On September 21st, 2022, I had the privilege of leading the team and hosting The Drop, a climate tech conference held in Malmo, Sweden. This event, co-organized by the European climate venture capital fund Pale blue dot, brand studio Revolt, and Skåne Startups, and supported by several European funding bodies, took place in the historic Lokstallarna, a beautifully restored railway workshop.
The essence of The Drop, as I perceived it, was to foster a meeting ground for those at the forefront of combating the climate crisis—founders, investors, and experts alike. With over 500 attendees, including some of the best climate founders, VCs, LPs, tech talent, and scientists, the conference was a rich ground for learning and collaboration.
My Learnings
Key highlights for me included absorbing insights from four enlightening keynotes on climate innovation, engaging in 13-panel discussions addressing critical questions in climate tech, and participating in eight ripple sessions, which were particularly impactful as they were led by leaders within the climate community.
Notable among the speakers was Lisen Schultz from the Stockholm Resilience Centre, who emphasized the importance of corporate leadership in navigating the grand challenges facing humanity. Staffan Qvist's discussion on transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable energy solutions without economic detriment was another standout, underscoring the need for a humanized approach to scientific challenges.
Raffael Jovine's presentation on leveraging natural resources, like hot deserts and oceans, to reduce atmospheric CO2 efficiently struck a chord with me. His innovative solution highlighted the potential of using natural microalgae in coastal deserts for carbon sequestration on a gigaton scale, a testament to the power of additive solutions that do not harm ecosystem services.
The conference also touched on the theme of risk in the pursuit of revolution, particularly in the context of employee activism. The discussion led by Heidi Lindvall, alongside Alex Wright Gladstein and Maren Costa, resonated with me, emphasizing the need for courage in advocating for change within organizations.
The talent market's shift towards climate-focused roles was evident, with many companies looking for impact-driven individuals. This aligns with my observation that possessing unique skills in this evolving sector offers significant leverage, but alignment with climate-positive values remains crucial.
Food by Local Founders
The event's ambiance, enhanced by vegan snacks, fika, and networking opportunities, mirrored its sustainability ethos. Sampling local, sustainable products from Skåne-based startups SimplyNowaste further emphasized the conference's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Dinner hosted by Yalla Trappan, a social enterprise aimed at empowering foreign-born women, was a heartfelt conclusion to the day, embodying the spirit of community and inclusivity.
The Drop Conference 2022 in Malmö.
Resources
Reflecting on The Drop, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this inaugural event. It was not only a learning experience but a reminder of the collective effort required to address the climate crisis.
Many top climate tech investors have participated in the Drop. Below is a list of investors who are happy to share their contact information:
