Sabira Alloo brings a wealth of experience in leveraging technology to drive growth and efficiency for top companies around the globe. As the Head of Private Equity Partnerships at Google Cloud, she works closely with private equity firms to unlock value in their portfolio companies through strategic technology solutions.
In addition to her role at Google, Sabira advises climate-focused startups, guiding them through scaling their operations and fostering innovation. Her expertise spans both the business and social impact sectors, making her a valuable leader in sustainability initiatives.
She holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and dual Master’s degrees in International Relations and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California and a BS in Economics and French from UC Berkeley.
During our interview, Sabira shared her thoughts on sustainability, private equity, and how startups can thrive,
“On a day-to-day basis, this involves briefings with investment and operating partners about the latest developments at Google,” Sabira explained. “We work together to identify how our technology can drive efficiency and unlock innovation across industries.”
While not all the firms she works with are focused on carbon removal, sustainability is increasingly a priority. “For example, one firm we’re partnering with has a fund dedicated entirely to climate-related investments. In those cases, we’re primarily collaborating with early- to mid-stage climate-focused startups,” she said.
In her advisory work for Startups for Sustainable Development, Sabira plays a critical role in helping emerging companies scale. When asked about the key factors for success, she emphasized the importance of storytelling and clear value propositions.
“Startups often have great solutions but struggle communicating their vision effectively,” Sabira noted. “It’s crucial to clearly define the return on investment for both investors and customers. Differentiating your solution and quantifying its benefits—whether in terms of efficiency, speed, or environmental impact—makes a big difference.”
One of the biggest hurdles startups face is securing capital. Investors have limited time and numerous options, so differentiation is vital. “It’s important to lead with a compelling story that shows tangible, long-term benefits,” she said. “Even if the projected gains take time, attaching clear, quantifiable outcomes to your pitch is essential.”
Sabira underscored the significance of private equity in advancing carbon removal and nature-based solutions. “Private equity is a powerful asset class, controlling trillions in global capital. By encouraging their portfolio companies to meet sustainability targets, private equity firms can make a major impact,” she explained.
She sees private equity continuing to diversify its carbon credit portfolios, especially with high-quality, long-term credits, as investors recognize the enduring value of sustainable projects.
As a new member of Wovoka’s Scientific Advisory Board, Sabira expressed her enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s mission. “I’m excited to be part of an innovative solution that approaches such a complex issue with a values-driven mindset,” she said. “Nature-based solutions are harder to implement and take longer, but their impact on local communities is profound. It’s a truly admirable approach.”
Sabira’s deep commitment to sustainable development and her passion for fostering meaningful solutions are evident in her work. Her involvement with Wovoka highlights her dedication to driving lasting, positive change in both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
