Global Change Makers Share Insights on Sustainable Technology at GTF Connect LA

Written by Chimi Kadiya

Max Hermans, Fred Walti, Tracy Gray, and Christopher Engman Advise Conscious Startups on Driving Sustainable Innovation

Los Angeles, CA — At the recent GTF Connect LA, Chimi Kadiya, founder of Lucyd AI—an innovative digital transformation tool revolutionizing the construction industry—personally interviewed renowned innovators Max Hermans, Founder of GreenShot; Fred Walti, Executive Director of CTLA and LACI; Tracy Gray, Founder of The 22 Fund; and Christopher Engman, Founder of Megadeals. Following their insightful fireside chats on stage, these global change makers shared with Kadiya their perspectives on “Sustainability in Technology and Advice for Conscious Startups,” providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs aiming to integrate sustainability into their business models.

Max Hermans Introduces AI Solutions for Sustainable Efficiency

Max Hermans leveraged his background in film production to present GreenShot’s cutting-edge AI solutions designed to enhance productivity and sustainability in the entertainment industry. “In my experience, framing sustainability initiatives around cost savings resonates more effectively,” Hermans explained. “Our AI analyzes invoices and documents to pinpoint opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction, which naturally leads to a smaller carbon footprint.”

He emphasized that significant optimization often arises from better utilization of existing data and workflows rather than solely relying on new technology. Sharing his personal commitment to sustainability, Hermans added, “My family and I choose to live car-free and limit air travel whenever possible—a common practice in Europe aimed at reducing environmental impact.”

Fred Walti Shares Lessons from Building a Green Economy

As an entrepreneur dedicated to fostering clean technology, Fred Walti recounted how he established an innovation ecosystem and incubator in Los Angeles over a decade ago. “The mayor approached me to help grow a green economy,” Walti said. “Clean tech isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s a significant driver of wealth and job creation.”

When assessing startups for investment or incubation, Walti prioritizes the strength of the management team. “I look for bright, committed teams that work cohesively,” he noted. Addressing common challenges faced by CEOs and founders, Walti highlighted the importance of managing cash flow, hiring diverse talent, and resolving internal conflicts. “Empowering employees with profit and loss responsibility encourages holistic thinking and fosters a more sustainable, lean organization,” he advised.

Tracy Gray Advocates for Inclusive and Sustainable Investment

Tracy Gray, founder of The 22 Fund, brought a unique perspective to the panel with her focus on inclusive investment strategies that drive both economic growth and sustainability. “Investing in diverse teams isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business decision that leads to greater innovation and returns,” Gray stated.

The 22 Fund is dedicated to providing capital to technology-based, export-oriented companies led by women and people of color. Gray emphasized the critical role of exporting in scaling sustainable technologies globally. “By supporting companies that are ready to expand internationally, we accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions worldwide,” she explained.

Gray also highlighted the importance of conscious capital. “We need to redefine investment success to include social and environmental impact alongside financial returns,” she asserted. Her advice to startups is to embed sustainability and diversity into their core strategies from the outset. “It’s not an add-on; it’s integral to building resilient and competitive businesses in today’s global market,” she concluded.

Christopher Engman Discusses Entrepreneurial Success and Sustainable Innovation

Serial entrepreneur Christopher Engman shared his journey of founding 11 companies, pioneering five new business categories, and the importance of hands-on leadership. “I’ve learned that being directly involved as a founder or chairman yields better results than passive investment,” Engman stated.

He emphasized the value of developing robust mental models and methods for execution. “Many first-time entrepreneurs overestimate their product and underestimate the necessity of marketing and sales,” Engman observed. Preferring the entrepreneurial path over corporate structures, he values the creativity and critical decision-making it entails. “Being an entrepreneur allows me to drive meaningful change and innovation,” he added.

The Collective Insights for Conscious Startups panel highlighted sustainability's pivotal role in technology, offering actionable advice for startups. Key takeaways included leveraging AI to reduce environmental impact, investing in diverse and collaborative teams, and empowering employees to drive holistic thinking. They stressed the importance of marketing and sales for innovation, embracing entrepreneurial creativity for sustainable change, and redefining success to include social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.