MEET MANUELLA CUNHA BRITO, THE CLIMATE TECH EXPERT TURNED VC

Manuella is an entrepreneur and climate tech expert turned VC. She invests in early-stage startups fixing the food system at Mudcake. Manuella spent a decade working at the intersection of impact and technology and now regularly serves as a mentor and jury on startup programs. She previously co-founded Good Tech Lab and Climatescape. As CEO at Climatescape (Techstars’21), she led a data platform mapping 2000+ climate tech solutions. As COO of Good Tech Lab, she consulted for Fortune500 companies, foundations, and the UN. She co-authored “The Frontiers of Impact Tech”, interviewing 500+ leaders in 30 countries about the SDGs and scientific innovations. A Brazilian living in Paris, Manuella speaks 5 languages and holds a Master’s degree from SciencesPo.

What was your first job and what is your actual job?

First job: at age 13, I had my first job helping my mother in her office after school. During college, I did several part-time internships focused on Human and Humanitarian Rights. After graduation, I joined a non-profit for a couple years, then worked as a climate innovation consultant. I later co-founded a climate startup.

Actual job: I’m now a VC at Mudcake, a microfund reshaping the food system.

Do you believe entrepreneurs are born with innate qualities or made through experiences and learning?

👶🏻 Born

🏋️‍♀️ Made

In the classic debate, which came first for you: the egg or the chicken?

🍳 Egg

🐔 Chicken

In the realm of technology, which do you think will have the greatest impact on the food system in the next 10 years? 

Gene editing and AI.

Which skill do you believe will be more useful in the future of work?

Interpersonal skills and critical thinking.

Describe the most surprising culinary experience you’ve ever had

The 1st time I ate an insect at an event led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Name a professional you think we should interview

Nathalie Rolland, CEO at Nutropy.