Paul is Senior Partner emeritus at McKinsey and Company, where he previously led its Global Energy and Materials and Oil & Gas Practices. Over a 25 year career, Paul has served energy and resource clients across North America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa on strategy, operations, organization and technology topics. Prior to McKinsey, Paul was an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. He is a Founders’ Advisor for The Engine, serves on advisory boards for UC Berkeley, is a member of Goose Capital, and advises several start-ups. Paul received his SB, SM and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT.
Eric Bielke has been a professional investor in emerging technologies for 11 years, most recently as Director of Temasek’s Emerging Technologies Fund where he led investments across semiconductors, aerospace, and climate. He has served on the boards of more than a dozen emerging technology providers including Eavor Technologies, Orbital Sidekick, Workrise, CarbonFree Chemicals and Sungevity. Before Temasek, Eric was previously with GE Ventures and Next47, focused on enterprise software and enterprise marketplace ideas. Prior to investing, Eric co-founded SoCore Energy, a commercial solar financing and installation provider that was acquired by Engie and spent his early career as a data scientist with Charles River Associates. He has previously served on the advisory boards of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA from Dartmouth College.
David brings over a decade of technology and startup experience. In his most recent role at Boston Consulting Group, he focused on growth strategy and operations for energy and aerospace clients. Notable work includes executing the F-18 SLM program for the US Navy and standing up a public/private partnership proposal for a hydrogen industrial hub. Prior to BCG, he pursued a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Southern California where he specialized in carbon fiber composites and cofounded an advanced materials startup. David received his SB in chemical engineering from MIT.
Irma brings over 20 years of experience building operational infrastructure and driving organizational efficiency across diverse, high-stakes industries. Her background spans venture capital, energy, international health and security risk management, financial services, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the nonprofit sector. Irma has built a successful career in business operations, leveraging her expertise in operational infrastructure to drive organizational velocity and workplace efficiency. She currently serves as the Business Lead and Mentor at Office Experts LLC, a community led entirely by volunteer Administrative Professionals. Irma holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Applied Administration from the University of Houston-Downtown.
