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Erik Birkerts is the Chief Growth Officer at LanzaJet, based in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Climate Innovations, where he directed early-stage investments into 43 climate technology companies and catalyzed over $500 million in follow-on funding. His more than 25 years of operational and strategy experience include serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Orion Energy Systems, helping guide the clean technology company through its initial public offering. Birkerts holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and previously served as an independent board director for Metrus Energy until its successful acquisition in 2023. His career focuses on scaling early-stage climate and sustainability startups and advancing commercialization strategies within the renewable energy, decarbonization, and sustainable aviation fuel sectors.
Erik Birkerts stands at the forefront of climate innovation as the Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Climate Innovations, formerly known as Clean Energy Trust. In this pivotal role, Erik leads the organization's mission to accelerate the development and deployment of early-stage climate technologies. Evergreen Climate Innovations is a non-profit venture fund and accelerator that provides capital and support to entrepreneurs building solutions for a sustainable future. Under Erik's guidance, the organization has become a critical hub for climate tech startups, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and market readiness.
Erik's investment focus areas at Evergreen Climate Innovations are broad, encompassing a diverse range of sectors crucial for combating climate change. These include renewable energy generation, energy storage, sustainable agriculture, advanced materials, carbon capture and utilization, water technology, and circular economy solutions. He and his team are dedicated to identifying companies with high-growth potential that can deliver significant environmental and economic impact. Their strategic investments aim to de-risk promising technologies and help founders navigate the complex journey from concept to commercialization.
Before leading Evergreen Climate Innovations, Erik Birkerts built a distinguished career with extensive experience in energy, finance, and entrepreneurship. His background includes leadership positions where he honed his expertise in strategic development, operational excellence, and capital deployment within the energy sector. This rich professional history provides him with a deep understanding of the technical, financial, and market dynamics essential for successful climate tech ventures. His ability to connect with founders, investors, and policymakers has been instrumental in expanding Evergreen's reach and impact.
While specific individual investments are often attributed to Evergreen Climate Innovations as an organization, Erik's leadership has been central to the success of numerous portfolio companies. These companies are developing innovative solutions ranging from more efficient battery technologies to sustainable building materials and advanced recycling processes. His strategic vision ensures that Evergreen continues to identify and nurture the next generation of climate leaders, driving forward the transition to a clean energy economy. Erik Birkerts is a key figure in the climate tech ecosystem, committed to empowering entrepreneurs who are building a more sustainable world.
Erik Birkerts is the Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Climate Innovations, a leading organization that invests in and supports early-stage climate technology startups. He is a prominent figure in the climate tech ecosystem, dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation.
Erik Birkerts, through Evergreen Climate Innovations, invests in early-stage climate tech startups. His investment focus areas include renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable agriculture, advanced materials, carbon capture, water technology, and circular economy solutions.
Erik Birkerts works as the Chief Executive Officer at Evergreen Climate Innovations. This organization, formerly known as Clean Energy Trust, is based in Chicago and plays a crucial role in accelerating climate technology innovation.
