John Waters, Greentech Investor and Non Executive Director
John invests in start-up companies and early stage ventures, supporting their commercial development towards a profitable and sustainable business future. John has worked in sustainability for 30 years and was previously Managing Partner with the world’s leading sustainability consultancy ERM.
John has invested in half of the GAS portfolio companies and is Non Executive Director on two of these. He’s been on the board of Swytch Technology since November 2018 and StormHarvester since September 2020. Swytch is an innovative, fast growing company producing state of the art ebike conversion kits and StormHarvester produces smart controls for rainwater attenuation tanks to reduce flooding and enhance rainwater harvesting.
John enjoys ad hoc mentoring and engaging with portfolio companies to offer an alternative perspective. However, he also finds this a mutually beneficial relationship and is inspired by the ‘brilliance and leadership’ of GAS portfolio companies. He attends the online GAS pitch events, introduced in the last year to replace the live events, finding them a good opportunity to network with other members. John has also taken part in members’ Working Groups and is contributing to an upcoming Non-Exec Director training session.
Learn moreGAS provides me with a dynamic community of successful and interesting people that have a shared purpose to do something for the planet. I like to be actively involved in the due diligence and deal pipeline process, offering my insight where needed as well as working with other GAS members who can fill in the gaps. Other syndicates are nowhere near as robust in post pitch due diligence. We really stick to the remit - for example, throwing out very good businesses if they don’t meet the criteria for addressing the climate emergency. We don’t park our principles. We stay true to the mission and that’s a rarity! Other syndicates may be a good place for your money but not for your soul. GAS is both!
John Waters - GAS Member