Micah Kotch
Partner at Blackhorn Ventures
Micah Kotch
Partner at Blackhorn Ventures
Brooklyn, New York
Overview
Work Experience
Board Member
2024 - Current
ThinkLabs is accelerating the energy transition with an AI-powered co-pilot for grid operators.
Partner
2022
Blackhorn has raised three funds with investments across 60 early-stage technology companies, totaling $270M in AUM over the last five years. Blackhorn funds are performing in the top quartile of US venture according to Cambridge Associates, where we are an approved manager.
Board Member
2023
Electric Era is making EV fast charge infrastructure reliable, affordable and ubiquitous.
Board Observer
2023
Specifx provides visibility, context, and insights into the entire HVAC asset portfolio - helping organizations understand and optimize their HVAC investments at enterprise scale.
Board Observer
2022
RailVision Analytics is using the power of AI to reduce GHG emissions, fuel consumption, and improve safety in the rail industry.
Founding Partner
2021
Accelerating capital into emissions reduction & adaptation
Managing Director
2016
•Launching new startup accelerator initiative within the BMW Group as part of Impact Ventures Team focused on creating more efficient and liveable cities. •Leading partnership with SOSV ($250M venture accelerator fund) to source, invest in, and ultimately get 20 early-stage technology companies per year to product-market fit. •Partnering internally with MINI Business Innovation, other BMW business units and external organizations to identify new commercial opportunities and develop concepts from strategy to pilot implementation.
Director of NY Prize and Strategic Adviser for Innovation
2014 - 2016
• Responsible for the design, and execution of NY Prize, first-in-the-nation $40 million competition to engage communities in advancing plans for local power infrastructure to reduce costs, promote clean energy, reliability and resiliency. • Co-led inter-agency NYS Community Partnership; $10M initiative pioneering new and unified approach to driving clean energy uptake in communities by making simplified tools and resources available to local leaders that meet local priorities and needs. • Advanced innovation and entrepreneurship necessary to transform the State’s electric power infrastructure through 12 REV Demonstration projects – worked with utilities and third party solutions providers to develop new business models and strategies to earn fees from markets and customer acquisition, as well as by providing new products and services to customers that enhance choice and value.
Executive Director - New York City Accelerator for a Clean and Resilient Economy (NYC ACRE)
2009 - 2014
• Launched $1.5M incubator for early stage renewable energy and cleantech companies funded by NYC Economic Development Corporation and NYSERDA • Serviced portfolio of 20+ clean energy startups • Coached tenant CEOs, helped build utility partnerships, increased total revenue to $5M • Helped companies raise $35M growth capital; 100 new jobs created as a result • Recruited senior leaders from National Grid, Con Edison, New York City Investment Fund, NY Public Service Commission, Ingersoll Rand, MTA, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to help shape incubator mission as members of Advisory Board • Produced and marketed 100+ networking events each attended by 100+ cleantech professionals resulting in high profile for NYC ACRE; collaborators included Con Edison, Mayor’s Office, UN
Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
2009 - 2014
• Launched Varick Street Incubator and DUMBO Incubator programs • Recruited 27 tech startups; 6 startups acquired out of portfolio • Helped startups attract ~$100M in early stage capital resulting in 1000 new jobs • Led day-to-day operations and grew to scale 16,500 square foot facility as part of New York City’s Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan • Cultivated over 25 international partnerships including Economic Development Agencies from the Netherlands, China, Israel, the UK and Germany resulting in new collaborative research model
Strategic Consultant
2007 - 2009
• Administered $1.2M federal DOE grant focused on energy efficiency and infrastructure • Raised $150K from Rockefeller Brothers Fund to support new Center for Sustainable Design Studies and Research • Built and managed team of six to create website and social media strategy • Formed campus “Eco-Reps” program responsible for environmental peer-to-peer outreach
Education
BA
1995 - 1998