Charles Svirk

"Software and connected hardware have driven efficiencies in every industry. It’s time to leverage those efficiencies for the betterment of the climate and future generations."

Which tech trend are you most excited by and why?

Fintech’s impact on democratizing access to financial products is a trend I keep a close eye on. Capital markets will be intertwined with almost every climate vertical, and fintech has long been a core competency of MassMutual Ventures. Our connection to a leading financial services and asset management firm puts us in a strong position to help climate entrepreneurs think creatively about lending, energy transition, equipment and project financing, and carbon finance.

What strengths do you bring to the companies you partner with?

Over the last 10 years in venture, I’ve been fortunate enough to build a vast network of entrepreneurs, operators, and industry partners. I have experience in vertical Saas, infrastructure, and fintech applications – themes we explore for the Climate Technology Fund. I enjoy wearing multiple hats and working alongside entrepreneurs - I’m always up for strategy conversations, product ideation, or an impromptu capital planning process. The entrepreneurs in our portfolio have become close friends, and it’s the relationship that defines who you want to be in the fox hole with.

What inspires you about venture capital?

For me, it’s all about the journey. I’ve been lucky enough to watch some entrepreneurs build enduring franchises and others who have failed gracefully. Working with entrepreneurs who have a small idea and the grit to ignore why it won’t work is contagious and inspiring.

In another life, if you weren't in venture capital, what would you be?

I'd be a conservationist and recreational fisherman. I had an extensive reptile collection as a kid and owned every VHS of Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. I love being outside, learning about animals, and being out on the water. I was born in Florida where I grew up fishing in fresh water and saltwater and then my parents relocated to New Hampshire where I spent my formative years in the woods. During my time in undergrad, I took two fishery classes where I picked up the books Cod and The Big Oyster by Mark Kurlansky. I find the blue economy and aquaculture interesting applications for ocean-based climate solutions and preserving biodiversity.

It's Saturday afternoon, where can we find you and what are you up to?

I’m with my wife, daughter, and son, on a beach looking for crabs and sand dollars. We enjoy boating during the summer and skiing in the winter. We’re also big fans of family movie nights, Disney+, and a giant bowl of popcorn.

Chuck joined MassMutual Ventures in 2015 and is charged with sourcing new investment opportunities and portfolio management. Recently, Chuck was promoted to partner, and as an expansion of his role, has joined our Climate Tech Fund. He brings his decade of venture experience within fintech and enterprises SaaS to the fund, and will look to source opportunities within climate insurance, carbon finance, and the blue economy, among others.

Prior to joining MMV, Chuck served as an investment associate at Clear Brook Advisors, advising family offices on illiquid fund investments in venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds. Before Clear Brook Advisors, Chuck co-founded Photos to Photos, Inc., a venture-backed mobile gaming studio located in Boston. Earlier in his career, Chuck served as an associate at Siemens Venture Capital, where he helped support and source investments in healthcare. Chuck graduated cum laude from Northeastern University with a BS in business administration, concentrating in finance and entrepreneurship.