Buoyant Ventures Announces Promotions of Key Team Members to Partner Status

Buoyant Ventures Announces Key Promotions

In an exciting development for the venture capital landscape focusing on climate change solutions, Buoyant Ventures has promoted two of its principal investors, Laura Katzman and Alex Behar, to Partner. This significant move reflects their valuable contributions to the firm's investment strategy and growth.

Impact of Promotions

Laura and Alex's promotions recognize their dedication and effectiveness in sourcing and evaluating new investments, as well as supporting the firm's extensive portfolio. Their experience and insights are considered instrumental in furthering Buoyant Ventures' mission, which is centered on supporting entrepreneurs tackling critical climate challenges through innovative digital solutions.

Amy Francetic, the managing general partner of Buoyant Ventures, expressed great enthusiasm regarding this advancement, stating, "Laura and Alex have been integral to Buoyant's growth and impact. Their sector expertise, strategic insight, and tireless work on behalf of our portfolio companies have strengthened our ability to support exceptional entrepreneurs who are advancing solutions to some of the world's gravest problems. I am thrilled to support their professional development and view them as partners in the truest sense of the word."

Meeting Climate Challenges Head-On

Buoyant Ventures is committed to investing in startups that leverage effective software and hardware technologies to achieve decarbonization and enhance climate resilience. Their focus includes vertical AI solutions that generate business value across critical sectors like energy, mobility, the built environment, food and agriculture, and various industrial categories. The elevation of Katzman and Behar to Partner is a strategic move that positions Buoyant Ventures for ongoing success in their mission to combat climate change, especially as private capital becomes increasingly essential for tackling this urgent crisis.

Background and Expertise

Laura Katzman joined Buoyant Ventures in 2021 while simultaneously pursuing her MBA and MS in Sustainability degrees from the University of Michigan. Before joining, she co-founded Michigan Climate Venture, a pioneering fund aimed at early-stage Climate Tech companies aimed at rapid decarbonization. Laura is a licensed CPA with experience in the investment management sector, working with Deloitte and Ares Management with a focus on valuation and revenue accounting. Currently, she holds board positions in several portfolio companies, including Audette, Beni, Gravity, and Shifted Energy.

On the other hand, Alex Behar joined the firm in 2024 following four successful years as a vice president at Cultivian Sandbox, which specializes in early-stage ventures within the food and agriculture sectors. His professional background also includes a managerial role at Deloitte, focusing on corporate innovation across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and water. With an MA in Economics from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from INSEAD—where he was honored with the Syngenta Scholarship for Emerging Country Leadership—Alex brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He also serves on the boards of several Buoyant portfolio companies, including ElectroTempo, HData, ReelData, and Sunairio.

About Buoyant Ventures

Founded and headquartered in Chicago, Buoyant Ventures is a leading venture capital firm aimed at developing digital solutions to combat climate change. They invest in capital-efficient and scalable technologies that offer tangible business value while partnering with entrepreneurs who strive to create innovative tools targeting decarbonization. For additional information about Buoyant Ventures, visit their official website at www.buoyant.vc.

These strategic advancements within the firm mark a promising future for Buoyant Ventures and its continued fight against climate change through effective digital solutions.