Episode 77: A Career Investing and Making an Impact with Mike Winterfield of Active Impact Investments
Synopsis
Episode 77. We’re all driven to have an impact of some sort or another at work. Likewise, when we invest, having an impact is a very nice bonus as well. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Mike Winterfield, founder of Active Impact Investments, Canada’s largest climate tech seed fund.
They discuss Mike's journey from recruitment to founding a clean technology venture capital fund, the types of companies he invests in, and how these companies are addressing climate change while generating financial returns. Mike shares his strategies for evaluating potential investments and the importance of having a high-functioning board.
He also offers career advice for those looking to make an impact and resources for learning more about climate tech.
00:00 Introduction to Lifetime at Work Podcast
00:23 Meet Mike Winterfield: Founder of Active Impact Investments
01:18 Mike's Career Journey and Investment Philosophy
03:43 Building and Supporting Climate Tech Startups
17:34 The Importance of Board Roles and Governance
30:56 Recruiting Top Talent for Startups
35:44 Balancing Social Impact with Financial Returns
37:35 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Final Thoughts
42:21 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected
Background and Key Links
Mike started his career in the world of recruiting, moving up at the firm Randstad until becoming President
Later moved closer to the technology world including at Traction on Demand, a recreation management system using Salesforce
In 2017 Mike founded Active Impact Investments, a climate tech seed fund based in BC
Find Mike on Linked-In