Founders of alternative protein companies all eventually face the challenges associated with “scaling up.” It is one thing to develop a paradigm-shattering product and another thing entirely to supply that product to the world. One of these challenges is maturing from small-scale, venture capital-backed pilot production to capital intensive commercial production, which often requires hard-to-get or expensive debt financing. Experienced technology company banker Jordan Kanis will provide an introduction to debt, its value, and how to unlock it — all with a focus on the alternative protein industry. The ~35 minute presentation will be followed by ~15 minutes of audience Q&A.

Topics include:
1. What is debt? What is venture debt financing, and how does it fit in the capital stack
2. Why debt? The uses of debt and it’s importance for scaling up the alternative protein industry
3. How do I unlock debt? What financiers look for and how to make debt capital “cheaper”

Meet our Presenter: Jordan Kanis
Jordan Kanis is Director, Energy & Resource Innovation at Silicon Valley Bank, a leading bank serving 50% of all US VC backed tech and life science companies. At SVB, Jordan helps finance innovative companies that mitigate climate change, including leaders in the alternative protein industry for nearly a decade. Jordan has extensive experience in domestic and international financing, cash and treasury management solutions, and lending to early, growth, and later-stage cleantech companies. Jordan earned his BA in BA in History from the University of California San Diego.

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