CleanTechies Podcast

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition. Today, we are talking to Tobias Egle from M VenturesTobias has a science-to-venture background, which made this a slightly different conversation than most of our VC episodes. The major topics we covered were… * His personal experience of going from PhD to venture * Decarbonizing the electronics manufacturing industry. With a specific focus on semi-conductors* Concrete examples of how AI is being used to advance the sustainable materials discovery processAsk yourself this: is the content we put out valuable enough to you that you’d be willing to buy us a latte 🍵 once a month? 📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Tobias Egle* Tobias Egle is currently a Venture Investor at M Ventures, the Corporate Venture arm of Merck. * He studied Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at Harvard, where he completed his PhD. During that time, he also had attempted, with a peer, to start a company. That time gave him a taste of entrepreneurship.* As he sought to find his path, he ended up sort of by accident, landing in venture. * Today, he’s investing in deep tech investment with M Ventures, where a part of what he invests in is the decarbonization of the semiconductor industry and electronics manufacturing at large. * Having the perspective of someone earlier in their career is quite refreshing. 🚨🚨🚨 Shoutout to our sponsor Net Zero Insights — Net Zero Insights is the leading market intelligence platform on climate information with all the latest you need on funding rounds, VCs, and the climate tech ecosystem. Use this link to schedule your demo and get a 10% discount! 🚨🚨🚨The VC: M VenturesM Ventures is the Corporate Venture arm of German Pharma giant, Merck. The fund has allocated over €600m, was set up in 2009, and now has over 90 investments. They focus their investments across the sectors that intersect with their work in pharma, but also have a portion they allocate towards sustainability. In the world of semiconductors, there is a huge opportunity for further decarbonization of the manufacturing process. Another example is technology that can detect, capture, and destroy PFAS. A topic that hit the news heavily in the past few months. They start investing at early stages unlike many CVCs. Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 01:21 - Introduction and Background* 04:32 - Transitioning from Academia to Venture Capital* 07:48 - Getting into Venture Capital* 10:52 - Focus Areas of M Ventures* 17:05 - Decarbonizing Electronics and Life Sciences* 23:37 - Challenges of PFAS Removal* 31:45 - Gaps in Deep Tech Founders* 40:45 - The Impact of AI in Climate Solutions* 46:55 - Adaptation and Climate Resilience* 48:10 - Grid Resiliency and Renewable Integration* 51:40 - Transitioning from R&D to Product and Business Development* 53:00 - Designing for Manufacturability in Hard Tech* 56:26 - Sustainable Supply Chain in Electronics Manufacturing* 57:42 - Team Building and Hiring for Startups* 01:01:34 - Getting into VC and Starting a CompanyLinks* Tobias Egle | M Ventures* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Asks 👋* We have recently launched a listener survey, and we would love to hear from you how we can improve the show and what you like most. Please take 7 minutes to help us with this. It’s 7 minutes for you, but it makes a huge impact on how we can serve you. * Have a specific guest or topic you’d like us to discuss? Leave a comment and let us know. Here’s the thing: Somil and I both have day jobs, so if you’re in the helping mood, we both have an ask for you today.Somil: I’m currently seeking to connect with founders in the built environment space for a project I’m working on. If you’re in that space, reach out!Silas: As many of you know, my day job is solving people’s hiring headaches in climate - do you have a hiring headache? Well, let me be your Advil. (booking here)🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, founder edition. Today, we are talking to Trevor Best from SyzygyToday, we really got the juice for you 🍹* For us energy nerds, Trevor breaks down how their light-powered chemical reactors are 30x more energy efficient when compared to conventional reactors 🥵* For the aspiring founders, he walked us through his super data-driven approach to picking a technology to bet it all on ♠️* For those scaling, he broke down their headcount through each of their fundraises as well as their strategic investment partner strategy Honestly — Trevor is kick-ass, and what they are building is super cool - especially if you’re an innovation junkie like me 🤪Ask yourself this: is the content we put out valuable enough to you that you’d be willing to buy us a latte 🍵 once a month? 📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Trevor BestIn university, Trevor completed a Triple Major that covered International Business, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Technology, setting him up well for his future endeavors. Being from Houston, naturally started his career in the Energy industry working with Baker Hughes. During his eight years here, he worked on the innovation team to come up with new technologies. Given all this exposure he possessed a strong foundational knowledge of the chemicals industry. Trevor states openly that he had three other failed attempts at starting a company. As you’ll pick up in the interview, it’s clear he wanted to be an entrepreneur from a young age. Over time, he started having ‘Energy Lunches’ with his Co-Founder, Suman Khatiwada, PhD, to dissect startup ideas. Often, these were technical and based on research papers. Having learned from past failures, they put together a framework of Tech Comparison, Market, and Impact, which they used to kill ~80 ideas before they got to one they couldn’t kill. Through a research paper published by a Rice University professor, they dug into the details. On the surface, it wasn’t much to look at, but after seeing further unpublished data, they found this catalyst technology was 30x more efficient than current industry standards, and they knew it was go time. They cashed in all their chips and started building. Today, Trevor is the CEO of the company, and they are nearing the major inflection point to get past TRL 8. The Company: SyzygyIndustrial Decarbonization, Green Chemicals, Green Hydrogen, SAFOne-liner: Developing chemical reactors that are 30x more energy efficient than current industry standards, using a new photocatalyst technology, thus massively reducing global emissions produced from the production of goods… (imagine putting that on your resume) Context: Nearly all of the world's products are built using secondary materials, which are produced through catalyzing raw materials. This is done using chemical reactors, which today are primarily powered through heat combustion. What: The Syzygy technology uses light (photocatalyst) instead of heat and is 30x more energy efficient. Busienss Model: They licence out their IP and provide chemical reactors that they produce, making it a high margin business. However, there are product guarantees to take into consideration, meaning this is only possible when the tech is air tight. Traction: When Trevor and Suman found the tech it was at TRL 3. From there a team of four took it to TRL 5. Fast forward, they have a team of 100 and have gotten to TRL 8. Once they get to TRL 9, hopefully later this year, they will blow the doors off of this thing. If they run into issues, it will be a rough road. Future: Given their partnerships with some of the biggest chemical and energy industry corporates, they are well positioned to capitalize should all go well with their current demonstration. Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 1:30 Trevor's Story* 4:00 What is Photocatalyst* 9:40 The Idea Framework (Tech, Market, Impact)* 12:55 How to Come Up w/ Ideas* 17:30 Their Tech (Catalyst & Reactor)* 24:45 ~5x Reduction in Energy Use* 27:00 Impact on Everyday Life* 29:35 Traction* 32:50 From TRL3 to 8* 36:05 Business Model* 38:42 Fundraising Mistakes & Lessons* 43:15 Culture | Missionaries > Mercenaries Links* Trevor Best | Syzygy* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Leave a comment with what you learned in today’s episode! 💭🗓️ AsksHere’s the thing: Somil and I both have day jobs, so if you’re in the helping mood, we both have an ask for you today. Somil: I’m currently seeking to connect with founders in the built environment space for a project I’m working on. If you’re in that space, reach out! Silas: As many of you know, my day job is solving people’s hiring headaches in climate - do you have a hiring headache? Well, let me be your Advil. (booking here) 🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you. is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition. Today, we are talking to Russell Sprole from Virta VenturesIn this episode, some of the biggest ideas we discuss are…* Marketplace models in climate, specifically the current potential of a hydrogen energy marketplace* The limitless potential of AI to impact climate tech, particularly in the built environment and the management of distributed energy resources.* Why Russell is bullish on the electrification of transportationAsk yourself this: is the content we put out valuable enough to you that you’d be willing to buy us a latte 🍵 once a month? 📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Russell Sprole* Russell Sprole is Managing Partner of Virta Ventures, bringing over 12 years of experience in investing and operational roles* Russell was CFO at Full Harvest, the leading B2B marketplace for produce in North America. At Full Harvest, he led finance, accounting, HR, and legal and often many other hats as the team scaled from 5 to over 60 people and Full Harvest raised over $45 million in capital. * Prior to Full Harvest, Russell was VP of Business Development and Business Operations at RePower through its successful sale to Soligent and VP of Strategy of Product at Admirals Bank, focused on the bank’s rapidly growing solar and home improvement lending business. Russell also led FP&A and Sales Operations at Stem (NYSE: STEM) during a critical early growth period for the company, which debuted on the public markets in 2021. * Prior to Stem, Russell spent four years at SunPower developing and financing hundreds of megawatts of solar across all three business lines - utility, commercial, and residential.* Russell holds an MBA from Wharton Business School and a BA from Yale University.🚨🚨🚨 Shoutout to our sponsor Net Zero Insights — Net Zero Insights is the leading market intelligence platform on climate information with all the latest you need on funding rounds, VCs, and the climate tech ecosystem. Use this linkto schedule your demo and get a 10% discount! 🚨🚨🚨The VC: Virta VenturesVirta Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed stage climate tech companies working to decarbonize energy, mobility, the built environment and food/agriculture. They target equity-light businesses - typically SaaS, marketplaces, software-enabled services, and fintech/insurtech. Virta Ventures aims to partner with founders from “day zero” — leaning on their operating and investing expertise to get startups through the early stages. Don’t get it confused — they aren’t a SaaS VC. They invest in “equity-light”innovation that enables hardware—bits powering atoms. Their four focus areas are:* Support the development and management of our energy grid* Lower barriers and costs for electrifying transportation* Decarbonize our existing building stock—residential, commercial, and industrial* Speed up the transition to regenerative agricultureEnjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 4:00 Starting Virta Ventures * 10:22 Equity Light Solutions * 13:50 Software Solutions in Antiquated Industries * 17:07 Common Equity Light Business Models * 22:55 Investing in Tiba * 28:33 Investing in Crowded vs. Nascent Markets * 34:41 Lessons from Full Harvest * 47:46 Investing in Hydrogen Marketplaces *  1:01:52 The Impact of AI on Climate Tech * 1:06:54 Effective Practices of Portfolio Companies * 1:08:33 Opportunities in the Electrification of Transportation * 1:11:12 Fundraising Advice for Climate Tech Founders Links* Russell Sprole | Virta Ventures* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🗓️ Upcoming EventsReminder 🔔 that we have another CleanTechies in-person networking event on January 11th Contact Somil or Silas on LinkedIn to be included and receive details on the location.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, founder edition. Today, we are talking to Ken Munson from RhythmosIn this episode, some of the biggest ideas we discuss are…* Ken's career from architecture to entrepreneurship and a discussion on the importance of veteran entrepreneurs staying in the arena * Why customer experience is key to EV success* His tactical tips on selling to utilities and understanding their perspective Overall, Ken brings a lot of mature and actionable advice, given how many reps he has as an entrepreneur. Ask yourself this: is the content we put out valuable enough to you that you’d be willing to buy us a latte 🍵 once a month? 📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Ken Munson* Industry Expertise: Ken Munson is a distinguished leader in the clean technology and electric vehicle sectors, with a career spanning over two decades. His journey began in architecture, but a shift towards entrepreneurship led him to the clean technology industry. Ken's experience ranges from biotechnology and agriculture to renewable energy, where he has consistently focused on sustainable and innovative solutions. His leadership roles in various companies, including Sun Verge Energy, have been pivotal in pioneering grid-edge energy storage and solar technology integration.* Professional Journey: Ken's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found and lead multiple companies, including Sun Verge Energy and Rhythmos. His decision to join Rhythmos as CEO was driven by a keen interest in addressing the challenges of integrating electric vehicles into the utility grid. His expertise in business development and innovative technology applications has significantly contributed to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the industry.* Focus on Innovation: Throughout his career, Ken Munson has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, particularly in clean technology and sustainable energy solutions. At Rhythmos, he is at the forefront of utilizing AI to optimize electric vehicle charging and grid management, showcasing his dedication to pioneering technologies that not only enhance energy efficiency but also drive environmental sustainability. Ken's visionary approach continues to influence the evolution of the electric vehicle and clean technology landscapes.The Company: RhythmosEV Charging Infrastructure, GridEdge, Energy EfficiencyOne-liner: Revolutionizing EV Charging Efficiency with AI-Driven Grid Integration Solutions.Function: Rhythmos specializes in developing next-generation managed charging services for electric vehicles, focusing on integrating EVs seamlessly into the utility grid using advanced AI algorithms.Origin: Rhythmos was founded to address the growing need for efficient integration of electric vehicles into the power grid. Recognizing the challenges in grid management due to the increasing adoption of EVs, Rhythmos set out to create innovative solutions that harmonize EV charging with grid capabilities.Problem / Solution: The traditional approach to EV charging puts a strain on the utility grid, leading to inefficiencies and potential overloads. Rhythmos tackles this challenge by using AI to predict optimal charging times, thereby balancing the grid load and reducing costs. Their technology allows for intelligent charging management that adapts to grid conditions and user needs, ensuring efficient energy use and cost savings. This approach not only enhances the sustainability of EV charging but also paves the way for a more robust and adaptable energy infrastructure.Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 1:40 Intro to Ken* 3:00 Going from Architect to Entrepreneur to Rhythmos* 12:00 What Grid Edge Is* 14:45 What Rhythmos is Doing, Why, and How it Works* 21:30 How Rhythmos is Helping Solve the Infrastructure Problem* 24:50 Their Customer Types (Utilities & Commercial Fleets)* 27:48 How They do Incremental Data Access Tech to Fill the Gaps to the Utility* 31:20 The ROI of Using Rhythmos* 32:15 Advice on Selling to Utilities* 36:45 How to Hire Good SalesPeople* 42:30 On Deciding to Go Back Into the ArenaLinks* Ken Munson | Rhythmos* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🗓️ Upcoming EventsReminder 🔔 that we have another CleanTechies in-person networking event on January 11th Contact Somil or Silas on LinkedIn to be included and receive details on the location.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the first CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition of 2024! 🎊Today, we are talking to Jay Kapoor of VSC VenturesIn this episode, some of the biggest ideas we discuss are:* How labor shortages and legacy industries are driving the need for industrial automation* How storytelling plays a vital role in helping founders succeed* Why augmentation, rather than replacement, is the key to successfully integrating climate into automation* How you should think about your cap table as a climate entrepreneurIn short, a must-listen for every climate founder ‼️ 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, founder edition. Today, we are talking to Adam Tank of Transcend InfrastructureIn this episode, some of the biggest ideas we discuss are:* His Decision to Join Transcend Infrastructure* Importance of Efficient Tools in Water/Wastewater Engineering* Role of AI in Water Industry Innovations* Global Water Management Trends and Approaches* Contrasting Water Treatment Strategies in the UK and US* Automation in Water and Wastewater Treatment* Public Demand and Awareness in Industry Innovation* Future Trends in Water Infrastructure* Technology's Role in Addressing Climate and Infrastructure Challenges* Career Opportunities in Critical Infrastructure Fields* The Impact of Digitization and AI on Industry Practices* The Intersection of Climate Tech and Water ManagementIn short, prepare to nerd out about water. It’s epic 🤩📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Adam Tank* Industry Expertise: Adam Tank is a prominent figure in the water infrastructure sector, with over 15 years of experience. He started out his career in food production, where water usage and waste were a big topic. Overall, he didn’t enjoy it, so he went to business school and ended up working at GE Water. There he had his first foray into entrepreneurship as an intraprenuer with GE after he won an internal pitch competition. The Idea: robots that repair water pipes from the inside. Through GE, he had a connection that ended up introducing him to the people he’d Co-Found Transcend Infrastructure with. * Professional Journey: He decided to help Co-Found Transcend Infrastructure as a stand-alone company in 2018. Having already founded companies, the big push to make the leap came after hearing the CEO of Black & Veatch say publicly they were seeking software to help improve the design speed. * Focus on Innovation: Adam has always had an interest in innovation. His experience founding companies, along with the the original 2012 buzz around AI, made the move to co-found Transcend easy. Adam is very bullish on innovation in the Water Infrastructure space to create a more sustainable world. The Company: Transcend InfrastructureInfrastructure, Generative AI, Design, Water, One-liner: Slashing 30 and 60% of design time and Improving Sustainability for Water Infrastructure using Generative AI Design Software. Function: Transcend Infrastructure is a Generative AI Design software, with a current focus on Water Infrastructure. Origin: Transcend started as an internal tool at Organica as a way to help increase the speed of designing so they could bid on projects faster. Organica specializes in developing more efficient wastewater infrastsructure, hence Transcend’s initial focus on that space. Problem / Solution: Designing Water Infrastrcuture is currently very maual, and can take months just to create 30 and 60% designs. With Transcend, 30 and 60% designs can be generated in hours saving time for engineering consultancies, utilities, and even investors. Saved time means more flexibility to try out more efficient and sustainable infrastructure designs. Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 2:00 How Adam Ended Up in the Water* 6:30 From Investor to Entrepreneur * 8:20 First Company, Pipe Robots* 10:00 Transcend's Tech * 11:45 Who Uses Transcend * 12:30 Before and After Transcend* 17:20 Why Current Infrastructure is Bad* 19:30 Spin-Out of Organica, the MVP * 23:40 Taking the Leap to Transcend * 26:25 The Future of Water Infrastructure / the UK vs US Utilities * 28:45 Future: Proactivity, Automation, Digitization, Active Consumers* 30:35 Why To Choose A Critical Infrastructure Careers * 32:20 Founder Advice: Find the right team, Remember WHY You Do What You Do, Be Passionately Curious* 34:15 Importance of Curiosity & Intentionality in Career Links* Connect with Adam | Adam’s Website | Transcend Infrastructure Website* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🗓️ Upcoming EventsReminder 🔔 that we have another CleanTechies in-person networking event on January 11th Contact Somil or Silas on LinkedIn to be included and receive details on the location.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, founder edition. Today, we are talking to Sudhu Arumugam of CYNKIn this episode, some of the biggest ideas we discuss are:* Evolution and Importance of Carbon Markets: Discussion on how the carbon markets have evolved over the years, especially the increased emphasis on the social impact of carbon credits.* Role of Blockchain Technology in Carbon Markets: Exploring the need for blockchain technology in carbon markets for transparency and trust and how it improves data management and verification.* Challenges and Opportunities in the African Carbon Market: Insights into the specific challenges and opportunities in the African voluntary carbon markets and how CYNK is addressing these.* Impact of CYNK and Its Market Approach: Understanding the impact of CYNK’s blockchain-tied marketplace in the carbon market, particularly regarding connectivity, transparency, and supporting local communities.* Retail Investors in Carbon Markets as a Catalyzing Event: Discussion on the future of carbon markets, including the potential for increased retail investor involvement and the overall market growth projections.📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Sudhu Arumugam* Sudhu Arumugam is the Co-Founder and CEO of CYNK.* He has over 20 years of experience in various trading and risk management roles across fixed income, equity, exotic derivatives, commodities, and, more recently, crypto markets in Europe and Asia.* Before starting CYNK, Sudhu Co-Founded CoinFLEX. Before that, he was the Head of Risk at Coinfloor UK, the UK’s oldest and largest crypto exchange. In addition, he served as Partner and Head of Trading at Cusaru Capital, managing portfolio hedging across different financial instruments.The Company: CYNKCarbon Markets, Blockchain, Transparency, Carbon Credits, One-liner: Increasing transparency in the Carbon Markets and creating access for retail investors. CYNK is a blockchain-tied marketplace for carbon credits. They help maxime revenues and secure early-stage financing for carbon capture projects, particularly in African carbon markets through transparency, connectivity, and proprietary climate technology.They achieve this through use of blockchain-tied marketplace carbon credits, thus addressing the recent transparency issues in the carbon markets. Through providing this transparency, they believe it will help catalyze retail investors to get into the carbon markets, which they believe to be critical to the long-term success of carbon markets. Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 1:40 Intro to Sudhu* 5:00 Importance of blockchain in the carbon markets and how it works* 6:05 The Data Behind Carbon Credits and How That Affects the Price* 7:45 Technology: Carbon → Blockchain * 8:40 Who their Customers are* 10:00 Growing the TAM Requires Transparency* 13:00 Pricing Carbon* 14:20 Attitude Towards Buying Carbon in Your Geography* 17:45 Retail Investors Will Catalyze the Carbon Markets* 20:30 How They Got Their First Customer* 22:10 Merging Carbon and Blockchain Cultures* 24:30 Interacting with Scientists * 27:00 Their Next Challenges * 27:50 Advice on Building in Carbon Markets Space* 30:00 Closing ThoughtsLinks* Connect with Sudhu | CYNK Website* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🗓️ Upcoming EventsReminder 🔔 that we have another CleanTechies in-person networking event on January 11th Contact Somil or Silas on LinkedIn to be included and receive details on the location.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter… Podcast Collision Edition?Today we are speaking with Ryan Grant Little; Investor, Consultant, Founder, and Creator of Another Climate Tech Podcast. Given that Ryan is also a podcaster, we did something a bit different and decided to interview each other. Today’s discussion covers…* The reasoning behind our podcasts and the format of each * This offered us the chance to talk about the story behind Somil & Silas collaborating on this * We had a pretty interesting discussion about how to decide what not to work on * How networking has been commercialized to an extent * Then we closed off with the areas we are most bullish on and what we think will drive that change 🚨🚨🚨 Shoutout to our sponsor Net Zero Insights — Net Zero Insights is the leading market intelligence platform on climate information with all the latest you need on funding rounds, VCs, and the climate tech ecosystem. Use this link to schedule your demo and get a 10% discount!! 🚨🚨🚨📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Ryan Grant LittleRyan, originally from Canada 🇨🇦, started his journey to climate by creating CanadaHelps, Canada’s first internet-based charity. From there he built a biogas company which he later exited from. This all stemmed from his fears of climate change as a child learning about the ozone crisis. Once he started investing with his winnings, he decided that all his profits would be used to make a positive impact on the climate. Fast forward today, he’s a man of many hats. Angel investing in Climate Startups, advising accelerators and startups, speaking, and our personal favorite, running Another Climate Tech Podcast. The Podcast: Throughout all the work Ryan was doing, he often had the desire to share the conversations he was having with professionals in the space. Knowing there were already a good number of podcasts in the climate space, he cheekily named it Another Climate Tech Podcast. Since the summer of 2023 he’s been putting out impactful and punchy episodes covering specific topics in the Climate space. Given his work, he has a large following in Europe. Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing!📝 Show Notes:💭 Topics* 2:30 Intro * 6:00 About Our Podcast Formats* 10:50 Why the Newsletter* 12:50 Why Somil & Silas Decided to Collab* 15:10 What Silas & Somil Do* 16:30 Ryan’s Climate Journey* 20:20 How to Decide What Not to Do* 23:30 Human Connection + Scaling Relationships* 36:00 Areas We Are Bullish On * 45:30 Regulation vs Market Forces* Regulation vs Market Forces🔗 Links* Listen to Another Climate Tech Podcast on:* Apple Podcasts* Spotify * Connect with Ryan Grant Little on LinkedIn* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* For all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs, check out our sponsor NextWave Partners.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition.Today, we are talking to Chris Richardson of Uptake Alliance & ADL Ventures.In this episode, you will find:* Investing in electrification and clean infrastructure* The success story of Mainspring Energy demonstrates the importance of starting small and scaling based on customer needs* Corporate pilots facing challenges in finding the right fit and aligning with startups in Uptake Alliance🚨🚨🚨 Shoutout to our sponsor Net Zero Insights — Net Zero Insights is the leading market intelligence platform on climate information with all the latest you need on funding rounds, VCs, and the climate tech ecosystem. Use this link to schedule your demo and get a 10% discount!! 🚨🚨🚨📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Chris RichardsonUptake Alliance is a global venture development program that connects organizations with technical challenges to startups with novel solutions — creating a regenerative impact on business performance, technology scaling, and our shared climate future. Uptake is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and powered by ADL Ventures.The Program: Uptake AllianceUptake Alliance is a global venture development program that connects organizations with technical challenges to startups with novel solutions — creating a regenerative impact on business performance, technology scaling, and our shared climate future. Uptake is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and powered by ADL Ventures.The “VC”: ADL VenturesADL Ventures develops and launches clean infrastructure innovations. ADL helps energy & infrastructure companies Assess, Develop and Launch new products, services and startups — and we lead innovation programs sponsored by DOE, NREL, and more. Every member of the ADL team has start-up and/or venture fund experience AND knows “what good looks like” at scale through work at successful corporate entities.Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing!📝 Show Notes:💭 Topics* 00:00 Introduction and Background* 08:07 EV Button and Electrifying Existing Infrastructure* 17:28 Uptake Alliance and Venture Development* 38:34 Clean Infrastructure and the Built Environment* 44:48 Moonshot Technologies and Innovation* 49:17 Incentivizing Domestic Economic Benefits* 51:41 Investing in Urban vs Rural Technologies* 59:33 Insights* 59:33 IRA* 01:02:13 Climate x XI* 01:06:15 Success Story of a Hardware MVP* 01:10:19 Challenges in Corporate Pilots* 01:13:48 Starting a New Company in Climate* 01:16:11 Advice for Applicants🔗 Links* GUEST: Chris Richardson* COMPANY: Uptake Alliance, ADL Ventures* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* For all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs, check out our sponsor NextWave Partners.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in and see you all next episode! 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

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, founder edition. Today, we are talking to Dan Katz of Orbital Sidekick.In this episode, you will find:* How Dan and his co-founder, Tushar decided to build a satellite company to help stop climate change.* Learn how they started with a business model first, found PMF, built an MVP, went to market, and raised their funding. * Dan’s advice on talent and the speed of hiring. 📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Dan Katz* Dan started his career in the aerospace industry building satellites for other organizations.* In the wake of the frothy space exploration market, Dan and his colleague believed they could also build a company in this space. This paired with their realization that the ocean was boiling, led them to focus on catching methane leaks. So they started Orbital Sidekick in Dan’s garage. * Today they have several satellites in the air and paying customers. The Company: Orbital SidekickClimate Data, Monitoring, Minerals, Hardware One-liner: Persistent, global monitoring to identify and stop GHG emissions. Orbital Sidekick, builds and launches hyperspectral satellites that have a variety of climate uses. A hyperspectral satellite is able to see in much greater detail and different reflections of light to use it to identify more than just objects. Their first usecase, which Dan explains the rationale for in the episode, is to monitor pipelines to idenitfy methane leaks. In the future, they hope to identify geographies with critical minerals beneath the surface. Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 2:00 Intro to Dan* 5:45 How to Identify Subsurface Minerals* 12:00 Why he Became an Entrepreneur* 19:00 PMF & MVP* 22:00 GTM & Raising* 26:00 Watching Their Launch* 31:15 Challenges* 35:34 Talent * 39:00 Take the LeapLinks* Connect with Dan | Orbital Sidekick* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* For all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs, check out our sponsor NextWave Partners.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.🗓️ Upcoming EventsUPDATE! 🚨 Reminder 🔔 that we have another CleanTechies in-person networking event on December 15th!! (The date changed) Reach out to Somil or Silas on LinkedIn to be included and receive details on the location.🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in and see you all next episode! 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