#158 Product-Led ClimateTech, Exiting to Big Tech TWICE, Being a Climate Papa, & More w/ Ben Eidelson (Stepchange, Climate Papa)
Feb 22, 2024
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Ben Eidelson, Co-founder of Stepchange, discusses product-led climate companies, 2 exits to big tech, starting a climate fund, and how his kids changed his life. Topics include product-led companies, PMs in climate, active listening, founder potential, vulnerability in relationships, and the impact of 'Climate Papa'.
The importance of focusing on customers' primary needs beyond climate products is emphasized. By addressing their core desires, such as shopping for a car or a comfortable home, companies can better integrate climate initiatives into everyday consumer experiences.
Product-led Companies' Focus on Quality and Innovation
Product-led companies prioritize delivering high-quality products through a deep understanding of user needs. Success hinges on continuous product improvement, customer-centric design, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in product development.
Importance of Product Excellence in Climate Solutions
The key to success in the climate industry lies in creating exceptional products that outperform existing solutions. Companies must focus on building superior products that make a significant impact on climate change while aligning with consumer preferences and market demands.
Navigating the Shift from Software to Climate Products
Transitioning from software products to climate solutions involves leveraging similar skills in understanding user needs and delivering innovative products. The shift entails adapting to the unique challenges and opportunities in the climate tech industry.
Building Strong Co-Founder Relationships through Vulnerability and Trust
Establishing strong co-founder relationships requires fostering vulnerability, trust, and open communication. By prioritizing deep understanding and mutual support, co-founders can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of building a successful company.
In this episode, I chat with Ben Eidelson, Co-founder & GP of Stepchange, an early-stage venture fund that invests in product-led companies that will make a “step change”, pun intended, I’m guessing?, impact on climate.
When editing the episode, Alex, our executive producer, told us he could already tell one of our best episodes yet. I very much agree. This turned out to be the VC meets product meets content special I was hoping it would be. We discuss all things product in climate, Ben being a 2 time exited founder to big tech, starting a climate fund in this environment, and why his kids changed his life.
A huge shoutout to Ben for coming on the episode. This started out as me fan-boying to one of his episodes and here we are.
As always, thanks so much for listening and enjoy the episode!
----- Topics: **3:10 What is a Product-Led Company? **8:49 Why PMs are not Thinking about Climate **14:45 The Importance of Active Listening **16:03 Identifying Founder Potential **18:29 The Role of Vulnerability in Relationships **20:35 The Origin and Impact of Climate Papa **25:41 The Product-Focused Thesis of Step Change **27:41 Product Meets Hardware and Deep Tech **34:35 Bullish Industries in Climate **42:45 Lessons from Being a Founder **44:59 Building Deep Co-Founder Relationships **47:32 Tips for Product-Market Fit in Climate
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