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Sustainable Finance Initiative is a cross-campus effort of the Precourt Institute for Energy.

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Pioneering Progress: An Intern's Glimpse into Innovative Investing

Panagiotis working on his computer at his desk

Panagiotis Boltsis, MS '24, Sustainable Design and Construction
Graduate Fellow at ADN Capital Ventures, Inc.

ADN Capital Ventures, Inc. is a renewable energy and infrastructure advisory company which provides financial advisory, project finance and capital raising services worldwide to a wide range of clients, including energy project developers, corporates, investors, contractors and governmental entities and others. During the internship, I have the privilege to work closely with the CEO of the company, who is an experienced investment banker and has a deep expertise in financing energy and infrastructure sector transactions. A typical day begins with a strategy meeting with the team, where we review our current portfolio’s transaction progress, set out priorities for the week, and discuss new clients and marketing opportunities. Post-meeting, I usually perform industry research for existing or new advisory assignments, evaluating their market potential and financial viability. I further assist in the due diligence process, performing tasks such as financial modeling and competitive analysis on assigned projects. This role goes beyond mere quantitative analysis; it demands an in-depth understanding of technological trends, innovative business models, and regulatory landscapes.

Sample project financial chart
The chart above illustrates the breakdown of the important annual cost, which shows how a project can be financially viable across the years of the concession.

One of the most engaging projects I've worked on was the fundraising for a modular housing construction company that uses technology to build cost-efficient, sustainable housing. My responsibilities involved the assistance in the preparation of a detailed investment presentation, showcasing the company's unique value proposition, and running peer analysis. It was exhilarating to participate in meetings and facilitate dialogues between investors and the industrialized construction company’s executives, serving as a bridge that harmonized financial objectives with innovative construction solutions. 

Another exciting assignment was the capital structuring and fund raising for a hydroponic project in Greece, Europe. The challenge was to engage investors in a relatively niche industry. I collaborated with the project team to develop an in-depth understanding of the hydroponic system, its market potential, and environmental benefits. I helped arrange a series of meetings with agritech-focused investors, successfully creating a narrative that married profitability with sustainability. 

Finally, I conducted an in-depth analysis of the promising bioenergy industry, exploring various aspects including technology advancements, policy influences, market dynamics, and key players. The study revealed the immense potential of bioenergy as an alternative source of energy, highlighting the role it can play in achieving global sustainability goals. In 2021, the worldwide bioenergy market was valued at USD 112.40 billion and is projected to reach a value of USD 229 billion by 2029.

The working culture at ADN Capital Ventures is fast-paced and vibrant, with a constant inflow of fresh ideas and challenges. The organization has a proactive approach to identifying, screening, evaluating, selecting and supporting potential game-changers in diverse sectors. What's inspiring is their commitment to environmental sustainability, manifested in their investment choices, as they seek to back businesses that can make a tangible difference to our world. Beyond gaining a deeper understanding of finance and investment practices, I've discovered the power of innovation in solving real-world problems.