Erik Birkerts
Vice President, Growth & Execution at LanzaJet
Chicago, Illinois
Overview
Work Experience
Vice President, Growth & Execution
2024 - Current
LanzaJet is a provider and producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology, dedicated to accelerating the transition to clean energy.
Raised $264,000,000.00 from Airbus, Groupe ADP, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Southwest Airlines, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund and Shell Oil Company.
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
Evergreen Climate Innovations supports entrepreneurs and startups that are bringing impactful climate technologies to market.
Raised $1,049,703.00 from US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administation and US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administation.
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.
Kadeya is a closed-loop water vending business that utilizes digitally connected reusable water bottles and tiny bottling equipment.
Raised $5,735,000.00 from TechRise Chicago, Groove Capital, TA Ventures, PS27 Ventures, 77 — by SBXi, The Josephine Collective, ICLUB VC and TechRise Chicago.
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
Orion Energy Systems offers LED lighting systems and provide controls and IoT solutions, ongoing system maintenance, and program management.
Principal, Co-Founder
2000 - 2007