Meet Duncan Grierson, founder of Clim8
I’m Duncan Grierson and I’ve spent the last 20 years working in sustainability. My passion has revolved around tackling climate change in different ways, having built and invested into a range of companies that are positively impacting our environment in sectors such as biofuels, plastics recycling, solar batteries and wind turbine composites. A couple of years ago, I had the idea for Clim8, and we have been head down since building the platform.
On a more personal note, I have two children, aged 5 and 9. Like every parent, I want to leave a better future for them.
What’s the most common problem your customers approach you with?
Climate change is reaching a point of no return according to the United Nations. We need to invest $2.4 trillion dollars, every year, into clean energy to avoid catastrophic damage.
Historically, people have associated sustainable investing with a lower rate of return. However, we believe the opposite is true. Those companies working to avert climate disaster, with sustainable products, are now seeing tremendous interest.
The threat of climate change requires realigning investment profiles toward sustainability. Sustainable investments have been performing well for the last few years and we see that trend continuing for many years to come. People are increasingly moving their investments away from polluting industries and into genuinely green companies.
What inspired you to launch your business and what is the end goal?
A couple of years ago, I had the idea for Clim8, and we have been head down since building the platform. We’ve built a fantastic team of 22 professionals and we are currently rolling out the beta version of the app to our community of almost 15,000.
Clim8 Invest is the first digital investment platform for people looking for a simple way to invest in their future and the future of the planet. It is the only investment platform to exclusively select companies and funds that are focused on tackling the climate crisis and bringing about positive change. Sectors we invest in include clean energy, clean technology, sustainable food, electric mobility and recycling.
We aim to build our community to millions of people who are making an impact on climate change with their savings.
What plans do you have for Clim8 over the next two years?
In the short term, our goal for our investment platform Clim8 Invest is to offer consumers an easy way to invest in companies that are making an impact on climate change.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as an entrepreneur?
My biggest lesson for sure is that your team is everything. Do not hire B players since they will hire C players. Do not settle and find the best people you can - you must hire A players since they will also recruit A players.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual to get your day started on the right foot?
Hugging my kids and a good cup of coffee are the best ways to start the day! If I am not dropping the kids at school, I try to squeeze in a morning run which is a great time to think or to listen to a podcast.
How important is company culture and what is your top tip to get it right?
Company culture is a top priority. A company is nothing without the right people on board. The top tip is to hire the best people you can but also who care about your mission. “Mission-driven” is a cliche but it matters.
What’s the most important question entrepreneurs should be asking themselves?
The key question is, will you leap out of bed in the morning and be excited about building this business for the next 10 years. If not, go do something else. Building a startup is incredibly difficult and unless you are driven and excited, you will fail.
