Microsoft’s Former Sustainability Chief Explains Why Private Equity Can Help Win the Race Against Climate Change: Q&A
Lucas Joppa is joining Vista Equity Partners Co-Founder Brian Sheth’s new PE Fund
Microsoft Corp.’s former chief environmental officer, Lucas Joppa, was one of the architects of the software giant’s plan to remove more carbon than it emits by 2030 and set up a $1 billion climate investment fund to back emerging carbon-removal technologies. Brian Sheth, co-founder of Vista Equity Partners, has taken notice.
Sheth has tapped Joppa, 40, to serve as chief sustainability officer and sit on the investment committee at his new private equity firm, Haveli Investments, and given him a remit to help companies set meaningful sustainability goals. Haveli’s first fund will focus on gaming and is targeting a $750 million size, according to a person familiar with the company’s plans who asked not to be named discussing private financial details. The company expects to expand into other areas in the tech industry in the future, the person said. Bloomberg Green spoke with Joppa about his new role.