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Climate Tech Is Heating Up. Here’s How to Keep Your Messaging Cool.

Climate tech isn’t just having a moment—it’s showing real signs of momentum, even in a shaky market. In 2024, U.S. clean energy and power startups pulled in $7.6B in VC funding—up 15% year-over-year—fueled by demand for energy and policy boosts like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. Seed and Series A deals made up 75% of that activity, signaling a strong pipeline of early innovation. But it’s not all smooth sailing: 57% of climate tech companies say they’ll need to raise within the next year, even as they cut burn. Resilient? Yes. Risk-free? Definitely not.

But here’s the catch: momentum breeds noise. When everyone’s “decarbonizing,” “electrifying,” or “disrupting emissions,” it gets harder to tell who’s actually moving the needle and who’s just riding the wave.

So how do you stand out? BAM partners with climate tech founders to tell stories that resonate across stakeholders—from investors to the press to policy influencers. Here’s what we’ve learned:

It’s not just what you build. It’s what you stand for.

Yes, the tech matters. But values are what stick. Can you articulate why your company exists in a sentence? Are you solving for carbon, equity, or economic opportunity—or all three?

Messaging tip: Strip it back. If you couldn’t mention your product, what story would you still be proud to tell?

Climate is a big tent. Be specific.

Climate tech isn’t a monolith. It spans everything from regenerative agriculture to battery recycling to clean shipping. If your messaging tries to do too much, it ends up saying nothing.

Messaging tip: Define your sub-sector clearly—and why your approach is different. Use plain language. No over confusing jargon.

Your audience is smarter than you think.

Investors don’t just want hype—they want proof points. Journalists want a compelling hook. Customers want transparency. And everyone wants clarity.

Messaging tip: Develop modular messaging. Start with your big “why,” but be ready to go deep with stats, science, and real-world examples.

Doom fatigue is real. Bring the hope.

The headlines are heavy. But climate tech isn’t just about risk—it’s about solutions. Stories that spotlight progress, potential, and people tend to land better than scare tactics.

Messaging tip: Lead with impact. What does a better future look like because of your work?

Tell stories that inspire action, not just awareness.

In climate tech, storytelling isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s mission-critical. Whether you’re navigating a raise, launching a new product, or stepping onto a stage, your message should be clear, compelling, and values-aligned. This Earth Day is a reminder of what’s at stake, but also of what’s possible.

And if you need help crafting a message that cuts through the noise? We know a thing or two.

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