Tad Dritz is a startup and energy industry veteran with 30 years of experience and a passion for sustainability. Mr. Dritz has raised over $250 million from government agencies, foundations, angel investors, venture capital firms, public markets, and industrial partners to advance environmentally preferred solutions. He possesses expertise in a wide range of technologies including hydrogen, fuel cells, energy storage, biofuels, bioplastics, ocean energy, solar, wind, nano/microtechnology and Internet of Things (IoT).
Most recently, Mr. Dritz served as CEO of an early-stage hydrogen company where he led fundraising efforts that secured $3.6 million in non-dilutive funding from Shell and NASA, and achieved seed round valuation 3X goal. In addition, he has worked both inside and as a consultant to technology providers, engineering firms, and project developers, gaining experience in every phase of evaluating, developing, deploying, and commercializing novel clean energy technologies. He has also managed EPC contracts, negotiated license deals and advised investment firms and insurance companies on the viability of and risk associated with deploying new technologies.
In parallel to his professional career, Mr. Dritz founded and, for a decade led, Green Columbus, a non-profit dedicated to providing forums, raising awareness, and encouraging action on environmental issues in central Ohio and beyond. Under his leadership, Green Columbus pioneered an innovative Earth Day event that resulted in Columbus hosting the largest volunteer turnout for Earth Day anywhere on Earth. His efforts were recognized with a Jefferson Award for outstanding public service.
Mr. Dritz is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, holds an MBA and M.S. in Natural Resources and Environment from University of Michigan, and BS in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University.