In our Alumni Career Journey series, we highlight inspiring HBS graduates who are using their business skills to combat climate change. Today, we meet Makari Krause (MBA 2023), a Principal at CrossBoundary Group, where he leads Nature Capital Advisory.
Makari’s Background
Makari’s journey in environmental conservation started early. Born in Kenya and raised in Tanzania, his parents worked in ecotourism and wildlife conservation. This upbringing instilled a love for nature in him.
He later moved to Bozeman, Montana for high school and studied environmental economics and politics at Claremont McKenna College. Internships with NGOs cemented his focus on how economics intersects with environmental issues. His takeaway? Economic incentives are critical for driving meaningful change in conservation.
After college, he took a job at a boutique M&A advisory firm in Los Angeles. While not focused on climate, Makari viewed this as essential experience to build his finance skills.
Why HBS?
After five years in finance, Makari realized he wanted to return to environmental work. Pursuing an MBA at HBS provided a valuable opportunity to explore this passion. He experimented with different projects, including startups in climate tech and even attempted to launch his own climate tech company.
This hands-on experience taught him that many exciting climate solutions exist within nature itself. He discovered that conserving ecosystems could deliver impactful results without requiring complicated technology.
Connecting with CrossBoundary felt serendipitous. The firm focuses on bringing investment into nature-based solutions in emerging markets—exactly what he was passionate about.
Current Role
Makari’s work with CrossBoundary began just after graduation. He helps manage nature-based carbon projects in Mozambique, focusing on timber, agriculture, and reforestation. His role is vital. He bridges local project developers in Africa with investors in Europe and the U.S.
Raising funds for these projects is tough, not due to a lack of money, but because investors often overlook them. He emphasizes that many opportunities exist, and breaking down perceptions of risk is crucial.
Now, he leads a team addressing nature-based initiatives across emerging markets. They enhance project bankability and connect with investors interested in climate solutions.
Insights for Future Leaders
For students eyeing careers that blend business and climate responsibility, Makari’s advice is clear: trust your instincts. While traditional finance or consulting paths are important, creative and impactful opportunities await those willing to explore new avenues.
He notes that direct interactions in the field, whether it’s navigating through conservancies or living with local communities, have been the most rewarding parts of his career. Makari encourages students to chase what excites them and not shy away from risks.
The Bigger Picture
As climate challenges grow, innovative, nature-based solutions offer a promising avenue for impactful progress. According to a report from the World Economic Forum, nature-based solutions could deliver up to 37% of the mitigation needed to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.
In short, Makari’s story reminds us that blending passion with business acumen can create significant change for our planet.
For more information on nature-based climate solutions, check out this World Economic Forum report.
