Peter Yolles

Managing Partner

2021

Investing in impactful water-related technologies that improve human health, the environment and climate resilience. Echo River backs founders developing next generation digital solutions, distributed wastewater treatment and reuse, and decarbonization of the water cycle. Echo River Capital is a certified B Corporation and is recognized as an ImpactAssets 50 Impact Fund.

Advisor, Angel Investor

2018 - 2020

Advising founders and entrepreneurs on navigating the water industry. Sharing strategic and operational expertise with emerging companies to achieve ambitious growth going-to-market, scaling, fundraising, and team building. Current clients include innovative companies in data analytics, AI & ML, IIoT, wastewater treatment and reuse, govtech, stormwater, and flood management. I also advised a network of family offices on water investment strategies. Clients have included 2nd Nature Water, Epic Cleantec, Voda.ai and CREO Syndicate.

Board Member

2009 - 2020

Founder and Chief Policy Officer

2014 - 2018

The WaterSmart mission is to change the way the world uses water. Using our advanced technology solutions, 200+ water utilities are able to better communicate with their consumers about the value of water, how their water use compares to others, and how they can save money. Our suite of engagement and analytics tools allow customers to help themselves by accessing detailed information to answer questions and solve common problems. These capabilities translate into significant cost savings for utilities, help protect revenue, and create dramatic improvements in customer satisfaction levels. This all contributes to more resilient water systems that benefit customers, the communities they live in, and the environment. Learn more at WaterSmart.com.

Founder and CEO

2009 - 2014

Built and led all aspects of startup Software-as-a-Service company including sales, marketing, product management, customer success, recruiting and fundraising. > Created concept for WaterSmart with Rob Steiner, winning an inaugural Imagine H2O prize > Developed minimum viable product and product-market fit > Established robust, mission-driven organizational culture including B-Corp certification and conversion to public benefit corporation > Recruited and managed first 20 team members > Sold first 20 utility partnerships in US > Generated initial $1M in annual recurring revenue > Raised $12M from venture institutions and family offices

Principal

2008 - 2011

Advised leaders in corporate, agricultural, governmental and non-governmental organizations on: • Sustainable water strategy • Water footprints • Water efficiency • Water, energy and climate • Water rights and marketing

Project Director

2001 - 2008

Established water efficiency projects, conducted real estate and water transactions, led strategic planning, facilitated regulatory compliance, and managed staff and consultants in engineering, ecology, law, and economics.

Vice President

1999 - 2001

Partnered with California agricultural irrigation districts to conserve, transfer and lease water to municipal water districts. Led negotiations, evaluated water savings, and oversaw regulatory approvals from state agencies to close six transfer agreements.

Associate

1997 - 1999

Analyzed water and infrastructure project finance opportunities in the municipal and corporate markets, and helped launch a new timber investment strategy.

Intern

1995 - 1996

Conducted cost-benefit analyses of major water infrastructure projects, such as dams and pipelines, and their impacts on retail water rates and ecosystem restoration.

Analyst

1992 - 1994

Researched industrial, agricultural and domestic water use. Provided data to support the human right to water. Investigated international water disputes.

Business Development Manager

1991 - 1992

Developed corporate partnerships for Fastline, which launched location based services focused on navigation and traffic information to mobile devices. First telephone on-demand traffic information technology service on West Coast of US. Led to development of TravInfo/511 traveler information services in San Francisco Bay Area.