Workshop Title: “So, you want to start a weather/climate business?”
When: (Day 2) Wednesday 4th June 2025 – 16:10-18:00 CEST
Where: Galzignano Terme Spa and Golf Resort, Sala Petrarca

Session description:

Launching a weather or climate-focused business comes with unique challenges and opportunities. This interactive workshop targets post-graduate students, entrepreneurs, established companies looking to diversify, and investors interested in the hydrometeorological services sector.

Participants will be guided through key aspects of building a successful venture in this space, from developing a business plan and securing funding to product delivery, marketing, and scaling strategies. The session will explore best practices, industry trends, and essential skills to navigate this evolving and impactful sector.

Key Topics

• The business opportunity
• Developing a business plan
• Setting up the business
• Funding the business: from government research opportunities to venture capital
• Technology platforms for delivering products (e.g., SaaS models)
• Evaluating innovative ideas and market potential
• Marketing & sales: channels and best practices
• Minimum viable skill sets for success
• Exit strategy: A look into recent acquisitions in the weather/climate services industry

Why It Matters

The changing probabilities of weather and climate events are pushing companies to better understand and manage their risks. This shift is creating significant business opportunities for innovative services that help organisations respond, adapt, and even thrive in the face of climate challenges.

Background Insights

• Weather & climate change increasingly impact all sectors of the global economy.
• The World Economic Forum warns that climate change could 14.5 million additional deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses by 2050.
• Hydrometeorological services are key to helping organisations mitigate and manage these growing risks.
• There is a growing market demand for high-quality, actionable weather and climate information.
• Economic losses from natural disasters (to date):
  • North America: $2 trillion
  • Europe: $562 billion
  • South America: $115.2 billion
  • Africa: $43 billion
• Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, heightening the importance of robust weather/climate services

Session leads:
Jan Dutton (Prescient Weather LTD) and Ian Harper (MoneyVista)