Erik Birkerts

Vice President, Growth & Execution

2024 - Current

CEO Emeritus

2024

Chief Executive Officer

2016 - 2023

Led the overall organization in its mission of providing catalytic capital and support to high-potential startups working on solutions for clean energy, decarbonization, and environmental sustainability. Managed investments in 43 early-stage companies, helped these companies raise nearly $500 million in additional capital and stewarded 5 investments through profitable acquisitions by larger companies.

Executive Vice President & COO

2013 - 2015

The Clean Energy Trust was created to accelerate the development of Midwest clean energy businesses by connecting entrepreneurs, researchers and early stage companies with the expertise and capital needed to become sustainable. CET leverages the region's world-class research institutions, corporations, and financial firms to cultivate a clean energy ecosystem, attracting top researchers and entrepreneurs to invigorate the region's economy.

Advisor

2010 - 2013

Board Member, Audit Committee Chair

2016

Milbank, founded in 1927, is the largest manufacturer in the U.S. of electrical metering housings and related equipment and maintains an extensive product portfolio in energy management solutions, EV charging infrastructure, transfer switches and other technologies enabling the smart grid.

Board Observer

2022 - 2023

Kadeya manufactures intelligent, closed loop beverage vending systems that combat single-use plastic bottles.

Board Observer

2020 - 2023

Renewance provides full lifecycle management solutions for industrial Li-ion batteries.

Board Observer

2015 - 2023

NanoGraf is the leading developer of Si-based anode materials for advanced batteries. I relinquished my board observer role following NanoGraf's successful Series B financing round.

Board Member

2021 - 2023

Metrus develops, finances and operates large energy efficiency projects for commercial and industrial customers. Metrus was successfully acquired in late 2022 by private equity firm Energy Capital Partners.

Partner

2010 - 2013

Chief Operating Officer , EVP

2008 - 2009

Orion Energy Systems is a publicly traded manufacturer and turn-key installer of lighting and energy management solutions for commercial and industrial buildings. Orion operates a 265,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Manitowoc.

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives

2006 - 2008

Principal, Co-Founder

2000 - 2007