470. The Former CTO of Meta on DeepSeek, Lessons from Zuckerberg, The Next $10T Market Opportunity, and the Impact of DeepTech on Energy Costs and Climate Change (Mike Schroepfer)
Feb 17, 2025
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Mike Schroepfer, founder of Gigascale Capital and former CTO of Meta, dives into the world of deep tech investment for climate change. He shares enlightening lessons from Zuckerberg and discusses the challenges faced while building a social media giant. Schroepfer explores the next $10T market opportunity in sustainable innovations, emphasizing the importance of energy technology. He highlights how advances in AI and regulation intersect with energy costs, advocating for a diversified energy grid to foster innovation. A must-listen for aspiring tech entrepreneurs!
Mike Schroepfer emphasizes the importance of a 'green discount' in deep tech investments, prioritizing economically viable solutions that promote sustainability.
Reflecting on his time at Meta, Schroepfer highlights the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in leadership for navigating technological transitions.
Schroepfer advocates for a diverse energy mix, incorporating solar, battery technology, and nuclear energy to effectively address climate and energy challenges.
Deep dives
Journey to Gigascale Capital
The founder of Gigascale Capital, Mike Shrepfer, shares his unique journey from a technology enthusiast to a venture capitalist focused on deep tech solutions. After graduating from Stanford, he launched his first company during the dot-com crash, which was an unexpected but fruitful opportunity. His experience at Meta, where he oversaw significant advancements in AI, AR, and VR, helped shape his insights into leveraging technology for tackling climate challenges. His philanthropic efforts and interest in climate change eventually led to the establishment of his venture firm, aiming to support innovative startups in this crucial field.
Investment Thesis Focused on Green Technology
Gigascale Capital’s investment strategy is centered around identifying technologies that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. Rather than investing in products with a 'green premium,' the firm seeks those offering a 'green discount,' where sustainable solutions are cheaper and more effective. The drastic cost reductions in solar energy and lithium-ion batteries exemplify this approach, showing that technological advancements can drive down prices while promoting environmental sustainability. Shrepfer emphasizes the need for industry-wide shifts in economics to tackle the climate crisis effectively.
Lessons from Meta and Learning Mindset
Mike Shrepfer reflects on his tenure at Meta, illustrating the critical importance of continuous learning and adaptability in leadership. He points out that Mark Zuckerberg's commitment to education and staying informed has been pivotal in navigating the company's various phases, from social networking to hardware development. This learning orientation not only fosters innovation but also prepares leaders for inevitable market transitions. Shrepfer advises entrepreneurs to maintain a similar thirst for knowledge, which is vital for their success amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Energy Costs and Economic Growth
The discussion emphasizes the role of clean, cheap energy in boosting economic growth and combating climate change. Shrepfer argues that overcoming energy costs is key to enabling advancements in diverse sectors, including transportation and healthcare. As the cost of energy decreases, it frees up resources for other areas, contributing to a more robust economy. He believes that significantly lowering energy expenses will alleviate many societal challenges and support broader innovation, providing a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
The Future of Energy Transition
Shrepfer outlines a multifaceted approach to energy production, including solar, battery technology, and various forms of nuclear energy. He stresses the need for an energy mix to address different geographical and situational needs, as relying solely on one form of energy is impractical. Innovations in battery technology and grid enhancements are highlighted as essential components for making renewable energy more accessible and reliable. The potential future advancements in clean energy technologies are optimistic, with the belief that humanity can achieve both cleaner energy and improved quality of life.
Mike Schroepfer of Gigascale Capital joins Nick to discuss The Former CTO of Meta on DeepSeek, Lessons from Zuckerberg, The Next $10T Market Opportunity, and the Impact of DeepTech on Energy Costs and Climate Change. In this episode we cover: