As the world races to limit warming to 1.5°C, the Global Coordinator of the CATAL1.5°T Initiative at GIZ is working on the frontlines of climate innovation—connecting emerging markets to capital, expertise, and momentum. At the upcoming ANDE Global Annual Conference 2025: Building Tomorrow’s Ecosystems – Connect, Innovate, Transform! in Cancún, Mexico, Severin brings a unique global perspective on how to empower early-stage ventures tackling the climate crisis.
Accelerating Climate Investment Where It’s Needed Most
Severin coordinates the CATAL1.5°T Initiative at GIZ, a bold global project funded by the Green Climate Fund and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Its goal? To accelerate venture capital investment in climate tech start-ups in developing and emerging economies—especially in Latin America and West Africa.
Under Severin’s leadership, the initiative is not just investing in individual ventures, but building entire ecosystems of innovation. Through climathons, pre-accelerators, and capacity-building programs, CATAL1.5°T supports ideators, founders, and scale-ready startups with capital, mentoring, and access to regional and international networks.
“Climate tech innovations are essential to keep global warming close to 1.5°C,” the initiative’s mission statement reads. Yet Severin and his team understand that innovation alone is not enough—it needs the fuel of private capital, the structure of inclusive ecosystems, and the resilience of regional knowledge.
From Germany to the Global South: A Career in Climate Action
With over 15 years at GIZ (Germany’s international development agency), Severin has worked across a wide portfolio that includes sustainable finance, climate change, public and private investment, and private sector cooperation. His experience ranges from German policy contexts to in-country support in the Global South, always with a focus on catalyzing economic growth that is both inclusive and climate-resilient.
As head of the global stream within CATAL1.5°T, Severin connects stakeholders from across sectors—venture capitalists, accelerators, local policymakers, and climate tech entrepreneurs. What binds these actors together is a shared belief that sustainable transformation is possible if systemic barriers to investment are addressed head-on.
Championing ESG and DEI in Climate Ecosystems
CATAL1.5°T integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and inclusive metrics into its programming and partnerships. This means that the initiative is not only focused on carbon reduction and green technology but also on ensuring that the benefits of climate innovation are broadly and equitably shared.
The initiative’s support for regional ecosystems is designed for durability—equipping entrepreneurs with long-term support rather than short-term interventions. By strengthening local actors and embedding climate tech within communities, Severin and his team are helping shape a new development model rooted in innovation, impact, and resilience.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to secure your spot. We’re excited to welcome you to Haven Riviera Cancún from September 30 to October 2 for three days of meaningful connection, open dialogue, and genuine collaboration. Please note that ANDE has arranged with the hotel to offer a free night to members who register and book by July 25.
Learn more about the draft agenda on the event’s page
Let’s build the ecosystems of the future—together.
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