Foreword

From Aina Abiodun, President & Executive Director of VertueLab

As I reflect on the past year at VertueLab, I’m filled with pride for the work we’ve done and gratitude for the people, communities, and partners who have been part of this journey. Together, we’ve taken strides toward making the Pacific Northwest a beacon of climate resilience and technological innovation. The research we conducted in 2024 reveals invaluable insights into the challenges our region faces and highlights the powerful solutions that can emerge when communities, entrepreneurs, innovators and funders work in harmony.

The summary below is more than a look back—it’s an opportunity to highlight the vast potential for innovation when we come together. We will integrate these reports and the insights from our community into our strategic planning process to guide VertueLab in addressing key gaps and identifying new opportunities.

We hope it provides meaningful takeaways that will inspire new alliances and creative thinking, particularly in areas where historically underserved communities and innovative entrepreneurs need the most support. By sharing these insights, we invite others to join us in nurturing an ecosystem where people and the planet thrive. Thank you for engaging with this work; together, we’re building a more equitable, sustainable future for all.

Introduction

The Pacific Northwest, with its stunning landscapes and diverse communities, stands at a critical crossroads in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis. As we work together to make this region a leader in transitioning to an equitable climate tech economy, it’s clear that inclusive and innovative solutions are essential. VertueLab’s research this year has highlighted both the promise within the Pacific Northwest’s climate tech ecosystem and the obstacles that must be overcome to unlock its full potential.

The learnings shared here capture essential insights from five foundational reports—three published for our communities and two developed to strengthen our team’s internal knowledge—covering community-driven solutions, entrepreneurial challenges, and collaboration opportunities across rural, urban, and Tribal communities.

Our goal is to continue engaging current and potential partners in the work ahead, particularly those interested in supporting underrepresented founders, enabling community resilience, and amplifying climate-focused innovation. In the sections that follow, you’ll find an in-depth look at some of the themes and findings that have emerged from VertueLab’s 2024 research. From funding gaps and community-led initiatives to Tribal resilience and ecosystem building, these insights offer a roadmap for what’s possible when resources and opportunity meet.

1. Funding and ecosystem gaps

Challenges in capital access and ecosystem gaps

The Pacific Northwest’s climate tech sector has seen significant advancements, yet substantial funding gaps remain, particularly for women and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Research reveals that limited capital access, combined with a lack of climate-specific venture funds, tends to constrain growth opportunities for early-stage companies. While vibrant angel networks such as E8 Angels support local innovation, regional entrepreneurs often face challenges scaling their ideas due to investor hesitancy around high-risk hardware and deep tech,. For VertueLab and its partners, addressing these funding gaps is essential to creating a robust, inclusive climate tech ecosystem.

Strategic recommendations for building resilient funding pipelines

Emerging opportunities to enhance funding support include expanding angel networks, increasing cross-sector collaborations, and developing alternative financing structures[1],[2]. This work emphasizes the role VertueLab plays in bridging systemic gaps and fostering sustainable solutions, particularly by advocating for more venture capital presence in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to climate innovation.

2. Community and entrepreneurship development

Advancing community-driven climate solutions

Community-driven climate solutions represent an important pillar in the Pacific Northwest’s climate transition. Across rural and BIPOC communities, stakeholders are tackling clean energy challenges by deploying projects aimed at resilience and job creation. However, they often lack the technical and planning resources to take full advantage of available funding and implement these projects. VertueLab’s research shows that community climate projects, particularly those that engage local residents in their design and execution, are more effective in achieving lasting impact and equitable benefits[3],[4].

Empowering local communities through partnerships and support

Our findings suggest that partnerships between community organizations, local governments, and nonprofits have been instrumental in making climate technology more accessible. Success stories, such as the Making Energy Work for Rural Oregon project led by Sustainable Northwest, exemplify the power of tailored clean energy systems to meet local needs and emphasize the critical role of capacity-building resources and pre-development support. VertueLab remains committed to working with these groups to empower community stakeholders, thus ensuring that the benefits of climate tech extend across the region[4].

3. PNW Tribal community needs and opportunities

Addressing climate resilience and economic challenges

Tribal communities in the Pacific Northwest face distinct climate threats, including wildfire risks, rising sea levels, and economic impacts on traditional ways of life. VertueLab’s research in this area, conducted in partnership with PICEA, a consulting group that empowers tribal communities and partners to navigate modern challenges while honoring Indigenous culture, highlights opportunities for innovative solutions that respect cultural values and strengthen resilience. Key focus areas include fire management, ocean acidification response, and renewable energy projects. Innovative technology, such as AI-driven fire detection or drones for reforestation, could offer valuable tools in supporting both climate adaptation and economic resilience in these areas.

Building capacity and training for sustainable growth

To fully leverage these innovations, it is crucial to address gaps in capacity, funding accessibility, and technical training among Tribal communities. Through targeted workforce development programs, VertueLab aims to empower Tribal members to participate directly in the climate tech economy. Partnerships with Tribal organizations and culturally aware technological integration are key to respecting Tribal sovereignty and ensuring these solutions are sustainable for the long term[5].

4. Strategic initiatives and ecosystem recommendations

Creating a thriving climate tech ecosystem

The climate tech sector in the Pacific Northwest has tremendous potential, yet gaps in infrastructure, capital, and resources hinder early-stage entrepreneurs, especially those working on hardware solutions. Research emphasizes that regional startups often struggle to find investors who understand the timelines and unique needs of climate technology. Furthermore, expanding climate-specific incubators and accelerators to underserved areas, including rural and Tribal communities, would play a significant role in fostering local innovation.

Leveraging public-private partnerships and collaboration

Public-private partnerships and enhanced collaboration among business support organizations can bridge gaps in resources and foster equitable distribution of opportunities. By amplifying partnership efforts with accelerators, universities, and policy advocates, VertueLab aims to cultivate an ecosystem where climate tech startups can scale sustainably and inclusively[6].

Closing

This summary encapsulates a year of invaluable learning and progress, illustrating both the challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific Northwest in its journey to accelerate an equitable and just climate tech transition in pursuit of a more sustainable future.

We invite you to join us in taking these learnings forward, creating real-world solutions, and strengthening the resilience of our communities. Through partnership and collaboration, we’re not only shaping the Pacific Northwest as a climate technology leader, but also as a model for equity-driven growth. Together, we can build a future that is resilient, inclusive, and impactful.

Footnotes:

[1] VertueLab, Catalyzing Change: Unlocking the Potential of the Pacific Northwest’s Climate Tech Ecosystem (2024)

[2] VertueLab, Under Pressure: The Pacific Northwest’s Climate Tech Ecosystem (2024)

[3] VertueLab, Climate Entrepreneurship & Community Projects Research (2024)

[4] VertueLab, Communities Lead in Building a Sustainable Future (2024)

[5] VertueLab, Opportunities for Climate Tech in PNW Tribal Communities (2024)

[6] VertueLab, Under Pressure: The Pacific Northwest’s Climate Tech Ecosystem (2024)

2024 VertueLab Research in Review