This week, we spoke to Kevin Kyer, CEO at Pyrpose - a climate finance platform for the climate conscious.
Tell us about your company
Kevin: Pyrpose is innovating in fintech so that the everyday climate conscious consumer can invest with their values. The current products to invest in the climate are either out of reach, opaque in impact, a purchase, or a donation. Pyrpose changes the dynamics of supporting the climate by making it affordable, transparent and provides a return. Starting from a digital only platform we can engage directly with our community and provide an instant and gratifying experience for borrowers and lenders. Additionally, we’re designed to be regenerative, and therefore allowing capital to recycle through the platform at the onset.
What made you become an entrepreneur?
Kevin: First and foremost, the challenge alone motivates me. Building from scratch is so rewarding. It requires non stop thinking through the steps and prioritisation of what you are doing as you have very limited resources. Specifically, to Pyrpose, I find myself even more motivated than other startups I have done as it will have a lasting impact on the planet. What is the most challenging part of running your own startup?
Kevin: Managing the emotional roller coaster in a week, a day or an hour that the role can bring me. I experience extreme highs and extreme lows. I take the approach of riding the highs and but not get arrogant, and weather the lows knowing things will turn around. I am no expert at it, but feel I am getting better and better as time goes on. Every founder I talk to says the same, just usually won’t say it in public.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced when looking for funding?
Kevin: We sit between fintech and climate tech. More often than not investors sit in one of these verticals, and there is often an education process when working with one or the other. However, it does not take long for either side to see how what we do falls squarely into their world, it just a different application. When we see VCs with climate tech and fintech as their focus, well, the conversation starts almost as if we already worked together before.
What is the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship?
Kevin: The people I interact with on a daily basis, which is a combination of partners, investors and most importantly my team. For example, when my product lead has a breakthrough in the development of the platform that tops my list though, as that is the core to our business. I am fortunate to be surrounded by great people that share in our vision and happy to be on our journey with us. It truly takes a village. Learn more about Pyrpose on their website: https://pyrpose.io.
Comments