From co-founding a leading European drone company to backing groundbreaking climate solutions, Guy Cherni's journey is anything but conventional. In our '9 Questions With' series, he opens up about his mission to reshape our industrial future through Climate First. With a philosopher's mind and an engineer's precision, Guy brings a unique perspective to climate tech investing - one where hardware expertise meets environmental urgency.

Guy Cherni is a prominent figure in the realm of climate technology, currently spearheading impactful investments at Climate First. With a rich background in founding hardware-centric companies and navigating complex supply chains, his expertise uniquely positions him at the intersection of innovation and sustainability.  His commitment to addressing the climate crisis drives his passion for supporting startups that tackle the pressing challenges of decarbonization, reindustrialization, and deglobalization. Having worked across diverse global markets, Guy draws valuable insights from different cultures, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adaptability in developing effective climate solutions. His approach blends rigorous evaluation with a hands-on commitment to nurturing the next generation of climate tech leaders, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to scale their ventures successfully. Guy believes that the future of our planet hinges on the ability to innovate within the realms of technology and business. By fostering partnerships and prioritizing meaningful solutions, he aims to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Read excerpts from the interview below on Guy's unique approach to climate tech investing and his vision for a sustainable future.

Team Reblue: Guy, your journey from co-founding a leading European drone company to investing in climate tech startups at Climate First is fascinating! What inspired you to pivot towards sustainability, and how do you see your past experiences shaping your current mission?

Guy Cherni: I’ve always been drawn to building physical products, blending hardware and science. My background as a founder gave me expertise in hardware supply chains and working with large institutions and governments. Once I discovered the climate sector, I knew it was where I could make the greatest impact. I see strong links between security and climate—our way of life depends on energy, food, and supply chain security. Decarbonization and re-industrialization of the economy is essential for ensuring our survival and that of future generations.

"We're building businesses, not science experiments." [On evaluating climate tech startups]

Team Reblue: When it comes to evaluating climate tech startups, what key factors do you consider essential for investment? How do you identify which companies have the potential to make a real impact on climate change?

Guy Cherni: I seek companies tackling challenges at the intersection of decarbonization, reindustrialization, and deglobalization. I prioritize experienced founders with technology validated at TRL 5 to minimize scientific risk, along with a clear vision for scaling to reduce engineering risk and solid financial insight into unit economics—because we're building businesses, not science experiments. I also engage with corporate partners to understand how the solution addresses their needs and how they can support its scaling.

"Founders must recognize that they are building hardware companies, where manufacturing and supply chains are as critical as technology."

Team Reblue: Climate First takes a hands-on approach to developing the companies you invest in. Can you share how this model works in practice and what unique benefits it brings to the founders and their teams?

Guy Cherni: At Climate First, we believe the most valuable support for founders is expertise in hardware, manufacturing, supply chains, regulation, and financing. We also focus on securing non-dilutive funding and connecting them with corporate partners. Non-dilutive financing is essential for building deep tech companies, while corporate partnerships are crucial for scaling. This forms the core of our thesis for creating great companies.

"Non-dilutive financing is essential for building deep tech companies, while corporate partnerships are crucial for scaling. This forms the core of our thesis for creating great companies."

Team Reblue: With over 30 investments across various sectors, are there specific areas or technologies that particularly excite you in the fight against climate change? How do you see AI and other innovative technologies playing a role in these sectors?

Guy Cherni: I’m particularly passionate about energy transition and energy security. Decarbonizing industries and developing alternative supply chains increasingly rely on AI and software to measure, manage, and optimize these processes.

"A good investor must understand problems, ask the right questions, and explore diverse solutions from around the world that can be adapted to different markets."

Team Reblue: Collaboration is key in your work, whether it’s partnering with founders or engaging with other investors. How do you view the importance of partnerships in your investment strategy, and what do you look for in a co-investor?

Guy Cherni: Collaborating with large corporations from the start is essential to building great companies. Beyond capital, they offer valuable insights into facility operations, supply chain management, product testing, and more. Equally important is fostering collaboration between early-stage and growth-stage funds. Early-stage investors play a critical role in preparing companies for the scaling phase, ensuring they are ready for late-stage investment. I take this responsibility seriously and work closely with our growth-stage partners to align on how we can make these companies investment-ready and scalable.

"I see strong links between security and climate—our way of life depends on energy, food, and supply chain security."

Team Reblue: As a leader in climate tech, what advice would you give to sustainability executives and aspiring founders who want to create impactful, profitable companies? What challenges should they be ready to tackle, and how can they navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and business?

Guy Cherni: The best opportunities for innovation lie at the intersection of decarbonization, deglobalization, and reindustrialization. Founders must recognize that they are building hardware companies, where manufacturing and supply chains are as critical as technology. Equally important is identifying and partnering with corporate partners early to align on engagement, minimizing future challenges and accelerating growth.

"Climate solutions demand cross-border collaboration, with clients, supply chains, and buyers often spanning multiple regions."

Team Reblue: Having worked across multiple regions, including Israel, the U.S., China, and Africa, how has your global experience influenced your perspective on climate solutions? Are there valuable lessons from different cultures that could be applied more broadly?

Guy Cherni: The most important lesson I’ve learned from working across countries is the value of listening and empathy. A good investor must understand problems, ask the right questions, and explore diverse solutions from around the world that can be adapted to different markets. Climate solutions demand cross-border collaboration, with clients, supply chains, and buyers often spanning multiple regions. This international perspective has given me valuable knowledge and a deep sense of humility when learning about and investing in new technologies.

"Non-dilutive financing is essential for building deep tech companies, while corporate partnerships are crucial for scaling. This forms the core of our thesis for creating great companies."

Team Reblue: Your diverse educational background spans economics, philosophy, industrial design, and an MBA. How do these disciplines inform your approach to investing in climate tech? What unique insights do you believe they bring to your work?

Guy Cherni: Building on what I mentioned earlier, I believe in asking questions and embracing the Socratic idea that we must acknowledge what we don’t know. I love learning and exploring new fields, and my educational background reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and curiosity across diverse topics. For investors, this mindset is essential to stay ahead of trends, understand emerging technologies, and continuously gain insights from customers by asking thoughtful questions.

"I see a bright future for climate tech, poised to drive the 21st-century economy."

Team Reblue: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of climate tech and sustainability? How do you see the industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what role do you hope Climate First will play in driving positive change?

Guy Cherni: I see a bright future for climate tech, poised to drive the 21st-century economy. Climate First will be a leading force in this industrial revolution, investing in groundbreaking technologies and supporting founders in building great companies. I’m committed to connecting technologies with corporations and helping shape a better future for the next generation.