Anders Will Specialize in Energy Technology — Hiring Confirms Commitment of Seed and Early Stage VC firm to Energy Market
OAKLAND, CA (May 8, 2012) — Underscoring its ongoing commitment to energy technology investing, Claremont Creek Ventures today announced the hiring of Hanns Anders as a new associate in the firm's energy technology practice.
Anders, 30, will draw upon his experience in the alternative energy and environmental services industries to evaluate investment opportunities that lie at the intersection of energy and information technology. Previously, Anders was a project manager with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), where he coordinated the integration of the utility's grid-scale battery storage systems. Prior to PG&E, he spent time with Huron River Ventures while earning his Master of Business Administration and Master of Science from the University of Michigan's Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise. He also served as a cleantech Fellow on the Frankel Commercialization Fund and as a summer analyst with the Organic Growth Group at Waste Management. He began his career in private equity in 2005 with Calim Private Equity.
“Anders is an excellent addition to Claremont Creek Ventures,” said Paul Straub, a Claremont Creek director and energy technology investor. “Hanns' blend of investment and project management experience makes him a perfect fit,” Straub said. “Anders understands early-stage investing, and is familiar with the markets we are valuing.” In addition to his MBA and MS in sustainable systems from the University of Michigan, Anders holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest University.
The Changing Landscape of Energy Technology
Claremont Creek is hiring Anders and expanding its energy team at a time when information technology and service-based business models are driving growth in the sector. “entrepreneurs are finding ways to rapidly innovate and scale technologies in areas like demand-side management, analytics, and energy finance and services,” said Paul Straub. According to Straub, “We are excited about the growth prospects of our energy technology portfolio and continue to identify compelling investment opportunities across the sector.” As evidence, Straub cites Pike Research, which estimates the demand for energy efficiency building solutions to grow by 50 percent over the next five years, to $103.5 billion. “Additionally as solar module pricing plummets, enormous opportunities are being created downstream for those companies installing, financing and providing the balance of systems,” Straub added. GTM Research estimates installed U.S. photovoltaic capacity is expected to grow from 965 megawatts in 2010 to 3,175 megawatts by the end of 2012. “Such trends promise to disrupt the current energy landscape,” Straub added. “Claremont Creek Ventures is thrilled our companies are leading the charge,” said Straub.