Venture Capital in China: David Chao of DCM (Part 2)

SM: What was your next step after deciding that you could not stand on the railroad tracks any longer? DC: I immediately resigned from McKinsey and started a company called Japan Communications Inc with three other co-founders. It is the first and largest mobile virtual network operator in Japan.

Venture Capital in China: David Chao of DCM (Part 1)

David Chao is the co-founder and general partner of DCM. He has been active in the information technology industry since the 1980s. At DCM, he guides portfolio companies in formulating corporate and product marketing strategies, developing strong management teams and implementing domestic and international partnerships. SM: Let’s start by talking about your background. What experiences

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Driving Solar Growth Through Financing: SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive (Part 7)

SM: What is your plan, at this point, for the continued evolution of SolarCity? LR: To continue educating the way we have been doing, and to innovate in expansion areas so that we can bring clean power to more homeowners in more locations. We want to bring as much clean solar power to as many

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Driving Solar Growth Through Financing: SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive (Part 6)

SM: Is there a bottleneck for the scaling of solar power adoption in the US or the world? LR: In the US there absolutely is. The biggest is financing. Back in 2008 you could establish one $300 million fund and get multiple projects done through that. Those days have come and gone.

Driving Solar Growth Through Financing: SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive (Part 5)

SM: Are you working exclusively with panels from First Solar now? LR: We are not exclusive. Different scenarios require different technology. Given the choice, if we can apply First Solar or a different panel, our customers will want First Solar.

Driving Solar Growth Through Financing: Solar City CEO Lyndon Rive (Part 4)

SM: Do you think Morgan Stanley will return to the solar industry? LR: I absolutely think they will once they turn the corner. Until they show strong profits again, our primary partner will be Greystone.

Driving Solar Growth Through Financing: SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive (Part 3)

SM: There are a lot of business areas that can have a positive environmental impact. Why solar? LR: We looked at the solar industry and realized it was one place where we could really make a difference. We looked at the value chain from panel manufacturing to technology for the solar industry and actual delivery.

Driving Solar Growth Through Financing: SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive (Part 2)

SM: When did you come to the US? LR: I came to San Jose in 1998 to play in the World Championships of Underwater Hockey representing South Africa. I fell in love with the Bay Area, and my brother was already here working for a company that was later acquired by Compaq in 1999.