Why Water Tech Could Be the Next Big Investment Opportunity with Steve Kloos

Water is something we all need, but most people do not think about it as an investment opportunity. Steve Kloos does.

In this episode of the Mile High Success Podcast, Nick Elder sits down with Steve Kloos, Partner at Burnt Island Ventures, to explore the growing world of water technology and venture capital.

Steve has spent much of his career working with technology, early-stage companies, and climate-focused investments. Today, he helps find and support companies that are building new ways to solve water problems.

Steve explains why water is such a large and important market and why changing climate conditions are creating an even greater need for new solutions. He shares examples of companies using AI to inspect sewer pipes, LED technology to disinfect water, new ways to reduce water waste in commercial kitchens, and creative business models that provide free drinking water.

Nick and Steve also dig into the investment side of the business. Steve explains how his team reviews hundreds of companies each year and what they look for before deciding to invest. At the early stage, the founder and team matter a lot. Steve looks for entrepreneurs who truly understand the problem they are solving, listen to customers, test their ideas, and can adapt when things do not go as planned.

They also discuss how Burnt Island Ventures evaluates risk. Steve shares how the team builds different possible outcomes for an investment and looks closely at the market, growth potential, pricing, competition, customer demand, and possible exits.

The conversation also explores the water challenges facing Colorado and the West. Steve explains why the issue is bigger than a short-term drought and why new technology, better water management, and entrepreneurship may all have an important role to play.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about where innovation may be headed next, this episode offers an inside look at an industry most people rarely think about.

Steve Kloos is a Partner at Burnt Island Ventures and has a PhD in chemistry. His career has included work in membrane technology, General Electric, venture capital, climate investing, and water technology. Burnt Island Ventures specializes in investing in water-focused technology companies.