Green.org sat down with Lev Seleznov, Investment Banking Associate at ROTH Capital Partners, on the cleantech team, to learn how they are investing in cleantech & renewable energy companies.
Lev, thanks for being here! Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I am an Investment Banking Associate, on the Sustainability / Cleantech Investment Banking team at ROTH Capital Partners. My role is to provide financial and strategic advice to clients, facilitate sustainable finance transactions, and promote sustainable and cleantech finance to create a more sustainable future. Specifically, I work with technologies and business models that improve societies’ utilization of natural resources to support global economic growth, while minimizing environmental impacts. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, listening to 70/80’s classic rock music, and I am a passionate supporter of Chelsea Football Club.
What would you do with $1 Billion dollars?
Relying on my acumen as a finance professional and investment banker, I would direct my attention to establishing an Impact Investment Fund focused on uplifting the importance of predominantly social and environmental results within a generally profit-first framework.
This fund would be a socially responsible investment vehicle focused on driving positive social and environmental change by investing in renewable energy, expanding access to affordable housing, basic infrastructure, healthcare, and education in underserved and unbanked communities. By investing in these critical areas, I would aim to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Why do you think sustainability is such an important topic today?
Sustainability has become a critical topic in today’s world due to the growing awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment, the economic benefits of sustainable practices, the social impacts of unsustainable practices, and the increasing demand for sustainable products and practices from consumers. Therefore, it is essential for individuals, businesses, and governments to work together to implement sustainable practices and create a better future for our planet.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
Over the next 10 years, I envision the finance industry to play a more prominent role in sustainability. The industry will continue to evolve and adapt as investors and consumers become more aware of the impact of their choices on the environment and society. In addition, investment strategies that balance financial returns with socio-economic, environmental, and ecological impact will be more prominent.
Overall, we will see increased focus on ESG investments, the development of green finance and sustainable bonds, more comprehensive sustainability reporting, and adoption of sustainable practices. These changes will lead to a more sustainable finance industry, and investors and consumers will have more opportunities to invest in companies that align with their values.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
The average person can educate themselves to follow sustainable economically sound policies/products in their everyday life and/or elevate themselves to a position of influence on such policies/products development and implementation through activism and a professional career. One does not diminish the other.
