Paul Birkelo Email and Phone Number
Hands-on builder of impact ventures, funds, and ecosystems solving global problems through local action. Currently bringing climate finance to distributed renewable energy projects in emerging markets that have never had access to global environmental markets before.Past achievements include:► Secured $1.5M in grant funding for an industrial scale makerspace in Kenya by leading a viability assessment of a “makerspace model" for economic development that spanned Africa, the US, Europe, and China.► Built 2,500 sq. ft. makerspace/prototyping lab in Nairobi, Kenya, that ultimately grew to 20,000 sq. ft. serving more than 300 community members and over a dozen resident companies.► Designed blended finance model and fiscal sponsorship program for world-first organization dedicated to supporting makerspaces in developing countries that managed $475K in grants over two years.Expertise: Impact design and tech, sustainability, economic development, social entrepreneurship, innovative finance, impact investing, venture philanthropy, place-based investing, nonprofit real estate, environmental justice, cleantech, sustainable agriculture
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Head Of OperationsPowertrust Mar 2022 - PresentPowertrust connects global corporate demand for renewable energy with high-impact distributed renewable energy projects serving communities across developing and emerging markets. By sourcing RE from the highest impact projects available, we help climate-leading companies accelerate the global energy transition and reduce Scope 2 & 3 emissions throughout their value chain, while bringing power to the more than 800 million people around the world who lack access to safe, reliable, clean energy.
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D-Rec InitiativeD-Rec Initiative Mar 2022 - PresentThe D-REC Initiative is creating a new global mechanism for the certification of distributed renewable energy (DRE). The D-REC Initiative is a not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder, industry-led initiative to create a global market for distributed renewable energy. We are designing, delivering and demonstrating new ways to certify and value distributed renewable energy attributes through the creation of a new, internationally recognized market instrument called the D-REC (Distributed Renewable Energy Certificate). -
Venture Development SpecialistEntrepreneurship@Ubc Jun 2021 - Sep 2021Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada -
ConsultantNation Of Makers Nov 2019 - Feb 2020Seattle, Wa / Silver Spring, Md• Created implementation plan and fundraising materials for an annual survey of US-based makerspaces to collect and analyze data on entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and education and empowerment activities within grassroots and institutional makerspaces across the country -
FounderGearbox International Foundation Feb 2017 - Oct 2019Boston / Nairobi• Designed financial model for makerspaces and entrepreneurship incubators needing $3-5M investments in facilities, equipment, and working capital by blending philanthropic and private funding sources• Deployed $475k in grants over two years by creating an international fiscal sponsorship program to support nonprofit makerspaces in emerging markets -
Head Of OperationsGearbox Kenya Aug 2015 - Jan 2017Nairobi, Kenya• Designed and built an advanced prototyping lab and training center for hardware entrepreneurs featuring 3D printers, CNC machines, PCB fabrication, and wood and metal shops by recruiting and leading a team of 10 designers, engineers, and operations staff, procuring equipment, and managing the construction and fitout of the facility• Grew a community of 100+ students and members and 15 companies manufacturing products in clean energy, agricultural technology, sanitation, and healthcare by managing member access to the space, producing events, creating internal operating systems, and developing marketing materials -
Consultant - Manufacturing / Hardware EntrepreneurshipUshahidi / Gearbox Kenya Sep 2014 - Jul 2015Nairobi, Kenya• Turned $180k grant funding into $1.5M by leading a ten-month viability assessment of a “makerspace” model for economic development and entrepreneurship support, developing pitch decks, financial models, and writing proposals• Generated a unique understanding of hardware entrepreneurship by authoring multiple reports based on visits to leading makerspaces across the US, UK, and China, and executing a survey to identify the challenges facing more than 2,000 manufacturers in Kenya -
Research InternshipBrck May 2014 - Aug 2014Nairobi, Kenya• Delivered international media attention by organizing two product launch events and company expeditions on the Nile River and Mt. Kenya, publishing video, web, and blog content• Authored case study of first embedded electronics manufacturer in Kenya -
Consultant - Livelihoods And Economic StrengtheningPact Oct 2012 - Jan 2013Addis Ababa, Ethiopia• Rescued donor compliance report after other consultants failed by authoring policy brief on rural economic strengthening programs based on field visits across Ethiopia, interviews with partners, local facilitators, and beneficiaries, and analyzing monitoring and evaluation data and project indicators -
Operations Project ManagerMkg / Independent Consulting Sep 2010 - Sep 2012Greater New York City Area• Designed and built 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse and fabrication facility by directly overseeing the transfer and installation of over $5M in company assets• Delivered the groundbreaking ceremony for the Whitney Museum, New York Wine and Food Festival, and many other events by hiring and leading designers, printers, carpenters, welders, painters, and general labor across projects with budgets ranging from $10k - $50k serving Fortune 500 clients including Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, and Google
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Co-FounderInkspot Editing, Llc Mar 2009 - Sep 2010Boulder, Co / Cairo, Egypt• Built a client base from scratch for a web-based editorial business to include major publishers like McGraw-Hill by creating an engaging company website and turning cold leads into strong customer relationships
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River Guide / Outpost Camp ManagerLakota River Guides May 2004 - Oct 2009Vail, Co• Managed the office absent the Operations Director, handling sales, reservations, and communications with hotels, guests, and other rafting companies• Oversaw logistics operations, coordinating equipment and personnel for river and 4x4 trips at a volume of up to 100 guests per day and supervising a staff of up to 30 personnel• Guided commercial day and overnight whitewater and 4x4 trips -
Head Stage ManagerMacky Auditorium Jan 2004 - Oct 2009Boulder, Co• Coordinated the smooth production of events including a/v, lighting, and sets for internationally renowned performers and speakers such as Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman and Vice President Joe Biden• Served as senior stage manager for a 2000 seat auditorium, supervising local stage crew, and conducting safety and technical trainings -
Tutor – Micro/MacroeconomicsUniversity Of Colorado Boulder Sep 2006 - May 2008Boulder, Co• Tutored 20 to 30 students per semester, developing a curriculum, creating handouts and practice tests, and working without supervision• Excerpt from final performance review – “Paul has been an excellent addition to the ASAP program. He is a team player, strives for excellence, and is a favorite among the students. He will be greatly missed.”
Paul Birkelo Skills
Paul Birkelo Education Details
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Impact Finance And Social Entrepreneurship -
Real Estate -
International Development -
Al-Diwan Arabic Language CenterArabic Language And Literature -
International Affairs - Middle East/Arabic Concentration
Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Birkelo
What company does Paul Birkelo work for?
Paul Birkelo works for Powertrust
What is Paul Birkelo's role at the current company?
Paul Birkelo's current role is Accelerating the energy transition across emerging markets.
What schools did Paul Birkelo attend?
Paul Birkelo attended The University Of British Columbia, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, The University Of Edinburgh, Al-Diwan Arabic Language Center, University Of Colorado At Boulder, University Of Colorado At Boulder.
What are some of Paul Birkelo's interests?
Paul Birkelo has interest in Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Makerspaces, Language Study, Hackerspaces, Carpentry, Skiing, Electronics, Rock Climbing, Science And Technology.
What skills is Paul Birkelo known for?
Paul Birkelo has skills like Event Management, Project Management, International Development, Proposal Writing, Research, Operations Management, Nonprofit Organizations, Economic Development, Real Estate, Social Entrepreneurship, Grant Writing, Design.
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