Chris Brown

Principal

2017 - Current

Sustainable Growth Management (SGM) provides growth capital in the form of Convertible Loan Notes (CLN) to support expansion of companies that are addressing pressing global challenges in the energy generation, water, waste management, recycling, waste clean-up and efficiency industries. The investment philosophy identifies companies which have the greatest chance of impact, and hence returns while maintaining environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues coupled with sustainability as a key focal point.

Board Observer

2021

CleanBay is a developer of large-scale bio-refineries designed to convert poultry litter into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and organic fertilizer. Simultaneously, the company is focused on the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) credits for liquidation in global carbon markets.

Board Member

2020 - 2021

Skipcart is an on-demand fleet of drivers providing same day and on-demand delivery for retailers, restaurants and grocers nationwide.

Board Member

2018 - 2020

Solar and energy efficiency installer and financing for low to middle income households. PosiGen enables families to take control of their energy costs and improve their financial freedom.

Board Member

2018 - 2020

AeroSafe Global provides the most reliable, simple and sustainable temperature sensitive supply chain solutions to the world’s leading biopharma companies. With proprietary packaging, logistics and operational services, AeroSafe builds customized solutions that ensure the safe delivery of temperature sensitive biopharmaceuticals.

Board Member

2013 - 2016

Principal

2010 - 2015

Investment professional focusing on opportunities in cleantech and resource management. Performed a broad range of tasks ranging across technology assessment, deal sourcing and portfolio company oversight. Formerly a board member of Ener-Core (OTCBb:ENCR). Performed due diligence on potential new investments, focusing on market opportunity, technology capability, and management aptitude. Analyzed market size, industry growth trends, competitive dynamics, business models, etc. Interviewed management and technologists and made on-site visits to evaluate operations. Screened new technologies for economic viability and the ability to scale from demonstration to production and made recommendations to the investment committee based on technology and market findings. Markets reviewed include solar, wind, energy efficiency, energy storage, smart grid, advanced materials, water purification, agriculture and waste to energy. Performed portfolio exit analysis through development of scenario-based “waterfall” return studies. Utilized results to refine deal terms, pricing and levels of investment participation. Developed go to market strategies for portfolio companies in non-core markets leading to earlier revenue recognition and market acceptance to balance slower adoption cycles in core markets, including a comprehensive market analysis of alternative markets for grid scale storage. Worked closely with portfolio companies including weekly operations reviews, manufacturing scale-up, project status, product development and technology roadmap, sales pipeline development, financing and compensation. Established relationships with program directors at universities and national labs to facilitate inclusion of portfolio companies in government and military led demonstration projects. Extensive knowledge of technologies and markets in grid scale storage, waste heat conversion to electricity, waste to energy, and thermoelectric cooling and heat capture.

Business Development Consultant

2009 - 2009

Business Development and Marketing activities for solar PV company backed by Khosla Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Braemar Energy Ventures, General Catalyst Partners, and Moser Baer. Synthesized technology, business and market understanding to raise equity financing, interfaced with potential customers and partners, and aided in the development of Stion's go-to-market strategy.

CEO / Founder

2005 - 2008

ChromaFix transformed commercially available dyes into premium high performance dyes capable of reducing the cost and environmental impacts (water use, salt use, waste discharge) of the garment dyeing process.

Researcher

2003 - 2008

Scientist for cutting edge RF MEMS switch research at NCSU’s Nanotribology Lab, a recognized leader in the field of atomic scale friction, surface characterization, and MEMS technology. • Developed expertise in RF MEMS switch technology, fabrication, surface materials, modeling, and vacuum environments. Focused on reducing friction to increase switch efficiency and decrease power consumption. • Collaborated with venture start-up wiSpry to characterize switch performance for wireless/cellular applications.