Foundational Aspect of a Functional Society

When not advising Silicon Valley startups on venture capital funding, Kevin Graetz gives back to his community through involvement in his church and local organizations. Kevin Graetz has a personal philosophy that emphasizes humility, gratitude, and compassion.

Researchers have noted that compassion and empathy are two human traits that form the foundations of a cohesive society. However, several studies have indicated that empathy amongst individuals in the Western world may be declining.

A social psychologist at Indiana University found that, since 2000, college students are making increasingly lower scores on standardized empathy measurement tests. By 2009, the average American achieved an empathy score lower than 75 percent of test-takers in 1979.

This reduction in empathy is attributed to polarization in politics and negative portrayals of outsiders. Societies can make an effort to restore empathy levels by creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can interact. This interaction can be achieved through thoughtful urban planning and empathetic policies at governmental and institutional levels.

Fisker to Work with Rivus and Cox Automotive in the UK

A New Canaan businessman and resident, Kevin Graetz has more than 15 years of experience in venture capital and private equity. Kevin Graetz has worked with leading companies such as Fisker Automotive.

The Fisker brand strives to keep things simple, and in this simplicity, they have established an automotive venture that focuses on manufacturing sustainable vehicles. In December 2020, Fisker Automotive announced a partnership with Rivus Fleet Solutions and Cox Automotive to further the company’s asset-light, digital forward vision.

The collaboration will result in Fisker offering after-sales services to its customers across the United Kingdom. Cox Automotive and Rivus’s contribution involves outsourced solutions related to providing services such as vehicle delivery, valuation, trade-in, refurbishment and remarketing, fleet management, and mobile fleet servicing.

While the company is recognized for its own innovation in car manufacturing, it also recognizes the need for establishing partnerships with leading companies from around the world to walk out of the company's vision. Moreover, the United Kingdom government’s recent stance on electric vehicles makes this an opportune time to take advantage of these types of partnerships.

Applications of Amyris' Engineered Yeast Process

Throughout his career in venture capital investing, Kevin Graetz has prioritized funding products and technologies that contribute to a cleaner world. As a consultant, Kevin Graetz has secured billions in dollars in capital for groundbreaking companies such as the sugar alternative producer, Amyris.

Based in California, Amyris produces sweeteners using engineered yeast and sustainably-harvested Brazillian sugarcane. The resulting product, Reb M, and yeast-engineering processes can be used in several applications:

1. Food products: Amyris’ sugar syrup contains no calories and serves as a healthier alternative to traditional sugars. The sweetener is also more flavorful, thereby food producers can use smaller amounts in their recipes.

2. Beauty products: Sugarcane is also a source of squalane, a fatty molecule often used in moisturizing creams. Amyris’ squalane is ethically and sustainably sourced and recognized by the certification body, EcoCert.

3. Medicine: The company collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an engineered yeast capable of producing artemisinin, a vital ingredient for malaria treatments. Amyris also applies its expertise and process to produce nutraceutical supplements.

 

Fishing Experiences in Anguilla

Outside of his professional endeavors as a private equity consultant, Kevin Graetz is involved with the St. Aloysius Church and several nonprofit organizations. Kevin Graetz also enjoys boating and fishing activities, especially larger species such as tuna, sailfish, and marlin. He has traveled across the Caribbean in search of big game fish, such as the island of Anguilla.

Anguilla offers diverse opportunities for fishing experiences. The British territory is surrounded by warm Caribbean waters which are home to popular species such as tuna, marlin, mackerel, and mahi-mahi. Visitors can coordinate an excursion with a chartered fishing company, which will secure all the necessary fishing permits.

Tour guides can help anglers determine the best fishing spots for their desired variety. For example, those in search of marlin or sailfish must travel further out than fishing enthusiasts looking for barracudas or red snappers. Fishing along the shoreline is more suitable for catching bonefish or soap fish. While fishing is possible all-year-round, it is not recommended to travel during the hurricane season from June to November. 

Some Boating Safety Tips

Technology investor Kevin Graetz earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics management from Ohio Wesleyan University. Over the course of his career, he has supported early- and late-stage disruptive companies. Kevin Graetz relaxes by engaging in deep-sea fishing, golf, and boating.

Though a fun outdoor activity, boating is not without its hazards. It's essential to observe some precautions to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety.

A boat safety kit is necessary to have on board. The kit should include a flashlight with additional batteries to illuminate the boat or any area when it's gloomy, or in a case where the ship becomes immobile. Carry a well-equipped first aid kit for medical crises. A waterproof whistle is also necessary to raise an alarm. Other items to include are a mirror, to signal for help, and fire extinguisher.

Life jackets are required by law and are essential to keep wearers afloat. Moreover, many life jackets can deter hypothermia and rotate unconscious boaters face up.

Be sure to check the weather before making a trip. Winds and chaotic waters indicate a looming storm, while warm, cloudless days are more suitable for boating.

Also, adhere to the boat's capacity restrictions. Don’t carry extra people or equipment.

Furthermore, take note of all the areas gases and fumes can build up. If the boat smells of fumes after refueling, don't turn on the engine.

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