David Danielson was one of ARPA-E's founding program directors who helped design programs that turned high-risk energy research into investable companies, and later served as DOE Assistant Secretary overseeing multibillion-dollar efficiency and renewables portfolios before joining Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Founders in heavy industry climate startups recognize him for his deep understanding of hard-to-decarbonize sectors like cement and steel, while he continues bridging academic research and venture capital through his role as Adjunct Professor at Stanford's Precourt Institute for Energy. David Danielson was one of ARPA-E's founding program directors who helped design programs that turned high-risk energy research into investable companies, and later served as DOE Assistant Secretary overseeing multibillion-dollar efficiency and renewables portfolios before joining Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Founders in heavy industry climate startups recognize him for his deep understanding of hard-to-decarbonize sectors like cement and steel, while he continues bridging academic research and venture capital through his role as Adjunct Professor at Stanford's Precourt Institute for Energy.