The value of water to water security is $4 trillion today and is likely to triple in the next 10 years. [Source: Global Water Intelligence] To put that $12 trillion into perspective, it is higher than the GDP of every other country other than the US and China. Meet Peter Yolles, General Partner at Echo River Capital, a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic investor in early-stage water technology companies. Peter founded WaterSmart Software (acquired by Vertex One), serving 200 water utility customers and reaching over 20 million people. With a joint MBA and MES from Yale and a BA from the University of Colorado, he authored the CREO Syndicate report on water impact investment. Peter continues to advise founders with his deep domain and operational expertise. In Episode 074 of CLIMB by VSC, Peter and host Jay Kapoor analyze the water value chain, the three Ds VCs need to know when investing in water technology, carbon capture, portfolio companies & more. Connect with us on LinkedIn: 1. Peter Yolles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolles/ 2. Jay Kapoor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykapoor/

00:00:00 Trailer 00:00:51 Introduction 00:03:23 How your daily water use impacts the global economy 00:08:57 The true cost of water mismanagement 00:10:29 You're paying 400x more for dangerous water 00:15:18 Methane: A hidden climate threat 00:18:32 Why are nature-based solutions slower in decarbonization 00:23:19 Experience vs Mindset: What makes a successful founder? 00:25:15 What signals a growth mindset in founders? 00:26:47 How do you evaluate a founder’s grit? 00:32:09 Can investors save tribal water rights? 00:35:17 Why curiosity beats fear in business 00:37:39 Recruitment mistakes are costing startups