Downland welcomes CleanTech Fellows from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas
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AUSTIN, TX – February 4, 2025 – Downland, a fintech startup supporting landowners and farmers through the generational wealth transfer, is hosting student interns from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Max Lies and Mary Ann Talbot, Class of 2026, are joining Downland as part of their experience in the CleanTech Fellows program.
The CleanTech Fellowship is a selective leadership program designed to provide Texas MBA students with deep industry knowledge through immersive experiences in the clean technology sector. Fellows dedicate part of their weekly class schedule to working on sustainability-focused companies in sectors like regenerative agriculture, carbon capture, renewable energy, electric vehicles and more. Throughout the program, students engage in speaker series, industry discussions, and collaborative networking opportunities to further their expertise in clean technology.
Downland exposes students to learning opportunities through its work in regenerative agriculture, a style of agriculture that prioritizes soil health. Over 70% of farms in the United States will change hands in the next two decades, representing over 1,500,000 family farms. Downland helps families create a succession plan to protect the family farm, and for those without an heir, Downland connects families to regenerative practitioners with apprenticeship or other in-field experience.
Max Lies and Mary Ann Talbot, Class of 2026, are joining Downland as part of their experience in the CleanTech Fellows program.
Lies is a first year MBA candidate concentrating in energy finance. He was inspired by Downland's mission from his experience growing up near Glacier National Park. “I developed a pretty significant personal passion for land stewardship having the privilege to grow up in the shadow of one of the most beautiful national parks,” said Lies. “Having the opportunity to both work and give back to the space through my MBA has been a highlight of my experience thus far.”
Talbot hails from Fredericksburg, VA, and has extensive experience consulting in the public sector, previously with Deloitte. As a granddaughter of farmers, she is excited to support Downland’s mission to remove barriers for the next generation of regenerative farmers and ranchers. “I joined the CleanTech program because I felt a deep calling to support work that addresses climate change and creates a sustainable future,” said Talbot. “I want to use my background in organizational change management to encourage buy-in and adaptation of clean tech solutions. I believe that by working together, we can create meaningful shifts toward a more sustainable society.”
Regenerative agriculture's focus on soil health encourages practices that protect soil through cover cropping, keep living plant roots in the ground year round, and increases diversity of plants and animals. With a strong soil microbiome, farms and ranches sequester carbon, improve the water cycle, mitigate flood and drought risk and require fewer costly and toxic inputs. Boston Consulting Group found regenerative agriculture increased farm profitability by 120%.
“Max and Mary Ann are joining Downland at an exciting time,” said Jessi Roesch, CEO and Founder of Downland. “Their passion, expertise, and dedication to sustainability will be invaluable as we work together to advance regenerative agriculture and steward American farmland for future generations of aspiring farmers.”
About Downland. Downland is dedicated to accelerating the transition to regenerative agriculture by improving land access for young farmers. Through estate and succession planning, Downland empowers families who wish to keep their farm in agriculture even if there's not an heir interested in carrying on the operation by matching with a skilled farmer in search of land.
About CleanTech Fellows Program. The CleanTech Fellows program at the University of Texas at Austin provides MBA students with hands-on experience in clean technology, preparing them for leadership roles in sustainability-focused industries. Through partnerships with innovative companies the program fosters collaboration and industry-driven solutions for a more sustainable future.
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