Dayna Grayson
Elemental Excelerator + Earthshot Ventures + Emerson Collective
United States
Overview
Work Experience
Founding Partner
2021 - Current
A venture capital firm backing entrepreneurs making a dent in climate change, launched from Elemental in 2021.
We are a venture fund investing in entrepreneurs solving the toughest climate challenges.
Founder & CEO, Elemental Impact
2017
Elemental Impact is a nonprofit investing platform with 15 years of experience advancing innovative technology that creates lasting economic and climate benefits across communities. Through our platform, we deploy catalytic capital and provide expert services to a portfolio of 160+ companies across energy, agriculture, transportation, industry, and nature-based solutions. Elemental’s work is supported by more than 40 funders who are helping to create jobs and apprenticeships, reduce energy costs, and catalyze additional private capital. Website: elementalimpact.com
Founder, Elemental Excelerator
2009 - 2017
Elemental is a non-profit investor focused on scaling climate solutions and social impact for all communities.
Raised $93,000,000.00 from Office of Naval Research, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, United States Navy and United States Navy.
Board Observer
2024
Senior Advisor, Climate
2016
Emerson Collective strengthens schools, secures rights for immigrants, and restores relationship between humanity and nature.
Board Member and Founder
2010
Founded WiRE: Women in Renewable Energy, a non-profit to convene, empower, and activate women who are working to bring about a sustainable economy powered by clean energy. I served as President of WiRE from 2010-2015, and now serve as a Director Emeritus.
Board Observer
2022 - 2024
Vesta adds a carbon-removing sand made of the natural mineral olivine to eroding coastal systems, providing both climate and community benefit.
Board Observer
2021 - 2022
ZeroAvia develops hydrogen-electric powertrains for zero-emission aviation solutions.
Raised $293,950,000.00 from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Climate Pledge Fund, Summa Equity, NEOM Investment Fund, Horizons Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Scottish National Investment Bank, Airbus, National Wealth Fund and AP Ventures.
Independent Board Director
2021 - 2022
Climate Real Impact Solutions is a well positioned to contribute to an accelerated transition to a clean economy
Chair of HCEI Advisory Board
2015 - 2020
Chaired Advisory Board for the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI). HCEI is a coalition of public and private partners transforming Hawai’i to a 100% clean energy economy.
Senior Consultant
2007 - 2009
Conducted energy modelling, financial analysis, and strategic planning for Booz Allen Hamilton's alternative energy team. Major projects included energy finance, energy system modeling and scenario analysis, utility regulatory design, policy development, and the launching of ARPA-E. As a consultant to US Department of Energy EERE for the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, developed partnership between DOE and the State of Hawaii to flip the state from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy. Hawai’i subsequently became the first state in the nation to adopt a 100% renewable portfolio standard. Responsible for stakeholder engagement, technical and financial analysis, and policy development to support whole-system transformation.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm that specializes in analytics, technology, and engineering.
Raised $2,378,460,000.00.
Education
Bachelor's degree
2002 - 2006
MEM
2006 - 2007