Ep. 142: Aaron Ratner, President of Cross River Infrastructure Partners

Today's guest is Aaron Ratner, President of Cross River Infrastructure Partners. Cross River Infrastructure Partners is a platform of development companies deploying climate technology and capital into sustainable infrastructure projects. It focuses on conversion projects in the climate, renewable energy, and sustainable food spaces. Aaron has a wide range of knowledge across finance, investing, and development. He worked in financial services in Hong Kong and commercial impact investing at i2 Capital. Aaron transitioned into sustainable infrastructure investing, as a developer-in-residence at Generate Capital and as the Managing Director of Ultra Capital. As President at Cross River, Aaron and his team develop and invest in the deployment of climate technologies into sustainable infrastructure projects. In addition, Aaron also serves as a Venture Partner at Vectr Ventures, an early-stage venture studio. We have a great discussion about how Aaron got hooked on climate, infrastructure investment and how it works, and Cross River Infrastructure Partners' role. We also cover Cleantech 1.0's downfall, lessons learned, and how Climate Tech (or Cleantech 2.0) can succeed. Aaron was an awesome guest, and this episode is a must-listen for those interested in large-scale infrastructure investment and project development. Enjoy the show! You can find me on twitter @jjacobs22 or @mcjpod and email at [email protected], where I encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests. Episode recorded January 25th, 2021 Notes: Aaron mentions six key criteria to get a project financed: 1. Developer - it all starts with the developer 2. Site and permits - site security and all permits in place 3. Feedstock/inputs - long-term contract for inputs 4. Offtake/outputs - long-term contracts for outputs 5. EPC & O&M (construction/engineering provider and Operations & Maintenance provider) - credible engineering firm to design and build and operate the project 6. Technology & Systems - proven technologies with reference or pilot facilities in operation