CHRIS POIRIER

Chris Poirier serves as a pivotal investor at Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), a fund established by Bill Gates to support the innovations essential for a net-zero future. In his role, Chris is instrumental in sourcing, evaluating, and nurturing companies that are developing transformative solutions to address climate change. His expertise helps guide investments into early-stage and growth-stage companies poised to make a significant impact on global emissions.

Poirier's investment focus at Breakthrough Energy Ventures is strategically aligned with the fund's mission to decarbonize the global economy. He primarily targets opportunities within three critical sectors: electricity, manufacturing, and food & agriculture. In the electricity sector, he seeks out advancements in renewable energy generation, energy storage, grid modernization, and efficient energy use. Within manufacturing, his interests lie in sustainable industrial processes, green materials, and technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of heavy industries. For food & agriculture, Chris supports innovations in sustainable farming practices, alternative proteins, precision agriculture, and solutions that minimize agricultural emissions and enhance food security.

Before joining Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Chris Poirier built a distinguished career with a strong emphasis on sustainable and impact investing. He previously held a significant role at Kleiner Perkins, where he was part of their Green Growth Fund, further solidifying his expertise in clean technology and environmental investments. Prior to that, he honed his financial acumen at Goldman Sachs within their Global Natural Resources Group, gaining valuable experience in energy and natural resource markets. This diverse background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both the financial landscape and the technological challenges inherent in the climate sector.

Chris's educational background further underpins his capabilities, holding an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University. This blend of academic rigor and extensive professional experience positions him as a thoughtful and impactful investor in the climate technology space. While specific individual investments are often part of a broader fund strategy, Chris Poirier's contributions are vital in building BEV's portfolio of companies that are developing everything from advanced battery technologies and sustainable aviation fuels to low-carbon cement and innovative agricultural inputs. His work directly contributes to accelerating the deployment of technologies that will help the world achieve its ambitious climate goals.