Investing in start-ups that are building a sustainable future in the Northern Netherlands. That's what Kyra Weaver works on every day as Investment Manager in energy and green chemistry. She supports entrepreneurs who are still too early for major financiers, but bursting with potential. A varied job, in which 'the figures' are only part of the story. Curious about what such a working week looks like? Kyra takes you along.
Monday
Yes, I am looking forward to this new week! Monday is all about preparation. I go through the agenda for Thursday and review some investment proposals. In the afternoon, I dive into a new funding application: I investigate whether the business model is really scalable, compare market data and critically examine the justification for their growth figures. Such analyses take time, but ensure that I ask the right questions later.
I'm working from home today, which is convenient because this afternoon my daughter has to play soccer. And yes, it won't be the first time I've taken a phone call along the line! It's nice to have that flexibility.
Tuesday
On Tuesdays, I usually head out to visit companies. This is how I keep abreast of innovations in the region and meet entrepreneurs and researchers. Today I am going to Wetsus in Leeuwarden, the European expertise center for sustainable water technology. Now that I am well informed about the latest developments, I get into the car in high spirits. One more meeting today: the monthly portfolio meeting of Future Tech Ventures. Nice to see how the companies have grown by leaps and bounds in a month.
Wednesday
I go to Future Tech Ventures, one of the two investment funds I currently work for. I arrive a little later than usual because my drain is clogged and someone is coming by to fix it... Luckily my colleagues know about it, it's not a problem. The office is in Innolab Chemistry & Engineering at the Zerniketerrein.
The cool thing about this office? I am surrounded by ambitious start-ups in the energy and chemical sectors, so there is always activity. Lunch and meetings are held on the third floor. Good for my network and for having a good time!
Thursday
Every Thursday morning I have an investor meeting with colleagues from NOM. We discuss the intakes of new companies. In between, I sign up for Slush, the annual start-up event in Helsinki. I get so much energy from the people I meet there and the sessions I attend. The event isn't until November, but I'm already looking forward to it!
This afternoon is NOM's monthly Thursday afternoon drinks party, but today I won't be there. I'm going to Energy Investor Day, where six start-ups will pitch their ideas to investors. Who knows, maybe I'll see a potential innovation tonight that is of interest to NOM!
Friday
Last day of the week, but taking it easy? Not today! The morning begins with a shareholder meeting of a company I invest in. We make strategic decisions, discuss pitch decks and plan next steps. Then I negotiate the terms of an investment with a start-up in the energy sector.
In between business I read a report on the growth of battery storage in Europe, useful for a case coming up next week. Now two more phone calls and then it's time for the weekend! A full day, but an energetic end to the week.