MEET Katherine
Katherine He is an Investment Analyst at TDK Ventures. She supports the research and landscape building in energy-storage materials and battery technologies and leads technology scouting on startups in the energy sector. She is a published author with 12 peer-reviewed publications, two patents, and one book chapter.
Prior to joining TDK Ventures, she was a battery researcher and engineer with eight years of experience developing high-energy density lithium-ion batteries and energy-storage technologies. With a Ph.D. in materials science and a deep understanding of technology, she was also trained by government and national lab programs in commercializing lab innovations. Additionally, she had leadership roles in deep tech and entrepreneur communities. She is a founding member of the largest global battery community, “Volta Foundation,” which includes more than 20,000 battery professionals. She also co-founded BatteryBits and BatteryStreet, and serves as an executive member of MIT CEO, actively bridging the academia, industry, and venture worlds to accelerate the cleantech revolution.
Katherine enjoys reading, hiking, working out, and having hot pot together with family and friends. She also practices Chinese traditional dancing, and spends time serving battery communities.
AWARDS
Portfolio Companies Served
AMB’s innovative “dry” process to print Li-ion battery electrodes can reduce energy consumption of a battery plant by 50%, save 40% in capital expenditure and enable potentially higher energy, faster charging, and lower cost batteries.
Novalith’s technology solutions capture and leverage carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to isolate and extract higher quality – battery grade – lithium from resource deposits, with no harmful by-products. Their process uses less water, smaller infrastructure, and is a lower cost than current industry standards.
Peak Energy has developed an innovative sodium-ion-based energy-storage solution that is expected to be more cost-effective, durable, and easier to mass produce domestically.
Current & Ongoing Deep Explorations
Geothermal Power
For the first time in two decades, the demand for electricity is expected to skyrocket, stressing the need for clean, firm, baseload power. Geothermal’s technological and political tailwinds are coinciding with this market demand to propel it as a frontrunner to supply renewable electricity, storage and industrial heat.
Previous Deep Explorations
Advanced Cooling
Decarbonization of Aviation
Fast Charging
Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Communication
Silicon Anode Battery Tech
Solid State Batteries
Charging Infrastructure
Lithium Extraction
Heavy Duty Electrification
Residential Energy Storage
Entrepreneurs First
Be the change you want to see in the world
- Mahatma Gandhi