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Danny Kennedy is the CEO of New Energy Nexus and an Investor at Powerhouse Ventures, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He previously co-founded the residential solar leasing company Sungevity in 2007, which was later acquired by Sunrun, and spent over a decade as a climate campaigner for Greenpeace. Through his current investment roles, Kennedy oversees a global network supporting thousands of clean energy entrepreneurs and manages a portfolio of over 50 climate tech companies. At Powerhouse Ventures, he recently helped deploy capital from the firm's $100 million third fund in 2024, while also co-hosting the 2022 Audible original podcast "Climate of Change" alongside Cate Blanchett. His professional background remains entirely focused on accelerating innovative early-stage climate tech startups, advancing the global energy transition, and deploying critical impact-driven capital toward worldwide decarbonization efforts.
Danny Kennedy is a highly influential figure in the climate technology investment landscape, recognized for his pioneering work in clean energy and sustainability. As an Investor and Managing Director at Powerhouse Ventures, he plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing innovative startups poised to address the global climate crisis. His strategic vision and deep industry expertise make him a sought-after partner for entrepreneurs developing groundbreaking solutions in the energy transition.
At Powerhouse Ventures, Danny Kennedy leads investments in early-stage climate tech companies. The firm's mandate, under his guidance, spans a broad spectrum of sectors critical to decarbonization, including renewable energy generation, energy storage, grid modernization, sustainable transportation, industrial decarbonization, and circular economy solutions. Kennedy is particularly interested in technologies that offer scalable, impactful pathways to a net-zero future, emphasizing both technological innovation and market viability. He champions companies that are not only environmentally beneficial but also possess strong business models capable of significant growth.
Kennedy's career is marked by a consistent dedication to environmental advocacy and clean energy development. Prior to his work at Powerhouse Ventures, he co-founded Sungevity, a leading residential solar company that played a significant role in making solar energy accessible to homeowners. This entrepreneurial experience provided him with invaluable insights into scaling clean energy businesses. Before Sungevity, Kennedy founded the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF), an organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies through strategic investments and policy advocacy. His early career also includes extensive work as an environmental activist with organizations like Greenpeace, where he spearheaded campaigns for renewable energy and against fossil fuels. This diverse background, spanning activism, entrepreneurship, and non-profit leadership, gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the climate tech sector.
Danny Kennedy's investment philosophy is rooted in the belief that market-driven solutions are essential for tackling climate change effectively. He seeks out founders with bold ideas and the determination to transform industries. While specific investment names are often confidential, his portfolio generally includes companies at the forefront of solar innovation, advanced battery storage, smart grid technologies, and sustainable materials. Through Powerhouse Ventures, Kennedy continues to shape the future of energy and sustainability, empowering a new generation of climate entrepreneurs to build a more resilient and sustainable world. His commitment to fostering a vibrant climate tech ecosystem underscores his enduring impact on the global effort to achieve a sustainable future.
Danny Kennedy is a prominent investor and Managing Director at Powerhouse Ventures, known for his extensive work in climate technology, clean energy, and environmental advocacy. He is a co-founder of Sungevity and founder of the California Clean Energy Fund.
Danny Kennedy primarily invests in early-stage climate tech companies through Powerhouse Ventures. His focus areas include renewable energy, energy storage, grid modernization, sustainable transportation, industrial decarbonization, and other solutions for a net-zero future.
Danny Kennedy works as an Investor and Managing Director at Powerhouse Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in climate technology investments.
