Next up on Engage’s Cohort 12 CEO Stories, we have Tim Weiss, CEO of Optera.

Tim says, “Our job is to help make climate change a data-driven problem for businesses by centralizing all of the information and business activity data from supply chains, operations, facilities, and sales of products around the world and converting it into carbon emissions. It’s important to do that in a way that gives businesses control over the dials and gives practitioners visibility into where the biggest problems lie in transitioning to the low-carbon economy.”

Optera’s origins stemmed from a boutique corporate sustainability consulting firm called Point380. Tim’s path intersected with Ty Colman and Jason Denner from Point380 in 2015 during the formulation of the Paris Agreement. They recognized the growing demand for scalable solutions in managing corporate emissions and climate objectives. Market research revealed a critical need for more data and systems within Fortune 500 companies, presenting a substantial opportunity to help the corporate sector achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through scalable software tools. Tim joined Point380, laying the foundation for what would become Optera. Today, the company is steadfastly committed to advancing carbon management and facilitating corporations’ transition toward a low-carbon economy. Its software has found favor among industry leaders such as Dell, Cisco, HPE, Bloomin’ Brands, NVIDIA, TJX, and Williams-Sonoma. Their mission is firmly rooted in the conviction that practical tools are indispensable in the battle against climate change.

Optera provides software with accurate data for the fundamental problem of decarbonizing the global economy. Its platform enables organizations to accurately measure and manage scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with direct and actionable information. Scope 1 encompasses direct emissions owned or controlled by a company, while Scope 2 emissions stem from the energy the company purchases for its operations. Scope 3, on the other hand, are indirect emissions that occur across a company’s value chain. These emissions result from the company’s activities but originate from sources not controlled by the company (supply chain, use of products, investment assets, etc.) – therefore more complex to solve. Optera excels at helping companies address scope 3 emissions with their comprehensive databases, consolidation tools, and analytics. Optera’s expert team uses the latest methodologies and industry best practices to keep their platform ahead of the curve. Optera firmly believes that by aiding business leaders in eliminating their emissions, they safeguard our planet’s future.

Tim is responsible for Optera’s long-term strategy and vision. Tim has spearheaded thought-leading work on corporate climate action with the World Economic Forum and Fortune 500 companies across many industries.