As a mentor for Cleantech Open (CTO) (and with a team now heading into the finals at VERGE 2024), I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about the value of conferences like VERGE. New founders shouldn’t discount gatherings like this; they are high-stakes opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
When I attended my first VERGE conference in 2023, I wasn't fully immersed in the climate tech world. This was before I started mentoring for CTO or finding the team that’s helped me launch Eristem. While I walked through the startup expo, visiting every table and booth multiple times, one thing became strikingly clear: a lot of founders weren’t taking advantage of the incredible opportunities right in front of them.
Most founders were heads-down, glued to their computers or speaking amongst themselves. They kept missing the chance to engage with potential clients, partners, and investors who were passing by. One interaction really stood out: a woman working on a heat pump and solar energy program designed specifically for schools was personable, outgoing, and made a real connection. But that level of engagement was rare.
Why conferences like VERGE are so important
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and startups in this space are working on solutions that have the potential to change the world. Unfortunately, not everyone is on board with that yet.
For climate tech founders, conferences like VERGE are a golden opportunity. Conferences bring together a unique blend of investors, potential clients, strategic partners, and industry leaders — people who already understand the premise of a climate-focused organization, and could become pivotal in a startup’s journey.
The question is: How do you make the most of it?
Here are three steps to get you prepared so you can take full advantage of the next big event.
1. Decide on a goal
Before stepping foot into any conference, be clear about what you’re aiming to achieve. Are you there to find investors? Potential clients? Or are you seeking strategic partners to help grow your venture? Having clarity about your objectives will help you stay focused and make the best use of your time.
For example, if your goal is to meet investors, you might want to prepare a pitch that speaks directly to your long-term vision and scalability. If your focus is on clients, you’ll need to zero in on the immediate business your product or service provides.
The clearer you are about your goals, the more targeted and effective your conversations can be.
2. Prepare based on your goal
Once you know your objective, tailor your preparation accordingly. This includes everything from your pitch to the materials you bring.
- Investors: Focus on building a compelling pitch deck that outlines your business model, traction, and financials. Be ready to talk about your market, how you plan to scale, and your exit strategy.
- Clients: Have demos, case studies, or brochures that showcase the direct benefits of your product or service.
- Partners: Think about how your solution fits into a broader ecosystem and be ready to discuss mutual benefits.
Research attendees in advance, figure out who you need to meet, and reach out beforehand if possible. Trellis, the grounp behind VERGE and BLOOM, uses Whova for their conference management. Set up your profile early because Whova lets you not only see schedules of events, but see who is attending, start conversations, and make connections before you even arrive at the conference center.
Conferences are intense, and having a plan will help you conserve energy and set you apart from those who just show up without a strategy.
3. Engage actively at the conference
This may sound obvious, but at my first VERGE conference, I saw firsthand how easy it is for founders to get caught up in their own worlds and miss out on the larger networking opportunities around them.
At the conference:
- Be present: Resist the temptation to sit behind your laptop or stick to familiar faces. Stand at your booth, make eye contact, and start conversations.
- Have talking points ready: Whether it’s a 30-second elevator pitch or a more in-depth explanation of your product, know how to speak about your business confidently and concisely.
- Carry business cards or digital alternatives: Make it easy for people to stay in touch. I favor Blinq, but there are a lot of options. You should, at the very least, know how to use LinkedIn’s QR code.
- Follow-up is key: The conversation shouldn’t end at the conference. Make notes about the people you meet and be proactive in reaching out afterward. A simple email thanking someone for their time can go a long way in nurturing a future relationship.
Eristem is here to empower climate founders
At Eristem, we’re passionate about helping early-stage climate founders unlock their full potential. We understand the unique challenges you face, from preparing for events like VERGE to building long-term strategies for growth and impact. If you’ll be at VERGE, find me on Whova and say hello. If you won’t make it to San Jose, drop my team a line using our contact form. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
