brightest” founders flocking to climate tech. And on a personal level, the existential challenge of slowing the planet’s warming compelled him to contribute.
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