Towards the Green Economy - there is another way

Of course we are all doing our bit to help the environment – cutting back on waste to landfill, recycling what we can, walking and cycling more.  By doing so, we are each taking active steps to reduce our environmental footprint.  Albeit individually small steps, collectively they add up but they can still feel insignificant when faced with the scale of the problem.  For BIG impact we rely on Government and major corporations to be doing “the right things”.  We can of course use our democratic right to vote for individuals and parties which are oriented towards greener policies, and we can invest in corporates which are developing and delivering greener products and services.  But, in each case, our involvement is at best as observers and lobbyists.

​That’s how I was feeling at the start of 2018 when thinking about retiring and casting around for something worthwhile to do.  I had previously invested in angel funds but again aside from parting with some cash, my role was that of an observer.  I wanted more involvement – not to be passive but to be an active contributor.  

That was when I came across the Green Angel Syndicate, and was quickly inducted, attracted by the fact that GAS directs its investments solely into green economy start-ups, but more significantly because the syndicate members are encouraged (if they so wish) to get actively involved in all stages of the investment process, from the initial pitch events, through the pre-investment due-diligence and on into post-deal support of the investee businesses until exit.

This was just the kind of thing I was looking for.  Since joining GAS in July2018, I have been involved in DD of five different green start-ups, three of which have progressed to investment.  The start-ups are each very different but each has allowed me to exercise my 30+ years of business experience as well as learning new things and meeting fantastic new talented individuals.

In short, I have found another way, one which is fascinating and personally motivating, to actively support the drive towards a greener more sustainable economy.

By also joining the Green Angel Syndicate, you too can find there is another way.