Shawn Xu

Shawn Xu is a partner at Lowercarbon Capital, a venture fund focused on supporting companies that reduce emissions, remove carbon from the atmosphere, and develop solutions to address the climate crisis. Lowercarbon Capital, founded by Chris Sacca and Crystal Sacca, manages a multibillion-dollar portfolio and is recognized for its significant presence in the climate tech sector.

Xu's career in climate investing is informed by experience in both startups and venture capital. Before becoming an investor, Xu was a startup executive who led international expansion for companies such as Square. He later transitioned to venture capital, gaining mentorship at Floodgate and serving as an investment partner at Dorm Room Fund, a venture fund that invests in student-founded startups. Prior to joining Lowercarbon Capital, Xu was a partner at On Deck's venture fund and accelerator, where he backed companies in more than 20 countries. Across these roles, Xu has partnered with approximately 50 companies, providing expertise in guiding founders from ideation to product-market fit.

Xu's focus on climate technology developed through years of investment experience, leading him to make the first carbon removal investment at Floodgate. He has also contributed to the climate tech community by co-organizing Series Green, a network of climate-focused investors. Xu has received industry recognition, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for Venture Capital.

In addition to his investment work, Xu has served as a tech policy advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom and is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is a frequent speaker on climate technology, venture capital, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the economics of the clean energy transition. Xu's perspective frames climate technology as a new industrial revolution, suggesting that climate tech companies will follow a trajectory similar to that of Internet companies.

Xu holds an MBA/MA in international affairs from Wharton and the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his undergraduate studies at UC San Diego. He is based in San Francisco.