Inevitable

Brandon Middaugh, Senior Director of Microsoft's $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund, dives into the tech giant's ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. He discusses the fund's unique 'invest-to-procure' model and its alignment with Microsoft’s sustainable demand, noting a five-fold increase in carbon removal contracts. Hear about strategic partnerships, including with airlines for sustainable fuel, and the vital need for scaling markets in climate innovation. Brandon shares insights on the collaboration necessary to drive meaningful sustainability progress.

Jacob Sandry, CEO and co-founder of Euclid Power, shares insights from his extensive background in renewable energy, including stints at Generate Capital and Goldman Sachs. He discusses how AI is transforming clean energy project development by enhancing efficiency and data management. Jacob reflects on the evolution of the industry, the challenges of transitioning to software solutions, and the importance of innovative partnerships. He emphasizes the critical role of solar and storage in meeting growing power demands while navigating the complexities of project financing.

Patrick Maloney, Co-founder and CEO of CIV, shares his remarkable journey from leading Inspire, a clean tech company sold to Shell, to navigating the venture capital landscape. He discusses how the recent LA wildfires reshaped his perspective on energy innovation. The conversation dives into the importance of blending energy with philosophy and politics, the strategic decision behind impactful acquisitions, and the revitalization of nuclear energy amidst evolving demands. Maloney's insights highlight the critical role of collaboration in today's climate tech ecosystem.

Zack Bogue, co-founder and managing partner at DCVC, shares his fascinating journey from a Colorado outdoors kid to a venture capitalist focused on climate technology. He discusses the strategic evolution of DCVC as it embraces deep tech and launches a climate-centric fund. Key highlights include navigating the challenges of investing in climate tech, the role of AI in revolutionizing geothermal energy, and the importance of creative financing in sustainable energy solutions. Bogue also touches on measuring investment impact and bridging the funding gap for innovative startups.

Liz Muller, CEO and Co-founder of Deep Fission, discusses innovative underground nuclear reactors that could reshape energy production. She shares insights from her previous venture and the core idea that led to Deep Fission's creation. The podcast explores how underground placement enhances safety and security, while also addressing cost comparisons with traditional reactors. Liz outlines the company's modular designs, initial partnerships, and her vision for the future of nuclear energy in response to growing global demands.

John Mills, Co-founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a nonprofit that provides real-time wildfire alerts, shares his journey from Silicon Valley to building a vital public safety tool. He discusses the platform's success during the LA wildfires, highlighting how it enables first responders to communicate effectively. John emphasizes the importance of empathy in entrepreneurship and the challenges of scaling a nonprofit in disaster response. He also explores the necessity of innovative solutions outpacing government tech to enhance community safety during wildfire emergencies.

Roman Arutyunov, Co-founder and SVP of Products at Xage Security, dives into the pressing cybersecurity threats facing our energy systems. He discusses the vulnerabilities in aging infrastructure and the rise of ransomware and nation-state attacks. The conversation highlights the challenges of merging operational technology with information technology, emphasizing a Zero Trust security approach. Arutyunov shares insights on how AI is reshaping threats and defenses, including the sophistication of phishing attacks and the essential need for robust protective measures.

Mike Schroepfer, Partner at Gigascale and former CTO of Meta, shares his journey from tech titan to climate advocate. He debunks the myth that America can’t build hard things while discussing key lessons from the dot-com crash. Mike emphasizes the intersection of AI and energy innovation, addressing the urgent need for efficient solutions as AI demands grow. He also dives into how modular technologies can reduce costs and the collaborative spirit required to tackle climate challenges, showcasing the promising future of startups in this space.

James McWalter, CEO of Paces and host of Build Repeat, dives into the complexities of renewable energy project siting. He discusses how their AI-powered platform streamlines site evaluations by integrating crucial data like zoning and environmental factors. The conversation reveals the urgent need for innovative solutions to meet the rising energy demands from the AI boom. McWalter also highlights the strategic importance of off-grid solar microgrids and shares insights into financing strategies for future renewable projects in collaboration with local communities.

Cathy Zoi is a clean energy veteran with a career spanning leadership roles across government, industry, and investment. Most recently, she served as CEO of EVgo from 2017 to 2023, taking the company public in 2020. EVgo is now one of the largest EV charging networks in the United States.Today, Cathy is deeply engaged in the energy and climate space. She serves on the board of directors for Con Edison, the major investor-owned utility serving the New York City metro area. She’s also on the board of Apax, a British investment firm, and sits on the investment advisory committee for EQT, a Swedish global investment organization that recently acquired Scale Microgrids. Additionally, she’s a board member at SPAN, an MCJ portfolio company, and at Soil Organic.Cathy’s career started at the Environmental Protection Agency, followed by roles in the White House during the Clinton-Gore administration and the Department of Energy under Obama. She’s worked at Silver Lake, founded a division of SunEdison focused on emerging markets, and helped lay the groundwork for Odyssey Energy Solutions, another MCJ portfolio company. Throughout our conversation, we explore her fascinating career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her perspective on the future of clean energy.In this episode, we cover: [3:01] Cathy’s early career at the EPA and the launch of Energy Star[9:15] Commercializing GHG reducers in Australia[11:59] Working with Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection[14:42] Serving as acting undersecretary in the Obama administration[18:06] Advisory roles on investment platforms[23:22] Experience at SunEdison and founding Odyssey Energy[27:29] Financial discipline and capital deployment at EVgo[32:06] The future of the EV charging business[36:14] Evolution of pricing models[39:18] Board work at Con Ed and risk management[43:19] What excites her most, including beneficial electrificationEpisode recorded on Feb 25, 2025  (Published on March 13, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant