David has been a prominent investor in venture and growth equity for 25 years and has founded and led multiple firms investing over $1 billion in energy and clean technology.

Prior to co-founding Activate, David was the founder and Managing Partner of Element Partners, an $860 million series of funds dedicated to a broad range of investments in clean technology. From 1996 to 2005, David was also a Co-Founder and Managing Director of EnerTech Capital, one of the first venture capital firms formed to invest specifically in the deregulation and transition of the global electric markets. From 1991 to 1996 David served as President and CEO of Deven Resources, Inc., a private equity firm dedicated to the acquisition and development of energy properties; and from 1984 to 1991, David was a partner with CMS Companies, a Philadelphia-based investment and financial services firm.

David has also been an active participant helping to shape federal policy for the venture capital and growth equity industry. As a board member of the National Venture Capital Association for four years, David chaired the NVCA Energy & Cleantech Committee and worked with policymakers to promote capital formation for technology companies focused on US energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. In addition, as the 2014-15 Chair of the NVCA Growth Equity Group, David worked with industry participants, research firms and policymakers to establish and benchmark Growth Equity as a distinct asset class within private equity.

David holds a BA in Geology (with honors) from Colgate University, an MS in Energy Management and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania and is active in addressing the Philadelphia public schools’ crisis as an executive committee board member with City Year of Philadelphia.

Eric is a Principal at Activate, where he focuses on deal sourcing, due diligence, execution and supporting portfolio companies post-investment. He is a Board Observer at portfolio companies Voltus, Omnidian, PosiGen, Fictiv, Parsable and Element Analytics.

Prior to joining Activate, Eric was an Associate at ValueAct Capital, an activist hedge fund, where he covered investment ideas spanning several sectors including energy and industrials. Eric began his career as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in their Silicon Valley office.

Eric holds a degree in Chemistry from Yale University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated as a Palmer Scholar. In his free time, Eric enjoys the combination of fresh air and healthy middle-aged competition by playing soccer and golfing during the summer and skiing in the winter.

Caroline is a Senior Associate at Activate, where she supports all parts of the investment process.

Prior to joining Activate, Caroline was an investment banker at Nomura Greentech, where she provided M&A and capital raise advisory for companies focused on accelerating the sustainable transition. She has experience working with both early growth stage and public companies across the advanced transportation, energy technology, and environmental services sectors.

Caroline holds a degree in Finance with minors in History and Spanish, with honors, from The Ohio State University. She was a recipient of the Pace Setters Award, given to the top 1% of students in the business school on the basis of academics and leadership. In her free time, Caroline enjoys running, traveling/backpacking, cycling, live music and exploring new coffee shops/cocktail bars in San Francisco.