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CleanTechies

#147 Scaling "Equity-Light" Climate Tech: Marketplace Solutions, Equity-Light vs. Software, and Electrification of Transportation w/ Russell Sprole (Virta Ventures)

Jan 12, 2024
01:14:41

In this episode, we chat with Russell Sprole, founder and managing partner of Virta Ventures. Virta Ventures invests at the early stages focusing on “equity-light” companies.

We dive into the nuances of marketplace models, the potential of AI in climate tech, his journey with Full Harvest, and more. 

This is a great episode for software enthusiasts interested in its place in the climate tech ecosystem. 

As always, thanks so much for listening and enjoy the episode!

https://linktr.ee/cleantechies

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Topics

  • 4:00 Starting Virta Ventures 
  • 10:22 Equity Light Solutions 
  • 13:50 Software Solutions in Antiquated Industries 
  • 17:07 Common Equity Light Business Models 
  • 22:55 Investing in Tiba 
  • 28:33 Investing in Crowded vs. Nascent Markets 
  • 34:41 Lessons from Full Harvest 
  • 47:46 Investing in Hydrogen Marketplaces 
  •  1:01:52 The Impact of AI on Climate Tech 
  • 1:06:54 Effective Practices of Portfolio Companies 
  • 1:08:33 Opportunities in the Electrification of Transportation 
  • 1:11:12 Fundraising Advice for Climate Tech Founders 

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