
Barnabe
Geis
Executive in Residence
Barnabe Geis is an accomplished leader, strategist, and innovator dedicated to driving solutions at the intersection of climate action, conservation, and social impact. With a proven track record of helping organizations and ventures strategize, secure funding, and achieve meaningful impact, Barnabe empowers mission-driven teams and entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable growth and lasting results.
Throughout his career, Barnabe has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. He was the founder and Executive Director of Climate Ventures, which supported over 130 early-stage climate-focused startups in securing more than $169 million in funding and revenue. Climate Ventures became a prominent accelerator, ultimately merging into a strategic partnership between Foresight Canada and Social Innovation Canada, where Barnabe served as Senior Director.
In his role at Foresight Canada, Barnabe co-created and led Earth Tech: 2050, an ambitious accelerator designed for climate-tech startups with gigatonne-scale CO₂ reduction potential.
Barnabe's impact-driven career extends to conservation leadership as the CEO of the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC), where he drove substantial organizational change by developing an ambitious five-year strategic plan, securing significant new funding, revitalizing communications, and enhancing operational excellence through talent acquisition and digital transformation.
A seasoned fundraiser and recognized changemaker, Barnabe has raised millions for climate and conservation initiatives. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach earned him recognition by The Globe and Mail's Report on Business magazine as one of Canada’s top 50 emerging leaders.
A trained journalist with a Master's from Columbia University, Barnabe applies curiosity, adaptability, and sharp analytical skills to his work. His international experience spans diverse cultures and regions, particularly throughout the Middle East and Latin America, providing him with unique insights into global environmental and social challenges.
Today, as a Senior Advisor for startups and nonprofits, Barnabe combines strategic planning, leadership, fundraising, program design, communications, and operational excellence to drive measurable impact. Known for his empathetic and hands-on approach, he is committed to empowering teams, driving innovation, and fostering collaborations that translate visionary ideas into practical, scalable outcomes.
Barnabe thrives on ambitious, complex challenges—ones that require fresh thinking, bold leadership, and an unwavering belief that change is achievable. He is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs, supporting high-impact initiatives, and building transformative partnerships that deliver lasting environmental and social results.