Fernando Lelo, the CEO of Rumbo Ventures, is a prominent figure in the clean energy sector. He is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs who are developing innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future. In this article, we will explore his background, his investment philosophy, and some of his portfolio companies.
From Economist to Entrepreneur
Fernando Lelo has a distinguished academic background. He graduated from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) with a degree in economics. He then pursued a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University, where he specialized in energy and environmental issues. He also completed an executive program at Stanford University on innovation and entrepreneurship.
After his studies, Fernando Lelo worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, where he advised clients on strategy, operations, and finance. He also served as the chief financial officer of Grupo Salinas, a Mexican conglomerate with interests in media, telecommunications, retail, and banking.
In 2020, Fernando Lelo decided to pursue his entrepreneurial vision and founded Rumbo Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in clean energy companies. He is currently the CEO and managing partner of the fund.
Investing in the Future of Clean Energy
Rumbo Ventures believes that clean energy is the future of the global economy. The fund is focused on supporting entrepreneurs who are developing the next generation of clean energy technologies, such as solar, wind, battery storage, and smart grid solutions.
Rumbo Ventures has a long-term perspective and a hands-on approach. The fund provides its portfolio companies with access to capital, mentorship, and resources to help them grow their businesses and bring their technologies to market. The fund also supports diversity and inclusion in the clean energy sector, as it believes that a diverse workforce is essential to developing innovative solutions to the climate crisis.
Some of the clean energy companies that Rumbo Ventures has invested in include:
- SolarEdge: SolarEdge is a leading provider of solar power optimization and monitoring systems. The company’s products enable homeowners and businesses to maximize their solar energy production and consumption, while reducing their electricity bills and carbon footprint.
- Stem: Stem is a pioneer in artificial intelligence-driven energy storage. The company’s software platform analyzes real-time data from multiple sources and optimizes the use of battery storage systems to lower energy costs and enhance grid reliability.
- ChargePoint: ChargePoint is the world’s largest network of electric vehicle charging stations. The company offers a variety of charging solutions for drivers, businesses, and utilities. ChargePoint’s cloud-based platform enables users to find, access, and pay for charging services conveniently and securely.
A Leader in the Clean Energy Community
Fernando Lelo is not only an investor but also a leader in the clean energy community. He is actively involved in several organizations and initiatives that promote clean energy innovation and adoption.
He is a board member of the Clean Energy Trust, a non-profit organization that supports early-stage clean energy entrepreneurs in the Midwest region of the United States. He is also a member of the Global Future Council on Energy of the World Economic Forum, a network of experts that provides strategic insights and recommendations on key issues related to energy transition.
Additionally, he is a co-founder and co-chair of the Latin American Clean Energy Association (LACEA), a platform that connects and empowers clean energy stakeholders in Latin America. He is also a mentor for Endeavor, a global organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs around the world.
Fernando Lelo is a visionary investor who is passionate about creating a more sustainable future for everyone. He is committed to investing in clean energy industries that have the potential to transform the world.
