Webinar
Ventures To Know: Energy & Minerals
Drew Wandzilak, Principal of Alumni Ventures’ U.S. Strategic Tech Fund, walked through how the venture opportunity in energy and strategic minerals connects to a broader investment thesis on U.S. strategic technology — and why these sectors are increasingly viewed as the foundation of national security, AI infrastructure, and the next industrial cycle.
In this session, Drew walked through how the AV team is thinking about energy and strategic minerals as a venture category — and how those themes connect to the broader U.S. Strategic Tech thesis. Drew covered the structural drivers reshaping these sectors, where private capital is flowing, and the types of companies positioned to lead as the U.S. rebuilds critical industrial and technology capacity.
The conversation went beyond the headlines to examine why energy and minerals are no longer a standalone narrative — they’re foundational to AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, defense, and the U.S.’s ability to compete on the global stage. Drew shared what the team is watching across the supply chain, where they see the most compelling early-stage venture opportunities forming, and how the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund is positioning around them.
Whether you were a current investor or exploring opportunities at the intersection of energy, minerals, and strategic technology, this session gave you a clear, current view of one of the most consequential investment landscapes of the decade. Watch the recording to hear directly from the team building a portfolio around it.
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Key Takeaway
- HomeDiscover how energy and strategic minerals connect to the broader U.S. Strategic Tech investment thesis — and why they sit at the foundation of AI infrastructure and national security
- HomeUnderstand the structural drivers reshaping private capital flows into these sectors and the company profiles best positioned to lead
- HomeLearn how the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund is positioning around energy, minerals, and the rebuild of U.S. industrial and technology capacity
Rated a Top 20 VC Firm by both TIME and CB Insights.
Alumni Ventures is America’s largest venture capital firm for individual investors.
About your presenter
Drew has worked in high-growth industries as both an investor and operator, focusing on how people and technology interact within organizations. As a long-time investor with Alumni Ventures, he has worked across multiple funds and internal initiatives. He has worked on National and State level political campaigns, focusing on Small Business and Entrepreneurial policy. Drew holds a BS from Northwestern University in Education and Social Policy, specializing in Learning & Organizational Development. He also served as an Ambassador for Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and was recognized in Chicago Inno’s 25 under 25.