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Jigar Shah and Jonathan Silver, former Energy Department officials and longtime sector investors, Tuesday announced that they're launching Multiplier, a consulting firm for green startups.

Why it matters: The founders led the Energy Department's Loan Programs Office under Presidents Biden and Obama, respectively.

Catch up quick: Shah, who founded and led solar firm SunEdison, was co-founder and president of climate-focused investment firm Generate Capital, and a co-host of "The Energy Gang" podcast.

Silver chairs the Global Climate Council at Apollo Global Management, and has held board seats at low-carbon energy companies. 

Driving the news: The new firm plans to focus on startups developing low-carbon energy, water, sanitation, housing, transportation and infrastructure, according to an email announcing the firm's launch.

It aims to help founders avoid getting "stuck in pilot hell," as well as mismatched capital and unrealistic valuations. 

Between the lines: The firm is dialing in on the longer road to commercialization that many climate-tech companies face as they develop first-of-a-kind hardware.

"Growth-stage infrastructure companies have been encouraged to spend money in ways that are similar to other sectors," the statement said. "Despite slower adoption timelines due to infrastructure standards required by buyers."

The firm will take equity stakes in the startups it advises, rather than charging fees.

State of play: Shah in February joined Powerhouse Ventures as a part-time partner, and reunited with his former Energy Gang co-hosts on a new podcast, Open Circuit. 

Ben Geman contributed reporting to this article. 

Shah and Silver launch climate tech advisory firm

Multiplier will work with growth-stage green startups.

An image combining photos of Jigar Shah and Jonathan Silver.

Jigar Shah, left, and Jonathan Silver. Photos: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images, Jin Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Jigar Shah and Jonathan Silver, former Energy Department officials and longtime sector investors, Tuesday announced that they&#x27;re launching Multiplier, a consulting firm for green startups.Why it matters: The founders led the Energy Department&#x27;s Loan Programs Office under Presidents Biden and Obama, respectively.

Shah and Silver launch climate tech advisory firm

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