​What does it take to put climate and circularity at the center of a textile business model?

​In this session, Stephan Jacob, Founder of Cotopaxi, shares the story behind building a mission-driven outdoor company that has scaled globally while staying committed to circularity, ethical sourcing, and community impact.

​The keynote will be followed by a fireside chat moderated by Malhar Shah, Founder and CEO of microWatt, a B2B carbon intelligence platform helping manufacturers decarbonize their value chain, bringing in Aleks Gosiewski, Founder and CEO of Keel Labs, to explore the future of sustainable materials and textiles. Together, along with Stephan Jacob, Founder of Cotopaxi, they’ll unpack how innovation across supply chains—from product design to next-generation materials—is reshaping what it means to build in climate.

​From national brand-building to local deep-tech innovation, this conversation connects brand, science, and commercialization—highlighting how founders can turn climate intent into scalable, market-ready solutions.

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​Stephan Jacob

​Stephan Jacob is one of founders of Cotopaxi, an outdoor gear brand with a deeply engrained humanitarian mission. After 10 years in COO and CTO roles, he now leads growth and the brand's international expansion as Chief Global Officer. Before Cotopaxi, Stephan was founder/CEO of venture-funded retail brand Kembrel (acquired in 2013). Stephan previously worked as a consultant for McKinsey Germany, as a software developer for Bunge US, and as a software developer and advocate for Indonesian Anti-Child Labor NGO JARAK. Stephan holds an MBA from the The Wharton School (UPenn), an MA in International Studies from the Lauder Institute (UPenn), and a Master's in Information Systems from the University of Mannheim & the University of South Australia. Stephan has adventured, lived, and worked in 30+ countries, kayaked from Cuba to Florida & served in a special operations unit in the German military.

​Aleks Gosiewski

​Aleks Gosiewski is a founder and operator with 10+ years building and scaling venture-backed companies in climate, materials, and technology. Raised $20M+ in VC, built and led teams, and partnered with global brands, with experience spanning product development, strategy, operations, and fundraising.

​Moderated by Malhar Shah

​Malhar Shah is the Founder/CEO of microWatt, a carbon intelligence platform that helps durable goods manufacturers profitably decarbonize their value chains. Over the past decade, Malhar has built a depth of experience leading teams at John Deere within product management, tractor program management, and technology commercialization. 

​He holds an MBA from the Jenkins MBA program at NC State and a BS in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration from Penn State University. Malhar enjoys working at the intersection of sustainability, business, and tech. He coaches student teams at the NC State B Corp Clinic and serves as a Board Member at B Local Triangle - reflecting his belief that business can and should be a force for good. 

​Location

​NCSU Plant Sciences Initiative

​840 Oval Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606

​Questions?

​This session is part of Raleigh-Durham Startup Week. Click here to learn more about the event, plus get answers to your FAQs.

​​About Carolina Climate

​​Carolina Climate is a founder-led initiative building the climate tech ecosystem across the Triangle and North Carolina—connecting founders, funders, and partners to strengthen community, increase visibility, and position the region as a leader in climate innovation.

​Track Supporter

​Climate Tech Day at #RDSW26 is made possible by an Impact Partner Grant from the City of Raleigh.