This Week in Startups

Fantasy startup investing NFTs + former Tesla CTO JB Straubel’s Redwood Materials | E1299

Oct 7, 2021

In this discussion, JB Straubel, co-founder and former CTO of Tesla, shares insights from his journey of creating Redwood Materials, which focuses on lithium-ion battery recycling. He reflects on early Tesla challenges and the electrifying launch of the Roadster. The conversation also dives into the importance of sustainable battery technologies and localizing supply chains to reduce environmental impact. Plus, there are thought-provoking views on generational attitudes towards sustainability and innovation in the electric vehicle sector.

01:24:49

Creator website

Episode guests

JB Straubel

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Startup Investing and Likeness Trading

8min

Navigating Brand Disputes and Harnessing LinkedIn for Lead Generation

2min

Protecting Intellectual Property and Reflecting on Steve Jobs's Legacy

4min

Legacy of Innovation: Steve Jobs and Beyond

6min

Evolving Batteries and Electric Dreams

5min

The Thrill of Early Tesla Models and the Importance of Startup Insurance

3min

The Evolution and Impact of Electric Vehicles

19min

Localizing the Battery Supply Chain

15min

10.

Generational Shifts and Sustainable Innovation

13min

11.

Building Sustainable Solutions Through Innovation and Talent

3min

12.

The Journey of Unconventional Learning and Its Lasting Impact

3min

In a short news segment, Jason talks about a company that tried to sell "fantasy startup investing" NFTs and why they had to pivot (1:44). Jason gives a brief tribute to Steve Jobs (15:48). Then, he's joined by JB Straubel, Tesla's longtime CTO who stepped down in 2019 to found a new lithium-ion battery recycling company, Redwood Materials(22:08). JB and Jason discuss the early launches and setbacks at Tesla, overcoming challenges, and the possibilities created by battery recycling. To close out the show, we play a clip of Steve Job's 2005 Stanford Commencement Address (1:20:15).

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