Sign In

Doug Speight

Climate tech-driven 5X Founder | 3X Commercialization Lead | 2X Entrepreneur-In-Residence

Doug Speight is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader currently serving as an EFI Climate Fellow at Entrepreneurs for Impact. Here are some key details about his background and career:

Professional Experience

Current Role: Doug Speight is an EFI Climate Fellow at Entrepreneurs for Impact (EFI), a membership community for CEOs and investors focused on tackling climate change profitably.1 As a fellow, he likely participates in EFI's programs aimed at accelerating business growth, improving decision-making, and fostering leadership in the climate tech sector.

Previous Positions:

  • CEO of AxNano: Speight led this tech startup that develops solutions for treating water polluted by PFAS chemicals.2
  • Executive Director at American Underground: He previously served as the head of this startup incubator in Durham, North Carolina.3
  • Founder of Cathedral Leasing: Speight started this equipment leasing company before relocating to Durham.3

Education and Background

  • MBA from Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial technology and computer-aided design from North Carolina A&T University3

Entrepreneurial Focus

Speight has a strong background in both technology and business. He has experience founding companies, working with NASA as a subcontractor, and leading organizations in the startup ecosystem.3 His current work appears to be focused on climate tech and clean energy solutions.

Community Involvement

Doug Speight has deep roots in Durham, North Carolina, where his family has a legacy of entrepreneurship and community involvement. He has been actively involved in cultivating minority business development and supporting the local startup community.3

Leadership Style

Colleagues describe Speight as someone who builds strong relationships and embodies the mission of fostering entrepreneurship. His experience as an entrepreneur himself is seen as valuable in his leadership roles.3

Doug Speight's career demonstrates a commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and addressing climate challenges through business solutions.

Highlights

Mar 20 · linkedin

The CED (Council for Entrepreneurial Development) #VentureConnect2024 is off to a great start! Bill Spruill of 2ndF and Jesse Lipson, founder of Levitate kicked off two days of events with a call to entrepreneurs and Jess' remarkable startup journey. I can't wait to talk about AxNano tomorrow!

#ventureconnect2024

Mar 8 · linkedin

On this International #Women's Day, I recognize our AXNANO, LLC Chief #Innovation Officer, Alexis Carpenter, PhD. Extraordinary climate challenges require extraordinary leaders who possess a mix of intellectual brilliance, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and empathy. Alexis exemplifies each and just a few of her accomplishments bear witness:

  • She was unanimously inducted to serve as a #Director on the #boardofdirectors of Triad Growth Partners + AxNano,
  • She has successfully submitted #sbir proposals to six federal agencies that total over $8.35M in federal contract awards,
  • She has achieved a staggering proposal #success rate of 73% over a 4 year period,
  • She co-teaches the Master's-level "New #Ventures- Climate" course at Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business to create a #climate talent #pipeline for the industry.

Here's to extraordinary leaders. #iwd24

Related Questions

What inspired Doug Speight to transition from American Underground to AxNano?
How does AxNano's technology work to treat PFAS chemical pollution?
What are the main challenges Doug Speight faces as the CEO of AxNano?
How has Doug Speight's experience at American Underground influenced his leadership at AxNano?
What are the future plans for AxNano under Doug Speight's leadership?
Doug Speight
Doug Speight, photo 1
Doug Speight, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Durham, North Carolina, United States