CleanTechies

In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Alex Blum (@AlexBlum4Austin) Co-Founder and CEO of Applied Bioplastics (@abioplastics) about his journey into founding the company, their experience commercializing the tech, their business model, and his advice to other founders doing something similar. In addition to having some great stories and things to say, Alex is also quite funny so it's a triple whammy episode. If you're a founder creating alternative plastic chemistry, you should be sure to listen to the part about where to sell into the supply chain (~48 min).Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5----- Topics: **2:33 Intro**4:59 Alex's Story**13:10 Discovering the Tech**21:08 Why Housing**31:36 Tech Development Process**39:11 The Biz Model**49:45 How Others selling into the space should be done**57:43 How their biz is split**1:10:26 Don't be afraid to walk into the fire ----- Links: **Blossoms from Ash Documentary: https://youtu.be/M96s2I907gw **Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexappliedbio/**Applied Bioplastics Website: https://appliedbioplastics.com/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: The Future of the EU Climate VC Landscape, Transparency, & Challenges: Exploring Climate Tech Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)**Similar Topic: Utilizing Carbon in Everyday Products w/ Aaron Fitzgerald of Mars Materials**Something Totally Different: Hard Truths About VC, Raising Advice, & Small Fund Limitations w/ Susan Su (Toba Capital)Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Heidi Lindvall (@HeidiLindvall) a founding partner of Pale Blue Dot (@PaleBlueDotVC). This is Heidi's second time on the show and in today's episode, we focus on what they are doing to level up. They are a 3-year-old fund now, and we cover what they are doing to continue maturing their network and processes. A lot of value in those parts of the conversation for new-ish CT VCs. Another really interesting thing is their perspective on ensuring they only invest in startups that can get funding from generalist funds in the future. A lot of really great insight was packed into a slightly shorter episode. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5----- Topics: **4:25 State of CTVC in EU**8:13 Ukraine War & CTVC **10:46 Public Term Sheet**18:25 Supporting Founders**21:10 Fund Size**25:05  Future Goggles**29:45 Measure Themselves**32:37 Market Challenges**39:00 R&D & Commercial **40:47  Common Mistakes**43:03 What's Next ----- Links: **Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidilindvall/**Pale Blue Dot: https://paleblue.vc/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy: Most Recent Episode: Redefining Waste through 3D Printed Clay Containers | Earth to Earth w/ Sanjeev Mankotia (GaeaStar)Similar Topic: ClimateTech Investing w/ Valerie Shen (G2 Venture Partners)Something Totally Different: Endings, Endineering, Circular Economy, & the Customer Experience w/ Joe MacleodLast Episode with Heidi: ClimateTech VC Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Sanjeev Mankotia, the Founder and CEO of GaeaStar. They are on their way to solving the issue of single-use plastic pollution with their 3D printed, clay-cup solution. You might think it sounds crazy, but once you hear the episode, you can understand how this is very much within reach. It's a fascinating episode with a lot of value for companies building hardware ClimateTech startups. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5----- Topics: **2:02 Introduction**6:26 What they do**13:01 Financial feasibility of their product**20:48 How to develop a 3D printed product co**26:21 Refining their mfg process for a specific use case**32:22 Where this tech can be used**34:58 The evolution of the biz model**39:47 The funding process**53:52 Price in the future**58:48 Closeout----- Links: **Sanjeev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeev-mankotia/**GaeaStar: https://gaeastar.com/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: From Coal to Climate, VC Channel Sales Partners, LP Sentiment & More w/ Albert Bielinko (Telstra Ventures)**Similar Topic: From Dust to Dust Masonry Products - Fusing Modern Science + Traditional Methods w/ Adital Ela (Criaterra)**Something Totally Different: The Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter LeydenSupport the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Albert Bielinko (@bielinko) a Partner at Telstra Ventures. Albert leads their CT investments and speaks to us today about many things,  from how he started in coal to end up in climate. How they have helped their portfolio companies generate over $450m USD in sales through their channel partnerships. What the LP sentiment on CTVC is and his thoughts on the talent landscape? This is full of quite a lot of value. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5----- Topics: **2:07 Intro to Albert & Telstra Ventures**4:49 TV's Remit**7:59  How CT VC landscape has changed since 2014**12:31 Raising funds**18:29 Investment Thesis**27:53  VCs w/ Sales Channels**33:18 Investment Criteria**35:45 How to determine TAM in new spaces**39:51 LPs expectations for hardware vs software returns**42:03 LP sentiment on CTVC**45:29  Talent Landscape**50:00 What's Next in CT**53:07 Closing ----- Links: **Albert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-bielinko-4070a729/**Telstra Ventures: https://telstraventures.com/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: Sawdust to Chemicals; Building a BioChemical Startup w/ Julie Kring (Khepra)**Similar Topic: How Keyframe is Bridging the Gap from Pure VC to Pure PE Financing for Hard Tech COs w/ Ethan Goldsmith**Something Totally Different: Reducing Operating Costs & While Taking Higher Rents in Commercial Real Estate, the Green Building Effect w/ Edi Demaj (KODE Labs)Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Julie Kring, (@KringJu) the founder of Khepra to discuss her journey into ClimateTech, how they are making biochemicals for AgriTech use cases out of sawdust, and her advice to founders doing similar things. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5-----Topics: **2:56 Biochemicals & her background**8:47 How to make chemicals/biofuels**10:27 What they do at Khepra**13:57 Supply Chain**19:03 From R&D to Commercialization**25:14 How to pair R&D teams with commercial applications**30:20 Funding experience**35:20 Process to build a chemical company**41:18 Expectations to achieve profitability - reach a financial event**43:30 Biggest challenge in the process of building the co**47:08 How to rally your team**50:21 What she's looking forward to in the future -----Links: **Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-k-70425689/**Khepra Website: https://www.khepra.io/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner-----Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: Planeteer News Reaction, Thought Leadership in CT, & Leveraging Reputation w/ Somil Aggarwal**Similar Topic: Utilizing Carbon in Everyday Products w/ Aaron Fitzgerald of Mars Materials**Something Totally Different: Re-Engineering the World because the Future is Decarbonized w/ Matt Ward (4Ward.VC)Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

Today Somil (@somil_agg) and Silas (@silasmahner) have a discussion reacting to the news about Planeteer and more broadly on the topic of thought leaders and ClimateTech. We welcome Somil as a guest that you are likely to see more frequently as we intend to do more content like this. So, please let us know if you enjoy it. **Checkout Somil's Newsletter, SIP: https://sip.beehiiv.com/ **📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.**📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: **Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5**Somil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somil-aggarwal/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: Using Blockchain to Verify Carbon Offsets | Blockchain & Climate Are Compatible w/ Alan Ransil (Filecoin Green)**Similar Topic: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC**Something Totally Different: #53 - Incubating Early Stage CleanTech Companies - Jason Ethier of Greentown LabsSupport the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

What if there was a way to revolutionize data storage for companies and organizations while also promoting sustainability and transparency? Join us as we chat with Alan Ransil from Filecoin Green, an initiative by Protocol Labs that aims to do just that by utilizing the power of blockchain technology.Throughout the episode, we explore how Filecoin Green creates verifiable carbon credits, tracks trust, and accelerates the flow of information in the decarbonization process. Alan shares his experience with satellite imaging for monitoring deforestation and how programmable money can be used to create NF Trees - a unique incentive for people on the ground to protect forest regions. We also dive into the importance of trust in ESG reporting and how Zero-Knowledge Proofs, a foundation of Filecoin, can enhance the transparency and efficiency of sustainability efforts.As we wrap up, we discuss the compatibility of blockchain technologies with sustainability goals, touching on the energy consumption of various blockchain algorithms and how Filecoin compares to Amazon Web Services. Alan emphasizes the need for regulation and shares Filecoin Green's efforts to reduce energy use and connect the network to renewable energy sources. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that delves into the potential of blockchain to transform sustainability and transparency in the fight against climate change.Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5----- Links: **Alan on LinkedIn:**Filecoin Green:**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: Dealing w/ Bandwagoning, The Value of Incubators, & Moats, with Alex Mitchell (Full Turn Capital) **Similar Topic: Carbon Offsets; an Investment not an Expense with Demian Klenk**Something Totally Different: Soap, Carbon Capture, Boilers, and PropTech w/ Jaeson Cardiff (Clean02)Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

Ever wondered how CleanTech investments and business models are shaping the industry? In this episode, we're joined by Alex Mitchell, founder of Full Turn Capital, to explore the ins and outs of investing in the climate tech space. From understanding the potential of pre-seed and seed stage businesses to creating long-term competitive advantages, we discuss it all with Alex.Dive into the challenges and opportunities of investing in early-stage startups, as well as how to craft compelling pitches for venture capitalists and avoid the pitfalls of bandwagoning in the tech world. Alex also shares his insights on the value of incubators like Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator (LACI), where he serves as a senior advisor, and the spectrum of services they offer to help startups grow and succeed.Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about the CleanTech industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Join us as we explore the many facets of the CleanTech space with Alex Mitchell, and learn how investing in climate tech business models can make a quantifiable impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Don't miss out on this fascinating discussion!Enjoy the Episode! 🌎📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5----- Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: From Restaurants to ClimateTech: Building a Carbon Capture Concrete Company w/ Tim Sperry (Carbon Limit)**Similar Topic: Re-Engineering the World because the Future is Decarbonized w/ Matt Ward (4Ward.VC)**Something Totally Different: 3D Printed Buildings, Near Zero Waste, w/ Sam Ruben (Mighty Buildings)Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

What happens when a successful restaurateur decides to tackle climate change? Tim Sperry, CEO and founder of Carbon Limit, joins us to share his incredible journey from the restaurant business to creating a carbon capture technology company. With a mix of passion and business acumen, Tim offers valuable advice on finding the right investors, joining industry organizations, and navigating the regulatory space.Discover how Carbon Limit's innovative carbon-capturing concrete works and the potential it holds for reducing air pollution. Tim gives us an in-depth look at the company's transition from manufacturing to an IP play, licensing their unique materials and formula. We also explore the unit economics of licensing technology and the potential of generating carbon credits.Learn from Tim's experience with Techstars, fundraising, and the importance of mentorship and maintaining relationships throughout his entrepreneurial journey. From strategic grants to creative financing, Tim's insights and advice are invaluable for anyone interested in the climate tech space. Don't miss this engaging conversation about Carbon Limit's mission to create and commercialize carbon capture technology for the built environment.📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5Links: **Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-sperry-57b14aa/**Carbon Limit Website: https://www.carbonlimit.com/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:From 30% to 90% Li Recovery, Founding a ClimateTech Co, & Talent Moat w/ Teague Egan (EnergyX)Mineral Availability, Sustainable Mining, & ClimateTech Supply Chain Challenges w/ Nick RohlederEndings, Endineering, Circular Economy, & the Customer Experience w/ Joe MacleodThe Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter LeydenCleanSupport the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

Ever wondered how we could tackle the global plastic waste crisis, especially with the increase in takeout packaging during the pandemic? Today, we're thrilled to have James Wilson, founder, and CEO of ReUser, join us to share his innovative solution that focuses on reusable containers for dining institutions. James opens up about his journey in discovering the issue of takeout packaging waste and how it led him to create ReUser.In our conversation, we explore the challenges associated with sustainable packaging, recycling, and user experience. James emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in creating a successful reusable container program, and how ReUser leverages technology to incentivize students to return their containers. We discuss the financial and environmental benefits of reusable containers, highlighting the potential for cost savings and reduced emissions.As we wrap up, James shares insights into the billion-dollar market opportunity, ReUser's partnerships with reusable container companies, and their goal of becoming the operating system for reuse. We delve into the powerful role that gamification and customer loyalty play in promoting sustainable behavior, and how ReUser aims to expand its reach to other sectors such as hospitals and corporate campuses. Join us for this insightful conversation about an innovative solution to a pressing environmental challenge.📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5-----Links: Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-3a832b88/Check out reUser: https://www.reuser.app/Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/Join the Slack Channel:  https://cleantechies.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-pd2drz6d-N~9nURU5JlyMXv2ZiO5bAQ#/shared-invite/emailFollow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/ HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:#16 Using all the CaCao Plant with Shannon Neumann from CaPaoSupport the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)