CleanTechies Podcast

Hey everybody! It’s Thanksgiving week, and I’m shooting a short, solo episode to share some gratitude for an incredible year and drop a few major announcements.Podcast Announcements* Farewell to Somil: Our co-host, Somil, is moving on! He accepted an amazing offer in the fast-growing AI space with Decagon to advance his product management career. We’re sad to see him go, but wish him the best! He deserves a lot of credit and thanks for helping us kick the podcast into high gear and grow our listenership.* The Podcast is Now Part of ErthSearch: ErthSearch (my cleantech recruitment firm, formerly ErthTech Talent) has acquired the podcast, bringing everything in-house under one P&L. The content won’t change, but we have more resources and are exploring deep-dive content on hiring, talent, and team building.* A Little Surprise is Coming! We have a new project brewing, and we’re hoping to launch it before the end of the year. If you’re a loyal listener and want to get early access and give us some feedback, please reach out to me directly via info@cleantechiespod.com or LinkedIn DM.* Moving to Nashville: I’m moving to Nashville in January! I’ll be traveling in NYC for most of December. This means posting may be a bit less frequent throughout the holidays, and any content created will have lower audio quality until I rebuild the studio. Thanks for your patience!A Look Back and Forward* Gratitude for the Past Year: It’s been an absolute pleasure to build this podcast over the last (almost) five years. We’ve continued to grow our listenership, hosted two live pods (in Houston with Energy Tech Nexus and during Climate Week), and invested more heavily in our social media content.* Optimism for Cleantech: Despite some of the bad news, I’m seeing massive growth coming for cleantech. Founders are building strong business models and making real money—it’s not just a “green premium” frenzy anymore. Companies are investing heavily in teams, and while we’re seeing fewer “climate tourists,” there are still plenty of jobs and growth opportunities!Support the Show* Sponsorship: We have a few anchor sponsor openings for the first half of next year. Our audience is primarily CleanTech investors and founders in the US and Europe. Reach out to discuss rates if you’re looking to sell to this audience! info@cleantechiespod.com * Thank You to Our Sponsor: A huge shout-out to our current anchor sponsor, Climate Finance Solutions, who has helped cleantech startups raise $1.6 billion in grant funding since 2020.* Join Us at Climate Hack Summit: Don’t forget to register for the Climate Hack Summit on Dec 10th and 11th at New Lab in NYC. We’ll be there creating content!Happy Thanksgiving to you all! We’ll see you next week on CleanTechies. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

JOIN US FOR THE HACK SUMMIT!The HackSummit returns to Newlab on December 10-11, bringing together 500 founders, funders, and industry leaders in Climate Deep Tech. Together we’ll explore abundance, alongside Founders and Investors at Andreessen Horowitz, Brimstone, Crux, DCVC, Durin, Earth AI, Endolith, Navier, Radical AI, Rainmaker, Voyager Ventures and SOSV. Sign up for 10% off here.What happens when an ex–Amazon Robotics leader looks at the housing crisis and says, “Yeah… I can fix that”?You get Reframe Systems. And honestly, this might be one of the boldest climate-tech swings happening right now.Vikas Enti joined me on the show, and within five minutes, it was clear: the home construction industry we have is broken. Slow builds. Sky-high costs. Massive waste. Homes are leaking energy like crazy. And absolutely zero scalability.Reframe Systems is flipping the entire industry on its head.They’re building homes like you’d build hardware: in micro factories, with robots, software, and tight quality control. Their houses use about 80 percent less energy, slash embodied carbon, and cut the chaos of job-site construction. And they’re doing it with these insanely flexible robotic work cells that cost under $200k and fit inside a garage.Here’s another thing that will blow your mind away.They cracked the code on mass customization. Everyone else tries to copy-paste the same house. Reframe built the software that turns any custom design into robot-ready instructions.The economics hit just as hard. Developers are paying $350 to $450 per square foot today. Reframe comes in at $275 to $325 — and builds faster. Their long-term target? Under $100 per square foot. If they get to hit that, game over. Housing changes forever.Also… insurance companies are pushing this wave faster than anyone. With wildfire and climate risk exploding, insurers want buildings that actually perform. Reframe homes check every box: airtight, fire-rated, flood-resilient, and way cheaper to run.Vikas and the team built their first full micro factory and delivered a permitted home in just 18 months. Now they’re scaling through joint ventures and laying the tracks for a network of small, fast factories that can pop up anywhere housing is needed.If you care about climate tech, housing affordability, robotics, or the future of cities… this is really one of those episodes you should listen to. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Oliver Gunasekara, co-founder and CEO of Impossible Metals, explores the groundbreaking potential of mining the ocean floor with autonomous robots. He shares how their innovative technology collects polymetallic nodules, crucial for clean tech, while minimizing environmental impact. Gunasekara discusses the staggering $18 trillion mineral reserves found in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and reveals how their approach could change the future of metal sourcing, revolutionizing industries from EVs to renewable energy.

JOIN US FOR THE HACK SUMMIT!The HackSummit returns to Newlab on December 10-11, bringing together 500 founders, funders, and industry leaders in Climate Deep Tech. Together we’ll explore abundance, alongside Founders and Investors at Andreessen Horowitz, Brimstone, Crux, DCVC, Durin, Earth AI, Endolith, Navier, Radical AI, Rainmaker, Voyager Ventures and SOSV. Sign up for 10% off here.Hey everyone, welcome back to the podcast where we talk to founders, investors, and leaders building the future of climate tech. I’m Silas Mahner, the host of Cleantechies and today we’re diving into one of the biggest climate opportunities, clean steel.If steel were a country, it’d be the third largest emitter in the world, right behind China and the U.S. And 90% of those emissions come from one step — ironmaking.That’s exactly where Electra comes in. Co-founded by Sandeep Nijhawan, Electra is rethinking how we make iron from the ground up, literally. Instead of melting ore in a 1600°C blast furnace, they’re doing it at 60°C using a unique process.Think about that for a second: they’re turning iron ore into pure metallic iron without the heat, smoke, or fossil fuels that have defined the industry for centuries.That shift paves the way to a few massive advantages such as slashing energy use and cost and it works with intermittent renewables like solar and wind. It can also process low-grade ores that miners usually throw away, turning waste into value.Sandeep also talks about the economics of clean iron, how Electra’s modular design lets them scale like solar, and how they’re partnering with major players in steel and mining to prove that clean iron can be cost-competitive today. We also get into:How the automotive and data center industries are driving demand for low-carbon steel.What it takes to innovate in a commodity market where “cost parity” is king.Why Sandeep focused early on building a “minimum viable ecosystem” And what it means to be intentional about your team, investors, and mission when you’re building something this big.This episode is a masterclass in scaling deep tech and rebuilding the raw materials that make our world. So, if you’ve ever wondered how we’ll clean up one of the dirtiest industries on Earth, this conversation is going to open your eyes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Michal Tandani, Founder and CEO of Rhizome, delves into climate-resilience planning for utilities, sparked by his experiences with extreme weather. He explains how Rhizome helps target high-risk assets to reduce costs and improve grid resilience. Tandani discusses the pressing need for such technologies amid rising climate threats and outlines how utilities can adjust their investments. He also shares insights on effectively selling to utilities and the evolving climate tech landscape, emphasizing resilience as a growing focus.

JOIN US FOR THE HACK SUMMIT!The HackSummit returns to Newlab on December 10-11, bringing together 500 founders, funders, and industry leaders in Climate Deep Tech. Together we’ll explore abundance, alongside Founders and Investors at Andreessen Horowitz, Brimstone, Crux, DCVC, Durin, Earth AI, Endolith, Navier, Radical AI, Rainmaker, Voyager Ventures and SOSV. Sign up for 10% off here.Hey everyone, welcome back to CleanTechies!Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest non-dilutive funding opportunities out there: the EU Innovation Fund.We’re talking about €40 billion euros being deployed between now and 2030 to scale up the world’s most promising low-carbon technologies…and the crazy part? Only a fraction of it has been spent.To break it all down, I’m joined by Joel Armin-Hoiland, Founder and CEO of Climate Finance Solutions, and the go-to expert on non-dilutive funding.You might remember Joel from Episode 258, where we unpacked critical minerals funding from the DOE, and now he’s back to take us global.In this episode, Joel explains how the EU Innovation Fund is fueling deployment-ready tech (think steel, cement, hydrogen, CCUS, renewables, and energy storage) and how founders can actually win a slice of that €40 billion.We talked about several things such as the €5.5 billion call expected to drop this December and why the EU is favoring commercial-scale over early R&D. Plus Joel’s insider advice on how to phrase your applications because yes, reviewers are literally searching for keywordsSince 2020,CCUSJoel and his team have already helped raise over $1.6 billion with a 90% success rate, so if you’re serious about securing non-dilutive capital, this is a must-listen.Tune in today because this funding window is opening fast, and the founders who prepare well are the ones who’ll win big later. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

JOIN US FOR THE HACK SUMMIT! The HackSummit returns to Newlab on December 10-11, bringing together 500 founders, funders, and industry leaders in Climate Deep Tech. Together we’ll explore abundance, alongside Founders and Investors at Andreessen Horowitz, Brimstone, Crux, DCVC, Durin, Earth AI, Endolith, Navier, Radical AI, Rainmaker, Voyager Ventures and SOSV. Sign up for 10% off here.Silas here! 👋 Before we jump into today’s episode, quick shoutout to Goodwin Law, CSC Leasing, and ErthTech Talent, the backbone behind our CleanTechies Live Podcast at Climate Week. (If you haven’t listened to that yet, check it out first — I’ll be referencing it a lot in this recap.)Quick plug: We also caught a bunch of raw takes from founders and investors between panels and events through candid man on the street interviews you’ll definitely want to see.I’ve finally had some time to process New York Climate Week. This solo episode is part recap, part reflection, but more importantly, it’s my honest take on where we are as a space and why I’m more bullish than ever on clean tech, and here are some of the things that stood out: I’ve never seen founders and investors this locked in. Everyone there was focused, sharp, and hungry. It honestly felt different this year, like the movement finally grew up.Let me walk you through it.Over the past year-ish, people have been asking:“Is the hype gone?”“Will funding drying up?”“Is the climate space cooling off?”What I saw at Climate Week says the exact opposite.Now is the best time to build if you’re a founder.In this episode, I break it down into a few key reasons, but before you dive in, chew on this:“When things get harder, only the best founders stay at the party.”The hype-cycle might be over, but that’s because we’re entering a much more mature version of the movement. So stick around for the mission.P.S. CleanTechies, we have some exciting news for you in the coming weeks/months, so be sure to stick around for that. Check Out Our Sponsor! ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups. Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more). Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out today and tell him you saw this ad. Get Started TodaySupport the show! Upgrade to paid today! It’s $10/month or $100/year. You probably spent that much on random amazon stuff last week. What’s stopping you from upgrading to paid? Upgrade to Paid📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel📝 Show Notes:Topics 00:00 – Intro and Sponsor Shoutouts02:35 – Energy Recap of Climate Week 2024Why this year felt “different” — investors and founders were laser-focused, no fluff, no tourists.04:55 – From Insecurity to CertaintyHow the climate space matured — no longer driven by hype, but grounded in conviction and real results.06:10 – Oil, Defense, and Climate Tech?A fascinating shift, former “outcasts” from oil and defense now welcome in clean tech spaces, blending worlds for impact.07:13 – Inside the Climate Capital SummitOne of my personal favorites event this year— a reunion of world-class founders and investors09:40 – Founders More Bullish Than EverThe main-character energy is real — the best founders are staying in the game and hungrier than ever.10:30 – Why Now Is the Best Time to Be a Climate Tech FounderWhere I break down the five powerful reasons driving opportunity right now.11:00 – Reason #1: A Mature Capital StackInvestors have learned, the ecosystem is organized, and strong capital flows continue despite a cooling market.11:50 – Reason #2: Energy Prices Fuel AdoptionHigh costs are pushing consumers and corporations toward electrification and renewables faster than ever.13:00 – Reason #3: Co-Motivating Factors Beyond ClimateNational security, insurance, supply chain, and convenience are all now aligned with climate tech solutions.14:44 – Reason #4: Ruthless Competition Breeds Excellence17:30 – “Climate Tech” Is Dead — Long Live the Chameleon EraThe term “climate tech” no longer fits. Founders are now building in energy, defense, materials, and national security , adapting like chameleons to each industry they serve.19:30 – The Challenge of FragmentationWith so many new labels, finding “your people” might get trickier, but the mission remains united.LinksConnect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Below are the show notes for the audio RSS feed version of the episode.Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsEpisode Summary:With the massive increase in demand for electricity, having the capacity to flex the grid is more important than ever. To date, utility-scale energy storage uses lithium-ion technology, but there's a problem: lithium-ion needs perfect conditions to work.There is a solution, and that's what we're talking about today. Cameron Dales, co-founder of Peak Energy, is pioneering sodium-ion utility-scale battery storage to solve the needs of the grid. He discusses the economics of battery storage, the advantages of sodium-ion technology, and Peak Energy's strategy for scaling up.NY Climate Week Event: How to Win in the Anti-Climate EraJoin our panel during climate week with Augustus from Rainmaker, Liz from Endolith, Grant from 8090, and Joel from Climate Finance Solutions. Register TodayShout out to our sponsors: ErthTech Talent, Goodwin, and CSC Leasing.Sponsor:ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. ErthTech Talent is an affordable and specialized search firm that works ONLY with CleanTech startups. Reach out today and tell them you saw this ad.Support the show!Upgrade to paid today! It’s just $10/month or $100/year. Upgrade to PaidLinks:Cameron Dales: LinkedIn | Peak EnergyConnect with the hosts: Somil on LinkedIn | Silas on LinkedInFollow the podcast: CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Liz Dennett, CEO of Endolith, shares insights on using microbes to enhance mining yields and resource recovery. She discusses the challenges of team-building in the anti-climate era and how authenticity plays a critical role in attracting committed talent. The panel delves into the importance of showcasing climate tech as a driver for industrial growth while navigating government relations. They highlight the necessity of local networking and strategic partnerships to overcome public perception challenges and funding constraints in critical minerals.

Below are the show notes for the audio RSS feed version of the episode.Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsEpisode Summary:With the massive increase in demand for electricity, having the capacity to flex the grid is more important than ever. To date, utility-scale energy storage uses lithium-ion technology, but there's a problem: lithium-ion needs perfect conditions to work.There is a solution, and that's what we're talking about today. Cameron Dales, co-founder of Peak Energy, is pioneering sodium-ion utility-scale battery storage to solve the needs of the grid. He discusses the economics of battery storage, the advantages of sodium-ion technology, and Peak Energy's strategy for scaling up.NY Climate Week Event: How to Win in the Anti-Climate EraJoin our panel during climate week with Augustus from Rainmaker, Liz from Endolith, Grant from 8090, and Joel from Climate Finance Solutions. Register TodayShout out to our sponsors: ErthTech Talent, Goodwin, and CSC Leasing.Sponsor:ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. ErthTech Talent is an affordable and specialized search firm that works ONLY with CleanTech startups. Reach out today and tell them you saw this ad.Support the show!Upgrade to paid today! It’s just $10/month or $100/year. Upgrade to PaidLinks:Cameron Dales: LinkedIn | Peak EnergyConnect with the hosts: Somil on LinkedIn | Silas on LinkedInFollow the podcast: CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe