WAFFA presents: The Future Funded - Women Investing in Climate Solutions
A lively WAFFA dialogue featuring Kim Kolt and Jill Ni, two powerhouse female funders leading the charge in sustainability and impact investing. Together, they'll share insights on building a greener future through intentional capital and bold leadership.
This event will be moderated by Kaitlyn Qin and Rachel Bassini from WAFFA!
Meet the Panelists:
Kim Kolt is a founding General Partner at Bay Bridge Ventures, a climate tech focused venture capital firm created upon the thesis that the future’s most successful companies will be those that solve critical problems facing the environment and humanity. Previously, she was the Founder & President of For Good Ventures.
Prior to For Good Ventures, Kim worked at Goldman Sachs in their Technology, Media and Telecom Investment Banking Group in San Francisco and Los Angeles. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and received her MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Kim holds USGBC LEED, CCIM, and Series 79 licenses.
Jill Ni is a Principal at Rethink Impact, the largest US-based venture capital firm investing in female leaders. Rethink Impact invests in Seed-Series C companies using technology to solve the world’s biggest problems - in climate, education, health, and economic empowerment – in order to build a more sustainable planet and inclusive economy. Jill was previously a Vice President in the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs, where she led equity and debt investments in climate and economic development projects. Jill is particularly passionate about closing systemic gaps in access to capital and opportunity.
Meet the Moderators:
Rachel Bassini is the Founder of Grow Sharp Consulting, which helps startups grow sustainably through data-enriched operations, strategy, and initiative implementation. As a consulting COO/CRO to these startups, Rachel especially embraces Change Management initiatives, as they combine quantitative, analytical rigor with emotional intelligence-driven alignment of people. Her prior experience as the 1st business hire and head of Operations and Strategy at an acquired SaaS startup lends deep expertise across the multiple functional areas and informs her navigation of the different stage-specific growth hurdles startups face. To further help startups succeed, she invests in them through Wharton Alumni Angels.
Kaitlyn Qin is Co-President of WAFFA and she is currently building and scaling SolGrapH, a critical materials company producing next-gen graphitic anode materials for the energy transition. With 15+ years of experience across energy, cleantech, and professional services, she has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, driving commercial growth, and leading complex M&A and startup initiatives. Her expertise spans corporate strategy, GTM, deal structuring, and stakeholder engagement—anchored by a deep focus on execution and impact.