Zero: The Climate Race What a venture capitalist does when climate tech loses its shine
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Jun 26, 2025 
Mike Schroepfer, former CTO at Meta and now running Gigascale Capital, discusses the current downturn in climate tech investments. He explores the shift from software to hardware in this sector, highlighting the unique challenges in manufacturing and energy solutions. Schroepfer warns about the dangers of funding cuts to U.S. research and underscores the potential for AI to drive energy innovation. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics of venture capital and the vital need for continued investment to foster long-term advancements in climate technology.
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Mill Composting Device Success
- Mill is a home composting device that turns food waste into dry, odorless material about the size of a shoebox.
- It's popular with users for reducing methane emissions and is progressing strongly toward profitability.
US Innovation Amid Deglobalization
- Deglobalization raises costs and reduces efficiency but the US remains a leader in innovation and premium hardware.
- Companies like SpaceX and Arc Boats succeed with local supply chains and offer high-cost, low-production, innovative products.
Energy Access Drives Innovation
- Energy access has become a critical boardroom issue due to AI and compute demands.
- Companies are willing to pay more and take risks on innovative energy technology to maintain competitive advantage.