Greentech Capital Advisors: Banking on a Green Future (B)

By Nate Schlein, Kunal Doshi
2025 | Case No. E889B | Length 3 pgs.
Entrepreneurship

This case examines the founding of Greentech Capital Advisors in 2009, presenting the critical dilemma faced by investment banking veteran Jeff McDermott: how aggressively should he pursue a promising but undeveloped market opportunity in sustainable finance? Having secured significant capital and assembled a talented team, McDermott must decide whether to scale his sustainability-focused boutique investment bank rapidly in anticipation of market growth or conserve resources while the cleantech transaction pipeline develops. Students will explore the challenges of market timing, resource allocation, and entrepreneurial conviction when entering an emerging sector that shows strong potential signals but remains financially unproven.

Also see: E889A: Greentech Capital Advisors: Banking on a Green Future

Learning Objective

This case is designed to help students examine entrepreneurial decision-making when entering emerging climate and sustainability markets. Students analyze the trade-offs between early market positioning and resource conservation, evaluate signals of market readiness, and explore the nuances of establishing a viable investment banking model in an evolving sector. The case prompts discussion about balancing conviction with market realities, and how entrepreneurs should scale operations when potential exceeds present demand.
This material is designated for use in specific Stanford GSB classes only. For inquiries, contact the Case Writing Office.

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