Alpesh Patel OBE is a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University, CEO, and internationally best-selling Financial Times author, widely recognised as a leading authority on investing and entrepreneurship. Through his asset management firm, he invests in renewable energy projects like wind farms and supports climate change solutions. As a UK Government Dealmaker, he helps bring global tech companies, such as those specialising in carbon capture, to the UK. He has advised the Prime Minister on UK-India relations and serves on the Council of Chatham House, the Board of the United Nations Association (UK), and ICICI Bank’s Private Banking Division.
Speaking on what inspired focus on climate-conscious investments, Alpesh said, “Quite simply, it made both moral and financial sense. Early on, I saw the numbers stacking up—sustainable companies weren’t just ethically appealing; they showed strong potential for growth. Climate change isn’t just an environmental threat, it poses serious financial risks as well. By investing in renewable energy and climate-focused businesses, we were not only reducing exposure to those risks but also backing companies built for long-term resilience. The inspiration was clear: aligning profit with purpose wasn’t just idealism—it was sound strategy. Our focus, and full credit to my team, was on wind farms in Eastern Europe and biofuels in India. We’ve since exited those investments, as returns and successful exits remain a key part of any investor’s expectations.”
Giving an example of a tech company he worked with to combat climate change, Alpesh said, “One standout is Carbon Clean Solutions. They’re pioneering industrial carbon capture, helping major industries cut emissions and move toward net zero, affordably and at scale. Their technology is practical, transformative, and poised to make a real global impact. They’re on track to exceed a $1 billion valuation. The credit, once again, goes to the incredible team, this time at the UK Government’s Department for Business, whom I’ve had the privilege to work with.”
On how the intersection of technology, finance, and climate action will evolve, he added, “Over the next decade, these three areas will be inseparable. I recently spoke with HSBC’s climate finance leads, Ajay Yadav and Ramanjeet Arora, and was impressed by the sophisticated metrics they apply to assess climate impact across lending and investment. Expect AI-driven climate risk tools, blockchain for transparent sustainability tracking, and fintech opening green investments to everyday investors. Cross-sector collaboration will accelerate—fuelled by policy, public demand, and investor expectations. The future belongs to companies that fuse innovation with purpose.”
On the barriers to directing large-scale capital toward green solutions, Alpesh said, “The biggest hurdles are uncertainty around returns, perceived risk, lack of incentives, and unclear regulations. We need globally consistent policies and standardised ESG reporting to build investor confidence. Scaling up green bonds and sustainability-linked loans can also unlock capital by offering clearer, more attractive pathways.”
To young entrepreneurs in the climate space, he advised: “You’re entering the right sector at the right time. If funding is a challenge, tap into the growing network of climate-focused incubators and accelerators. Tell your story well—clearly show how your solution addresses urgent climate needs. Engage with policy, even if progress feels slow, and seek partnerships with academia and industry early, they can open doors to funding and influence.”
