Conversations in Cleantech

Welcome to Season Nine of Conversations in Cleantech!   This season, we’re going behind the scenes of transition infrastructure - speaking with the investors shaping how, where and why climate capital flows. From decarbonisation and energy security to technology maturity and policy gaps, we’re unpacking what it really takes to fund the systems that underpin a net-zero future.   In this episode, our host Jenny Gladman is joined by co-host Isabella Rova to speak with Anmay Dittman, Managing Director and Head of the Climate Finance Partnership at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock - a leader redefining what’s possible in blended climate finance.   At the helm of one of the fastest fundraises in BlackRock’s history, Anmay has mobilised over $700 million to accelerate renewable infrastructure in emerging markets - from Kenya’s landmark Lake Turkana wind farm to a growing pipeline of solar and storage investments across Africa and beyond.   In this conversation, they explore what it really takes to deploy climate capital where it matters most: how blended finance can de-risk high-impact projects, why local engagement is the key to lasting success, and where the next frontier of opportunity lies - from energy access to data centres powering the digital future.   Expect a candid deep-dive into innovation, inclusion and ambition, and how reimagining risk can unlock not just investment returns, but real-world resilience.   01:09 - Introduction to Anmay 03:08 - Can you tell us a bit about your story so far? 05:20 - What drew you into climate finance? 06:29 - Raising hundreds of millions in under a year during COVID is incredible - what made that possible, and who were the investors behind it? 09:50 - The Lake Turkana project stands out as one of Africa’s largest wind farms - what lessons did it teach you about managing risk and delivering community impact? 12:00 - Have you been there yourself? 13:00 - Emerging market investing comes with challenges like currency volatility - how do you approach FX risk in places where hedging isn’t affordable? 15:55 - Your pipeline shows a shift from wind toward solar - what’s driving that, and is storage becoming investable at scale? 17:55 - How do you identify the biggest opportunities in Africa’s mining decarbonization space, from both an impact and investment perspective? 19:29 - Can you share a personal moment or story that shows why this mission matters to you? 21:40 - If you could change one market condition tomorrow to accelerate private capital into emerging markets, what would it be? 23:50 - Looking five years ahead, what do you think will be the most exciting development in climate infrastructure across emerging markets? 25:20 - Who inspires you, whether peers or key figures, to keep pushing forward and doing what you do? Connect with your hosts, Jenny Gladman and Isabella Rova, on LinkedIn. Find your guest, Anmay Dittman, on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Nine of Conversations in Cleantech!   This season, we’re going behind the scenes of transition infrastructure - speaking with the investors shaping how, where and why climate capital flows. From decarbonisation and energy security to technology maturity and policy gaps, we’re unpacking what it really takes to fund the systems that underpin a net-zero future.   In this episode, our host Jenny Gladman is joined by a new co-host, Isabella Rova - Brightsmith’s new Director of Sustainable Finance - to speak with David Bird, Managing Director and Head of the Climate Finance Partnership at Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust (ORIT).   With over 15 years in clean energy and a decade of experience at Octopus Energy Generation, David brings deep insight into what it takes to fund, develop and scale real-world renewable infrastructure. From repositioning ORIT’s strategy in the face of rising interest rates, to backing development-stage projects across Europe, David outlines how Octopus is reframing renewables as a growth opportunity - not just a bond alternative.   Together, they dive into the evolution of investor appetite, the growing role of specialist fund managers, and why resilience, inflation linkage and capital growth are proving renewables to be one of the most compelling asset classes of our time. This is a conversation about long-term thinking, market adaptation and why clean energy is no longer just a climate imperative - but an economic one, too. 01:41 - Introduction to David 02:44 - Can you share your journey into renewables, who Octopus are, and your role there? 05:14 - Can you explain how Octopus Energy Generation’s funds are structured and where ORIT fits in? 07:05 - With government bonds near 5% and renewables no longer a bond proxy, how are you repositioning ORIT and your other funds? 11:37 - How are you working to increase investor appetite for renewables and get that message to market? 16:30 - How do you navigate shifting political narratives - like clean energy vs. energy security - both internally and in conversations with investors? 20:10 - Can you share real-life examples, and what they show us about progress and confidence on the road to 2026 FID? 25:50 - Why are specialist managers like yourself so critical in today’s market compared to generalist investors, especially in co-investments with pension funds? 28:50 - What motivates you to do what you do? 33:07 - What advice would you give your younger self?   Connect with your hosts, Jenny Gladman and Isabella Rova, on LinkedIn. Find your guest, David Bird, on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.

Laurie Menoud, Founding Partner at At One Ventures, has a rich background in biotech and deep tech, while Helen Lin, a Partner there, brings expertise in finance and investment. They dive into the necessity of aligning economics with climate tech solutions, using a 'physics fundamentals' framework to assess investments. They share insights into the importance of founder relationships and operational expertise for scaling hard tech, along with advice on navigating the challenges of climate innovation in a competitive landscape.

Marieke Beeuwkes Spence, Executive Director at Impact Capital Managers, leads a network mobilizing over $80 billion toward impactful climate and social solutions. She shares her journey from philanthropy to impact investing, emphasizing the importance of private capital in driving meaningful change. The conversation dives into emerging technologies like AI in energy and biodiversity, resilience in investing, and the crucial role of diversity in talent development. Marieke's insights offer a hopeful perspective on aligning strong financial returns with impactful values.

In this engaging conversation, Mona Dajani, Global Co-Chair at Baker Botts, blends her engineering, culinary, and legal expertise to navigate the complex world of clean energy finance. She tackles the rising energy demands driven by AI and hyperscalers, critiques the myth of energy abundance, and discusses the crucial need for policy certainty in climate deals. Mona also shares her insights on innovative financing models and the importance of trust and transparency in leadership within the industry.

Heidi Lindvall, co-founder of Pale Blue Dot and former documentary filmmaker, discusses her shift from storytelling to shaping climate VC. She emphasizes founder-first investing, prioritizing passion and purpose over perfect pitches. Heidi critiques conventional aid systems, advocating for entrepreneurship as a means of lasting impact. The conversation highlights the importance of narrative in funding, the need for hands-on support for founders, and her commitment to fostering a climate resilient future through innovative technologies.

Welcome to Season Nine of Conversations in Cleantech!   This season, we’re going behind the scenes of transition infrastructure - speaking with the investors shaping how, where and why climate capital flows. From decarbonisation and energy security to technology maturity and policy gaps, we’re unpacking what it really takes to fund the systems that underpin a net-zero future.   In this episode, Jenny Gladman and Hetty Lowther are joined by Bielenis Villanueva Triana - venture builder, energy professional, and founding member of Norway’s Women’s Investment Network (WIN).   From petroleum engineer to cleantech founder to investor, Bielenis’s journey is anything but conventional. She shares what it takes to commercialise deep tech in the Nordics, how policy and incentives shape real-world outcomes, and why we need more long-term thinking, from founders and investors alike.   Together, they explore the realities of building and funding climate solutions in a risk-averse market, the urgent need for scalable infrastructure, and the importance of putting capital in the hands of more diverse decision-makers.   This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, ecosystem-building, and the power of intentionally rewriting the rules of who gets to lead in cleantech.   01:40 - Introduction to Bielenis 02:05 - Can you briefly share more about yourself and your background? 02:57 - Can you share how you got started and what led you to focus on infrastructure and the energy transition? 03:55 - What does a typical day at Kjeller look like for you? 05:00 - What was the spark that made you decide to join? 06:05 - What do you think is going particularly well for the Nordic region, and what do you think is still catching up with other regions? 09:38 - How can founders balance the short-term need to survive the “missing middle” with long-term thinking about their company’s global impact? 12:45 - How well are the Nordics bridging the gap with technologies beyond EVs in the energy transition? 14:35 - How does the mindset of regional investors around transition infrastructure differ from that of investors more broadly? 16:40 - What inspired you to go into an entrepreneurial startup? 19:40 - What were some of the key challenges in turning an idea into a revenue-generating business? 21:05 - Can you tell us more about the Women’s Investment Network - its history, challenges, and why it’s so important to the sector? 24:37 - What else needs to happen to get more women into the investor space and move toward better gender balance? 28:30 - What advice would you share based on the lessons you’ve learned along the way? 30:50 - What area of innovation excites you the most right now? 32:44 - If you had a magic wand to shift one thing to speed up the energy transition, what would it be?   📌 Note: Since the recording of this episode, the Women’s Investment Network (WIN Ventures) has grown to 50 members - a reflection of the growing momentum behind inclusive investment in cleantech. Connect with your hosts, Jenny Gladman and Hetty Lowther, on LinkedIn. Find your guest, Bielenis Villanueva Triana, on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Nine of Conversations in Cleantech! This season, we’re going behind the scenes of transition infrastructure - speaking with the investors shaping how, where and why climate capital flows. From decarbonisation and energy security to technology maturity and policy gaps, we’re unpacking what it really takes to fund the systems that underpin a net-zero future.   In this inaugural episode, our hosts Jenny Gladman and Chloe England are joined by David Giordano, former Global Head of Climate Infrastructure at BlackRock, and one of the most experienced voices in climate infrastructure.   David’s career spans the early days of demand-side management to leading BlackRock’s climate infrastructure platform, scaling it from 19 to over 70 professionals and raising more than $12 billion across six funds. His story tracks the evolution of clean energy investing and the realities of deploying capital at scale in a rapidly changing world.   In this conversation, David shares his views on today’s market headwinds, why policy consistency matters, and how demand-side technologies and data are reshaping the investment landscape. He opens up about the ‘missing middle’ in climate finance, the blurring lines between energy, transport and digital infrastructure, and what truly buildable and bankable projects look like in 2025 and beyond.   This is a conversation about scale, integrity, and the kind of capital partnerships that will define the next decade of climate progress - and a fitting start to our biggest season yet. 02:00 - Introduction to David 02:46 - Can you please introduce yourself and share a bit more about your story to date? 07:05 - What were your guiding principles when designing the strategy for BlackRock, and how did they evolve? 10:10 - What’s your take on the current renewable landscape, and how are investors navigating recent challenges? 12:30 - What are the structural gaps in the market, and what kind of investors or vehicles do we need to fill them? 14:35 - Are you seeing new types of investments emerging across energy, transport, and digital infrastructure? And how do you assess risk when assets don’t fit into traditional categories? 16:25 - How key are public-private partnerships to scaling transition infrastructure? 20:10 - Where do you think the capital should be going today to maximise the impact that we can have for the planet? 24:05 - How do we reframe the policy conversation to support real infrastructure progress? 26:40 - What makes a great capital partner in the transition space, and what red flags should operators watch for when choosing investors? 30:00 - If you were to start all over again today, what would you focus on learning and doing differently? 33:45 - How did your childhood shape your journey and passion for the work you do today? 38:00 - What legacy do you hope to leave in climate and investment, and what would make you proud of your career? Connect with your hosts, Jenny Gladman and Chloe England, on LinkedIn. Find your guest, David Giordano, on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Eight of Conversations in Cleantech!   From inspiring stories and words of wisdom to conversations on overcoming obstacles and fostering innovation, you can expect to learn from the trailblazers who are navigating the complexities of change to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.   In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our host Olivia Morgan speaks with Brian Sheng, Co-founder and CEO of Aquaria - the startup turning air into water and rethinking what infrastructure can be.   Founded at the height of the pandemic, Aquaria’s story doesn’t follow the usual cleantech playbook. Back when most investors barely registered water as a climate issue, Brian and his co-founder, who also happens to be his brother, were building a hardware solution no one believed was possible, let alone scalable. Fast forward to today, and Aquaria is supplying water to 1,000 homes in the U.S., launching projects across the GCC, and proving that the future of water doesn’t have to come from the ground.   In this conversation, Brian shares what it took to get here: the challenges of building hardware in a remote world, the misalignment between capital and need, and why personal commitment can’t be outsourced. He also talks about what early-career professionals should look for when breaking into the sector - and why execution matters just as much as mission.   From personal tragedy to global impact, this is a story about clarity, resilience, and redefining what’s possible when you stick to the vision, even when the market doesn’t get it yet.   00:53 - Introduction to Brian 01:43 - Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and your story? 02:45 - Can you share the story behind founding Aquaria and how it represents driving change in the industry? 04:33 - Can you tell us more about Aquaria’s journey since its founding in 2021 and what your role has looked like along the way? 06:20 - What have been the most rewarding experiences since starting the company? 08:10 - How did you overcome the challenges, especially founding during COVID, and adapt to reach where you are today? 10:18 - What lessons would you share with those looking to shape a career in clean tech? 12:27 - What key changes and trends have you seen in the market over the past few months and years? 14:45 - How are you navigating market changes while continuing to meet the growing need for Aquaria’s work? 17:25 - How did you prove yourself to investors and the wider market, and navigate that challenge? 19:40 - What advice would you give to people or companies, especially non-traditional decarbonisation ones, navigating today’s challenging market? 24:30 - What’s one clean tech token of advice you’d offer for success in the field?   Connect with your host, Olivia Morgan, on LinkedIn. Find your guest, Brian Sheng, on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Eight of Conversations in Cleantech!   From inspiring stories and words of wisdom to conversations on overcoming obstacles and fostering innovation, you can expect to learn from the trailblazers who are navigating the complexities of change to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.   In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, hosts Jenny Gladman and Hetty Lowther are joined by Alice Vallienne, Head of Commercial Management for Power-to-X at Topsoe, where innovation meets commercial scale in the race to decarbonise global industry.   Alice didn’t start her career in engineering - she began in politics and economics. But her drive to make a real-world impact led her to energy, where complexity meets purpose. Now, she’s helping steer Topsoe’s Power-to-X journey: scaling Solid-Oxide-Electrolysis (SOEC) technology and building a new business inside one of the most respected industrial companies in Europe. We explore what it’s really like to lead a startup within a corporate environment, complete with all the challenges (and superpowers) that come with balancing speed, structure, and scale. From navigating early-stage risk to building trust with customers, Alice shares how adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, and diverse teams unlock clarity in the chaos.   This is a conversation about purpose-led leadership, navigating change in uncertain markets, and why innovation thrives at the intersection of strategy, people, and pragmatism.   Tune in to hear how Power-to-X is evolving, how Topsoe is bridging the gap between lab and market, and why thriving in cleantech starts with knowing what gives you energy.   01:04 - Introduction to Alice 02:10 - Alice, can you give our listeners a quick 101 - who are you and what do you do? 05:01 - What drew you to cleantech, and how did you choose it as your career path? 06:13 - How do you manage to keep building in a commercial role when the market, technology, and policies are all evolving so rapidly? 09:24 - How does your approach to commercial management in Power-to-X differ from that in a larger, more established company? 11:50 - What’s it like operating as a startup backed by a larger company, and what are the main pros and challenges? 16:55 - With your experience in DEI, how does that, combined with the startup-in-a-corporate culture, contribute to strength and resilience? 20:32 - How do you manage collaboration across technical, policy, and commercial teams to build trust? 25:10 - From both a personal and company perspective, how can we best navigate the current changes in the industry? 29:30 - Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the Power-to-X space? 31:35 - What advice would you give to anyone considering a move into clean tech?   Connect with your hosts, Jenny Gladman and Hetty Lowther, on LinkedIn. Find your guest, Alice Vallienne, on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.