Video: Fireside Chat with Breakthrough Energy

Founded by Bill Gates and backed by many of the world’s top business leaders, BEV has raised more than $2 billion in committed capital to support cutting-edge companies that are leading the world to net-zero emissions. BEV is a purpose-built investment firm that is seeking to invest, launch and scale global companies that will eliminate GHG emissions throughout the economy as soon as possible. BEV seeks true breakthroughs and is committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market and policy expertise.

BEV is a part of Breakthrough Energy, a network of investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy and other activities committed to scaling the technologies we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 
Visit www.breakthroughenergy.org to learn more.

Dr. Eric Toone leads science, technology, and engineering across the entire Breakthrough Energy platform. As CTO at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Eric serves on the Investment Committee and is responsible for the overall technical direction of the organization, with responsibilities ranging from thesis development to technical diligence.  Dr. Toone is responsible for the Fellows Program at Breakthrough Energy and directs technology diligence at Catalyst and other BE components.  Prior to BEV Eric was a member of the faculty of Chemistry at Duke University and is the former Director of DOE’s Advanced Research Program Agency – Energy (ARPA-E). 

Originally trained as a bioorganic/physical organic chemist, Eric has long worked in both exploratory science and the translation of that science to practical implementation. At Duke University he authored nearly 300 original papers and abstracts.  From 2012 – 2016 he served as Vice Provost and Director of Duke’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative. He is also listed as an inventor on over 30 patents and is the founder of three venture backed pharmaceutical companies.  

Founded in 2001, BASF Venture Capital (BVC) invests in Europe, the United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and Israel. BVC aims to catalyze change for BASF and the chemical industry - by investing in young, early-stage start-up companies who develop new technologies and disruptive business models. The focus of our venture investments includes decarbonization, circular economy, agtech, new materials, digitization and new, disruptive business models.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future through innovation, collaboration and technologies throughout the entire value chain. Join us alongside industry leaders to explore sustainability trends, discuss challenges and define long-term solutions to drive business growth. Attend virtually to learn and connect with your peers as we continue our sustainability journey together.