Overview
David Benham is a Limited Partner at Mighty Capital [1] focused on helping climate and cleantech entrepreneurs attract capital [2]. Benham serves as Executive Director of Climate Impact Motivated Angels [5], Decarbon8 Fund & Screening Co-Chair at E8 Angels [4], Ambassador and Mentor at Cleantech Open [6], and Lead Advisor at Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center [3]. Benham previously worked at Cisco Systems for approximately 14 years in video collaboration and IPTV solution architecture roles [9][10], followed by a sabbatical from 2018 to 2020 [8]. Benham holds a Professional Certificate in Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies from Stanford University School of Engineering [11] and completed coursework in climate change leadership and venture capital applications through Terra.do [12][13].
Profile introduction
Now focusing on helping entrepreneurs succeed and attract more capital to their climate or cleantech start-up. This is to become a key part of my legacy while having some fun too! I volunteer as an ambassador and mentor for the non-profit Cleantech Open, one of the oldest and largest cleantech accelerators (~100 startups/year since 2005). I have been a part of the selection committee and a pitch mentor for the annual NREL Industry Growth Forum since 2020 and I am on various committees for the E8 Angels. If you are a climate entrepreneur and want to learn more about the E8 Angels, etc, ple…
Career history
- Lead AdvisorSep 2025 to presentCal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center
- Decarbon8 Fund & Screening Co-ChairOct 2020 to presentE8 Angels
- Executive DirectorApr 2024 to presentClimate Impact Motivated Angels
- Ambassador & MentorFeb 2022 to presentCleantech Open
- Limited PartnerDec 2020 to presentMighty Capital
- Chief OfficerJul 2018 to Sep 2020Sabbatical
- Director, Video Collaboration CTOMay 2009 to Jun 2018Cisco Systems, Inc
- Director, Video IPTV Solution ArchitectureJan 1995 to Apr 2009Cisco Systems, Inc
Education
Professional Certificate, Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies2020 - 2021Stanford University School of Engineering
- Climate Change for Venture Capitalists at Terra.doMar 2022 - Apr 2022
- Climate Change Leadership for Action at Terra.doJan 2022 - Apr 2022
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