🎙️ From Record Covers to Climate Capital: Drew Ellis on Resilience, Creativity, and the Future of Investing

In Episode 03 of Investor Circle, we sit down with the endlessly creative and quietly radical Drew Ellis—a founder, designer, and investor with a story that stretches from the golden age of record sleeves to the cutting edge of sustainable finance.

This episode is a must-listen for first-time founders, female entrepreneurs, and investors looking for purpose-driven returns. Drew brings not just decades of experience, but a grounded warmth that makes the startup grind feel both real and possible.

The Unexpected Start

Drew’s journey began not in finance, but in art school—where a passion for music and design landed him an early gig designing record sleeves for Pink Floyd, Genesis and Duran Duran. “Someone told me people get paid to do that,” he laughs, “and I thought—wait, that’s a job?”

It’s a reminder to every founder: great careers don’t always start with a roadmap. Sometimes they begin with curiosity, bold questions, and saying ‘yes’ before you feel ready.

From Hypnosis to Eye to Eye Capital

Today, Drew runs Eye to Eye Capital, a specialist funder working with businesses aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The fund works on the debt side—raising capital for infrastructure, AI, and sustainability projects—and in some cases, offers a powerful twist: a “forgivable loan” that becomes a grant if your project hits five SDGs.

For founders working on climate tech, clean fuel, or ethical AI, this is a game-changer. It’s funding with real teeth—and real trust.

“These are serious philanthropists,” Drew explains. “They don’t need more money—they want to make an impact. But you’ve got to deliver what you promised.”

Investing with Heart (and Logic)

When it comes to his personal investments, Drew looks for a few simple things: a product he understands, people he trusts, and businesses that are already trading.

He’s currently backing a local rum company in South Devon. “They’re profitable, they make great rum, and they’re part of the community,” he says. “Sometimes it’s that simple.”

It’s a great reminder for early-stage founders: not every investor is chasing the next unicorn. Many are looking for businesses that align with their values, lifestyle, or past experience. Women founders in particular should feel empowered to lean into their unique story, sector insight, or lived experience when pitching.

Founders Need Resilience, Not Perfection

One of the standout themes from this conversation is resilience.

Drew doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Startups are hard. You’ll face cash flow problems. People will say no. You’ll doubt yourself.”

But he also offers hope: “Resilience is like a muscle. You build it by doing. By surviving the first ‘no,’ then the fifth, then the fiftieth.”

And when it comes to pitching investors? Do your homework. “Don’t just blast 15 pitch decks to names you’ve scraped from LinkedIn. Find the ones you actually want to work with. Know what they care about. Know their ‘why.’”

Advice for First-Time Founders

To wrap up, Drew leaves us with a truth all founders—especially women breaking into male-dominated spaces—should hold close:

“You’re not just looking for someone to give you money. You’re building a relationship. Make sure it’s someone who gets what you’re doing—and why.”

At Canopy, we believe founders grow faster when they grow together. Investor Circle exists to help you build your confidence, understand the mindset of real investors, and feel less alone as you build your MVP, raise your first round, or take your idea to market.

Watch the full episode now, and subscribe for more honest conversations with investors who actually want you to win.

Here's the Investor Circle playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrMrateB2yVX5-hCIM9mPGjG0eUQELOA6&si=OTPTmQMyh77yzSkS