Toyota Ventures, established in 2017, has evolved to prioritize the future of mobility and climate tech innovation. With a significant portion of its assets allocated to the Climate Fund, the firm is actively investing in startups aiming to address climate challenges, including companies in the hydrogen space. Lisa Coca, a partner at Toyota Ventures, highlighted some of the portfolio companies focusing on batteries and hydrogen, essential areas for Toyota's innovation. Despite the current investor hesitance towards hydrogen due to insufficient demand, Toyota Ventures remains committed to supporting startups like Ecolectro, which produces green hydrogen using hydropower. Coca discussed the need for hydrogen companies to secure offtake agreements to stimulate demand and ensure survival in the competitive funding landscape. The conversation also touched upon the importance of cost parity for green products compared to traditional fossil fuel alternatives. The team acknowledged the potential opportunities presented by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act but stressed the necessity for startups to build sustainable business models independently of government incentives. The podcast with Coca unveiled the challenges and trends in climate tech investing, emphasizing the critical role of VCs in driving innovation and sustainability. Despite the current hurdles facing hydrogen startups, there is optimism about the sector's potential, particularly with the right demand signals and strategic partnerships. Toyota Ventures' dedication to supporting climate tech startups, coupled with insights on industry trends and government policies, showcases a holistic approach to fostering innovation in the hydrogen and broader energy technology landscape.