Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Wolters.
Hi Tim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve started 3 SaaS software companies in the last 20 years. These have been in a variety of areas but have all used some form of machine learning to optimize a part of a business. The last one of these, RoundPegg, we took through Techstars in 2010. After selling RoundPegg in 2016 I went to work for local software platform company, Gloo, up in Boulder. After a few years at Gloo I was ready to start something new and wanted to engage in something that could make a difference around climate change. I started a non-profit with a group of fellow entrepreneurs almost a year ago now called 1000 Gretas (1000Gretas.org). 1000 Gretas is filling the gap of funding and supporting very early stage entrepreneurs and innovators working in the climate and climate tech spaces. We started building relationships with various incubators and MBA programs to source innovators and have found large numbers of individuals or companies that can use a hand. This is a big opportunity and to pursue it adequately we needed some way to organize and sift through the amazing people and plans out there. So, I started a platform company called Crowd-Solve. Crowd-Solve is intended to be a collision point between innovators, mentors/experts, and funding sources.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a non-profit for the first time has been a whole new world of challenges, from filing to get non-profit status, to funding, to organizing and operations, it has been a learning experience. We’re still learning and growing and starting to gain some momentum going into year two.
We’ve been impressed with 1000 Gretas, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am super proud of the work we’ve done at 1000 Gretas. We are at perhaps one of the most crucial inflection points in human history. There are already devastating effects of climate change and these are only going to get much much worse, and they will impact poorer populations and countries more substantially than wealthier countries. 1000 Gretas takes the optimistic stance that we will be able to mitigate the overall damage by pulling together and finding equitable solutions for reducing the effects of climate change and helping the most impacted areas adapt. We have to all do this together. And, 1000 Gretas is doing its part and hoping to scale up. We would like to be in the position to give out $10M a year within 10 years. We provide not only funding but mentorship and open up our network to those who receive grants as well. The granting strategy is a progressive one, so once you get the entry level grant, you are automatically considered for the next level grant and so on. We want to be a two-way feeder to/from incubators so as we are able to help our grantees along, they potentially graduate into an incubator where they can take the next step of their journey.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think Climate Tech and solutions for Climate Adaptation are going to explode over the next 5-10 years. There are going to be so many opportunities created with all of the new economic growth around making all industries closed loop and getting to a negative carbon footprint. You can see money spigots getting turned up from industry, NGOs, venture funds, and governments. It is really exciting to see.
I’ve also been given a fellowship from OnDeck with their Climate Tech cohort. So many great people participating in that fellowship. It’s inspiring.
Contact Info:
- Email: tim@1000gretas.org
- Website: 1000gretas.org
- Instagram: 1000gretas
- Twitter: 1000gretas
