Fusion energy has been tantalizingly '20 years away' for decades. Now, private investment in fusion ventures has surged from $10 billion to $15 billion in mere months. The influx of capital is surprising, especially as these investments come from sectors typically averse to such long-term bets.

Joining Rebecca Bellan and guest host Tim De Chant on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast is Rachel Slaybaugh, general partner at DCVC. Together they unpack why serious investors are finally taking fusion seriously, and what the return on investment might look like in a sector where power plants might not be built during their lifetimes.

The surge in funding indicates that perhaps we’re closer to fusion's promise than expected. But then again, this isn't the first time such hopeful statements have been made. For now, it appears serious investors are willing to bet on something that may—or may not—transform our energy landscape.

Listen or watch the full discussion here, and ponder: is this the dawn of a new era in energy, or just another chapter in fusion’s long history?