Entrepreneurs for Impact #228: Joe Rodden, CEO of Lydian Labs – $18M for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. 95% Lower Lifecycle Emissions. Solar and Wind Powered. Ex-Form Energy and BlackRock. Japanese Life Design with “Ikigai.”
Lydian Labs is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based startup founded in 2021, dedicated to decarbonizing the aviation industry by producing sustainable fuels from carbon dioxide, water, and renewable electricity.
Their proprietary technology employs fully electrified, modular reactors to convert CO₂ into carbon-neutral fuels, achieving up to 95% lower lifecycle emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.
The company has successfully demonstrated a pilot system capable of producing 10,000 gallons of fuel per year, marking a significant step toward commercial-scale production planned for 2027. Lydian's approach offers flexibility by operating during periods of low-cost renewable electricity, enhancing economic viability and grid compatibility.
Backed by prominent climate-focused investors such as Congruent Ventures and Galvanize Climate Solutions, Lydian is a leader in the sustainable aviation fuel sector.
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Joe Rodden has spent his career building software to help the world’s most sophisticated companies make complex strategic decisions in dynamic market conditions.
Most recently, at Form Energy, Joe supported the commercialization of a novel iron-air battery for grid-scale energy storage.
He previously worked at Affirm, which he helped prepare for IPO as an early lead on the strategy and finance team, and BlackRock, where he advised some of the firm’s largest private and public clients on complex capital markets transactions.
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Here are 6 highlights from the podcast:
Why Aviation Needs SAF – Aviation could hit 20% of global emissions by 2050; SAF is under 1% of today’s jet fuel.
Lydian’s Electrofuels – Made from CO₂, water, and clean power; compatible with today’s infrastructure.
Smart Sourcing – Ethanol CO₂ is cost-effective now; DAC offers long-term options; plants adapt to renewable energy.
Scaling Up – Modular design enables 10x growth without redesign.
Cost & Climate Edge – Electrofuels rival bio-SAF on price, cut emissions by up to 99%, and reduce contrails.
Life Philosophy – Joe lives by ikigai and credits his organized partner for balance.
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🔗 PODCAST SHOW LINKS
Joe Rodden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-rodden-8bb09a62/
Lydian Labs - https://www.lydianlabs.com
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🤔 PODCAST HOST:
Dr. Chris Wedding is a CEO coach, investor, serial founder, board member, professor, and occasional monk. Daily LinkedIn posts on climate tech startups, CEOs, and finance here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwedding