A generation of climate tech was built on assumptions that no longer hold up. AI primitives and cutting-edge models are commoditizing software, creating new questions around the future of climate software.
We sit down with an investor and founder to unpack what the Saaspocalypse means for climate tech.
Geordan Hankinson is a Partner at Renewal Funds, a Vancouver-based impact VC with a track record of climate software exits including Opus One Solutions (acquired by ABB). Mike Hejmej is the CEO of Senpilot, an AI-native platform for electric utilities.
Geordan has backed and exited climate startups under the old software playbook, while Mike is building squarely inside the new one, betting that regulated, high-stakes deployment environments create a moat that a model alone can't replicate.
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TALKING POINTS
What the "SaaSpocalypse" actually means for climate software
Why the old software playbook is hitting a ceiling
Stress testing the idea that anyone can build production-ready software in hours or days
How utility buyers are actually evaluating build-vs-buy right now
Where moats still hold: physical infrastructure, regulated trust, and proprietary context
A speculative new playbook for climate software founders building today
RESOURCES
Find Geordan Hankinson and Mike Hejmej on LinkedIn
Renewal Funds recent investments: SuperCircle, Rodatherm