François Servranckx on Climate Week NYC: "Absolutely worth it, but you need a game plan"

At this year’s Climate Week NYC, the numbers tell the story.

Over 1,000 events across Manhattan from September 22-25. More attendees, more announcements, more everything than any previous edition - despite global headwinds.

But here's the thing: surviving Climate Week and actually winning at it are two different games. Francois Servranckx, founder of Green Gooding - a New York-based startup specializing in appliance rental and circular economy solutions - just finished his marathon week of pitches, panels, and partnership talks. Between demoing his platform to retailers and connecting with investors, he learned what separates the players from the spectators.

His unfiltered take on how to actually crack the Climate Week code

What's your take on what it really means to "live" Climate Week in NYC?

Despite the headwinds, this is the biggest Climate Week NYC yet - over 1,000 events across the city touching everything from retail to construction, fashion to energy, even NASCAR. The city basically becomes this massive collision point for climate, tech, and business.

Fortune 500s drop their new commitments while startups like us get to show what actually works and pitch to people who matter. For us, it's not about the hype - it's about pressure-testing ideas with a market that's both demanding and genuinely curious.

The whole thing is wonderfully chaotic. One hour you're deep in technical specs on carbon measurement, next you're at a climate film festival, then somehow you're running along the Hudson at dawn with other founders, ending at some midtown hotel gala. That's Climate Week.

For newcomers thinking about making the trip - how do you make it count?

Absolutely worth it, but you need a game plan or you'll drown in options. Two non-negotiables:

Pick your battles. Don't chase everything. Lock in 5-6 events where your actual targets will be - retailers, investors, city officials, whoever moves your needle. Cross-town travel kills time, so cluster smartly.

Get yourself on stage. Panel, pitch competition, demo day - whatever gets you up there. Climate Week crowds are engaged and forgiving. Perfect testing ground for your message. 

You'll walk away with real feedback and warm intros.

What's Green Gooding bringing to the table this year, and what comes next?

This Climate Week, we're shifting the conversation from "look at our impact metrics" to "we're disrupting a $20 billion market." Our angle is simple - why own when you can rent? Less waste, lower emissions, new revenue streams for retailers.

The real story is accessibility replacing ownership. Think about it - most appliances sit unused 90% of the time. We're fixing that.

What's cooking for the months ahead:

• NYC domination first, then we hit other major US cities - the playbook's ready

• Peer-to-peer marketplace goes live - your blender becomes an income stream

• Category expansion - tools, outdoor gear, kids' equipment. Anything that collects dust in your garage

Bottom line: Climate Week is our accelerator for partnerships and our springboard for what's next. We're here to scale, not just to network.