Scaling a Synthetic Fuel Startup (with Halen Mattison and Luke Neise @ General Galactic)

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Disclaimer: For full disclosure, General Galactic is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Joris works as a Partner.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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New episode of the CC Pod, features an insightful conversation between host Joris van Mens and guests Halen Mattison, CEO and Co-founder, and Luke Neise, Co-founder of General Galactic, about their groundbreaking carbon capture technology turning CO2 into clean fuels.

Halen and Luke are no strangers to tackling complex problems. Their journey began as grad students at Stanford, where they worked on projects aimed at Mars exploration. This unique background in space technology laid the foundation for their pivot to Earth-focused solutions. Their combined expertise in hardware and control systems, honed through experiences at institutions like the Department of Defense (DoD) and Varda, has been critical in shaping General Galactic's innovative approach.

At the heart of General Galactic's mission is the development of synthetic fuels. The genesis of their technology lies in adapting proven, scalable processes initially designed for space exploration and repurposing them for terrestrial applications. This adaptation is not just a theoretical exercise; it is a practical, hands-on endeavor that addresses the real-world needs of industries striving to decarbonize.

One of the key challenges identified by Halen and Luke is the disconnect between the ambitious goals of the decarbonization journey and the ground reality faced by industries. While discussions about hydrogen and mass electrification are prevalent, the implementation often lags. General Galactic aims to bridge this gap by developing technology that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

Their synthetic fuel technology is designed to be compatible with current industrial systems, making the transition to cleaner fuels more feasible and less disruptive. This pragmatic approach ensures that industries can adopt sustainable practices without overhauling their entire operational framework.

The development of General Galactic's technology has been a hands-on, iterative process. For the first nine months, Halen and Luke operated out of a garage, physically building hardware and refining their solution based on customer feedback. This blend of practical hardware development and constant interaction with potential end-users has been instrumental in shaping a product that meets real-world demands.

The journey of innovation is rarely smooth, and Halen and Luke have faced their share of challenges. From balancing hardware development with business growth to overcoming the initial skepticism about synthetic fuels, their path has been fraught with obstacles. However, their resilience and unwavering belief in their vision have been key to their progress.

As General Galactic continues to evolve, their focus remains on scaling their synthetic fuel technology to make a significant impact on global carbon emissions.

For more information, visit https://gengalactic.com!

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