Brightlight Ventures is an early-stage firm backing founders and technologies driving decarbonization — across energy transition, climate tech, and clean tech. I started Brightlight to take part in climate action — to help slow, and ultimately reverse, environmental decline. Brightlight invests in companies building a more sustainable economy. I am looking to connect with founders who are upending the status quo and aspire to make an impact at scale.

 

My commitment to the space extends beyond venture investing. I'm a Partner at Climate Finance Partners (CLIFI), where my work has centered on research and modeling of global carbon markets — including the development of the S&P Global Carbon Credit Indices and the ETF products that track these benchmarks. I also serve on the Advisory Board of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business.

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Before turning to climate, I spent over two decades at AQR Capital Management, a Principal for my final 15 years. I helped grow the company from before it launched its first fund to $240 billion in assets at its peak. My experience in portfolio management, quantitative analysis, and process building helps me contribute to Brightlight's mission.

 

If you are building in this space, feel free to connect and send me a note!

 

Oktay Kurbanov