AI Moats in Climate Tech: What Investors Actually Underwrite

​As AI continues to shape the future of climate tech, not all innovation is created equal. Join us for a candid conversation on how investors evaluate true defensibility in AI-driven climate companies. This session will unpack what actually constitutes a moat—from proprietary datasets and compounding feedback loops to deep integration within physical infrastructure and the switching costs that follow. We’ll also explore why simply “using AI” isn’t enough, and how VCs assess model reproducibility and risk during diligence.

​Speaker:
Vince Berk is a founding partner at Apprentis Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm committed to fanatical founder support beyond just capital—from AI strategy and hiring to go-to-market and financial planning. Apprentis works closely with founders to navigate both immediate priorities and long-term growth.

​Vince was previously the founder and CEO of FlowTraq, a SaaS cybersecurity company using AI to detect hackers and botnets in enterprise networks. Following its acquisition by Riverbed Technologies, where he served as CTO, Vince returned to the startup ecosystem. He currently serves on the boards of Harper and Duende, focusing on product and technology strategy.