​Ripple Hosts

​Kristen Rocca

​DCVC

​Marc Faucher

​ArcTern Ventures

​TL;DR

​As the world accelerates toward a clean energy future, demand for critical minerals is outpacing supply. With production heavily concentrated in a handful of countries, global supply chains face unprecedented risks and vulnerabilities. With many parts of the value chain not suited for venture capital, the key question is: how do we finance a resilient, sustainable future for critical minerals?

​Topic overview

​Why is the topic relevant?

​As the world accelerates toward a clean energy future, demand for critical minerals is outpacing supply. With production heavily concentrated in a handful of countries, global supply chains face unprecedented risks and vulnerabilities. To fuel the technologies of tomorrow, we must urgently rebuild critical mineral supply chains that are not only resilient and diversified but also sustainable. However, there’s a catch: not every segment of the critical minerals value chain is venture backable. So, the pressing question is - how do we finance critical mineral supply chain resiliency? Exploring innovative funding models and strategic partnerships will be key to powering the next era of clean energy innovation.

​What’s up for discussion?

• ​Should VC’s really try to participate at all in this shifting value chain?

• ​Is this the world of big corporates/multi nationals and/or government only?

• ​What innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., concessional debt, grants, equity structures) are proving most effective for critical mineral projects?

• ​How can offtake agreements and price stabilization mechanisms be structured to provide revenue certainty and attract venture?

• ​What role should governments play in de-risking investments through political risk guarantees, strategic reserves, or public-private partnerships?

• ​Are the timelines simply not intrinsically aligned with fund return expectations?

• ​What are the emerging trends in technology or policy that could reshape profitability in the critical minerals sector over the next decade?

​Dream outcome

​Ripple gives actionable insights and a clear strategic roadmap for investing in the critical mineral value chain.

​Who should attend?

​Relevant founders, investors, GPs, LPs, and industry.

​Kristen Rocca