To stave off the worst effects of the climate crisis we must leverage our greatest ally, the ocean. To do so with the speed needed to meet this moment, we need to build companies—with repeatable, scalable business models—that can achieve global impact. This is our collective challenge, and our great opportunity.
Dr. Julie Pullen is an oceanographer and meteorologist focused on climate resilience, earth system prediction, AI, and climate tech. She is currently a founding partner and Chief Scientist at Propeller Ventures, an ocean climate solutions VC fund, and previously served on the leadership team at Jupiter Intelligence, a climate risk analytics startup. Her academic career includes a decade as an ocean engineering professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, a joint appointment with the Department of Energy, and a Fulbright Visiting Professorship in the Philippines. She also has a background as a Navy oceanographer and has held fellowships at Stanford and the Department of Homeland Security.
Dr. Pullen is a member of the U.S. Climate Security Roundtable, served on the National Academy of Sciences committee for the National Climate Assessments, and co-authored a chapter of the New York City Panel on Climate Change report. She has held leadership roles in both the American Meteorological Society and The Oceanography Society. Dr. Pullen holds a Ph.D. in physical oceanography, a master’s degree in applied mathematics, and a bachelor’s degree in physics and math.
This episode will make you want to get up and take action.
Show Notes:
[2:11] - Dr. Pullen began her career as a professor of ocean engineering. She describes the transformative experience that created a shift in her work.
[6:08] - Propeller Ventures was created by a team of colleagues identifying what fell into the areas of climate solutions.
[10:49] - With the scale and scope that is needed to adapt to climate change, there will never be enough money. There have to be ways to expand climate solutions.
[12:47] - Timing really matters. The fund was fortunate enough to grow at a time when people were ready and willing to contribute.
[13:31] - The ocean has buffered us from the full brunt of climate change. Our whole climate rests on the ocean.
[15:37] - Propeller has invested in several companies to date. Dr. Pullen shares how they were able to find the first few companies to invest in and what she is enthusiastic about in the works.
[18:06] - Dr. Pullen describes some of the areas they have been able to shine a light on as opportunities and innovations at Propeller.
[20:21] - The community is leaning into quantifying biodiversity.
[21:37] - AI tools are extremely exciting in meteorology projections.
[24:26] - Propeller invests in companies that are leveraging AI tools in innovative ways.
[25:55] - We are at a point where novel ideas are able to make a big difference and ensure that we are leaving no stone unturned.
[28:19] - As a former educator, Dr. Pullen is able to connect with scientists in a unique way.
[31:23] - How is new technology developed and invested in at Propeller?
[35:47] - Reflecting on her career and the careers of her former students, Dr. Pullen shares some advice for those seeking experience in this industry.
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