Microsoft Ex-Green Chief Says Climate Needs Private Equity: Q&A

Microsoft Corp.’s former chief environmental officer, Lucas Joppa, was one of the architects of the software giant’s plan to remove more carbon than it emits by 2030 and set up a $1 billion climate investment fund to back emerging carbon-removal technologies. Brian Sheth, co-founder of Vista Equity Partners, has taken notice.

Sheth has tapped Joppa, 40, to serve as chief sustainability officer and sit on the investment committee at his new private equity firm, Haveli Investments, and given him a remit to help companies set meaningful sustainability goals. Haveli’s first fund will focus on gaming and is targeting a $750 million size, according to ...