

CleanTechies Podcast
The #1 Podcast for ClimateTech Entrepreneurs
We are CleanTechies, the #1 Podcast for ClimateTech Entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an active ClimateTech entrepreneur, an aspiring one, an investor, a service provider…anything that touches supporting early stage climate tech, this is the place for you.
Each week, we publish two interviews with leading experts in the field telling their stories, insights, and advice to help ClimateTech Entrepreneurs like you be inspired by their successes and learn from their mistakes. cleantechies.substack.com
Each week, we publish two interviews with leading experts in the field telling their stories, insights, and advice to help ClimateTech Entrepreneurs like you be inspired by their successes and learn from their mistakes. cleantechies.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2023 • 47min
#116 - Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cleantechies.substack.com(CoHost.AI Summary)Imagine having a front-row seat to the evolution of climate tech, from the early 2000s to now. That's the fascinating journey we take with Rick Zulo, co-founder and GP at Equal Ventures, on our latest podcast episode. Rick candidly unravels his intriguing journey from earning a dual degree in leadership studies and economics to becoming a successful venture capitalist. His perspective on the creation and investment of startups designed to combat climate change is both insightful and thought-provoking. Rick doesn't shy away from the challenges he faced during the cleantech backlash and the aftermath of the cleantech bubble burst. His unique point of view that venture capitalists are akin to sheep is certain to intrigue. He also illuminates his investment approach, which involves in-depth research before financial commitment, and discusses how the digital divide has impacted legacy industries. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as he discusses his belief that venture capital should be a consulting role with an equity stake. In our chat, Zulo sheds light on the hurdles of raising capital for companies in legacy industries and how Equal Ventures is changing the game by offering similar opportunities as those in IT and consumer spaces. It's an eye-opening look into the future of venture capital and climate tech. We also explore his work with Climatech VC, where they have created a unique business model of giving away software for free and making money through working capital procurement. You'll surely leave this episode with a fresh perspective on climate tech and its future.Show Notes:In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs. This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connections and understanding so that they can actually help their PortCos succeed. 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 CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Topics: * 1:51 Intro to Rick* 8:10 How he got into Climate* 19:27 Equal Ventures* 23:45 VC is not Consultative Anymore* 35:45 Building in Public* 39:53 Their Remit* 42:38 H1 CTVC Funding Report Reaction--PAY WALL--* 45:58 Advice to Other Founders and VCs* 50:03 Speak the Language of Your Customers* 52:09 The Biggest Mistakes Founders MakeLinks: * Connect w/ Rick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickzullo/* Follow Rick on Twitter (X.com): https://twitter.com/Rick_Zullo * Equal VC Website: https://www.equal.vc/* 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: @silasmahnerThank you for reading CleanTechies. Feel free to share the post if you enjoy it.Other episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler* Similar Topic: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC* Something Totally Different: How to build an MVP with a complex ClimateTech Startup - Andy Frank, Founder of Sealed

Aug 2, 2023 • 59min
#115 - How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler
CoHostAI Summary:Imagine harnessing the power of real-time data to create more energy-efficient buildings. That's precisely the intriguing journey our guest, Jeff Hendler, co-founder and CEO of Logical Buildings, takes us on in this episode. Leaving Wall Street behind for the utility sector, Jeff then ventured into creating his smart building company, successfully adding value through engineering services and bridging the gap between estimated and actual energy usage.The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the landscape of multi-family buildings, and this is where Jeff's innovative solutions come into play. He emphasizes the urgency of energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives, unearthing the potential of smart meters, IoT, and good connectivity. This episode guides us through the complexities within the multi-family space and how Logical Buildings navigates these, from establishing relationships with corporate entities to anticipating consumer needs like EV charging.This episode doesn't stop there, as Jeff reveals the talent and policies driving success in the climate tech space. He discusses the process of growing Logical Buildings from 15 to 40 employees within 18 months, underscoring the importance of passion, innovation, and proof of success. As we explore the challenges of creating a reliable power source in the face of increasing energy demand, tune in to understand the future power and energy landscape. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about energy efficiency and its role in our future. CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Jeff Hendler Co-Founder and CEO of Logical Buildings (@logicalbldgs) about his journey from Wall Street, to the Utility, to founding a Smart Building company. We also cover how their Grid Rewards program works, how a company like this can be competitive, and what he sees as the next big challenge to solve. 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 Thank you for reading CleanTechies. If you enjoy, please share! Topics: * 5:26 How He Founded Logical Buildings* 16:39 What Grid Services Are* 29:26 How to Win in the Market* 36:43 Partner Relationships* 43:24 Advice on Talent* 48:51 Biggest Upcoming ChallengesLinks: * Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hendler-568b4210* Logical Buildings: https://logicalbuildings.com/* Grid Rewards: https://www.gridrewards.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: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)* Similar Topic: CleanTechies, the Podcast #15 - Brian Turner (Buildings IoT)* Something Totally Different: Helping Utilities Utilize Wasted Data with Sean Murphy of PingThings 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

Jul 27, 2023 • 46min
#114 - Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)
(The following summary is courtesy of HostAI via the Buzzsprout Platform)Imagine navigating the complex landscape of Climate Tech, where the surge of corporate venture capital has doubled from 2021 to 2022. How do you determine whether your hardware company should raise venture scale or seek other financing options? In this episode, we tackle these critical questions and more, examining insights from the 2023 Climate Tech VC report. We also discuss the tantalizing prospects of transferable tax credits offered through the IRA bill and how they could stimulate growth in various sectors.We've all witnessed the surge in electric vehicles, but do we truly understand the potential growth within this space? Let's explore the financial models and infrastructure evolution in the commercial electric vehicle sector, and the possible impact of tax credits on the industry. We consider the implications of tax credit restrictions and the potential consequences of transferability on the electric vehicle marketplace. This discourse extends to the effect of tax credits on the production of critical minerals, recycling of metals, and foreign investment.CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.But how does all this translate into economic opportunities and development, particularly in regions like upstate New York? We delve into the potential of the CHIPS Act and My Cart investment, and their role in job creation and economic growth. We also weigh the implications of large-scale industrial investments in Climate Tech, considering the need for specialized talent and supportive infrastructure. Ultimately, we aim to unravel the complex intertwine of Climate Tech, venture capital, and policy, and examine the pivotal role they play in shaping our future. Share your thoughts and join the conversation on Twitter, LinkedIn or our Slack channel. In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Somil Aggarwal (@Somil_Agg) have a discussion about two things. First, their thoughts and reaction to the H1, 2023 Funding Report by CTVC Second, a conversation around the transferable tax credits created by the IRA and what areas we think are the biggest areas for growth or opportunity because of those. Hope you enjoy this 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 Thank you for reading CleanTechies. This post is public so feel free to share it.Topics: * 0:00 Climate Tech Funding Challenges in 2023 * 7:52 Challenges and Insights in Climate Tech * 13:52 Raising Venture Capital for Hardware Companies * 23:57 Opportunities and Challenges in Climate Financing * 32:10 Potential Growth in Electric Vehicles * 39:40 Funding and Economic Opportunities Concerns * 43:30 Challenges and Benefits of Economic Development and Climate TechLinks: Connect with Silas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silasmahner/ Connect with Somil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somil-aggarwal/ 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: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: Incubating Climate Risk / Insurance Solutions as Traditional Insurers Pull Back w/ Stephen Brittain (Insurtech Gateway)* Similar Topic: Hard Truths About VC, Raising Advice, & Small Fund Limitations w/ Susan Su (Toba Capital)* Something Totally Different: How Microfinance Helps Unbanked & The Climate Vulnerable w/ Celyn & Kristen (ShareChange) 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

Jul 26, 2023 • 1h 15min
#113 - Incubating Climate Risk / Insurance Solutions as Traditional Insurers Pull Back w/ Stephen Brittain (Insurtech Gateway)
CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.(the following summary is provided by CoHost.AI via the Buzzsprout Platform)Are you ready to unravel the intricacies of InsureTech with industry innovator, Stephen Britton? Our discussion takes you on a journey through Stephen's unique transition from a mechanical engineer to an industrial designer, shedding light on how technology is becoming more accessible to customers and empowering them to make informed choices. We dive into the exciting realm of data utilization, sensor technology, and the importance of these tools in reducing impact. Stephen's 30 years of experience brings an enlightening perspective on how data can inspire action toward climate change.Grab your seat as we unpick the fascinating world of insurance, exploring how it's adapting to new challenges such as climate risk. We broach subjects from pricing to risk mitigation, offering a comprehensive view of the elements considered when creating an insurance package. Stay tuned as we delve into how the industry is accommodating new types of risks and customers and the growing need for specialized talent in the climate tech space. Headlining our discussion is Ibiza, an innovative startup working to safeguard small-hold dairy farmers in India from the devastating effects of extreme heat. We examine the unique hurdles they face when creating insurance products for intangible assets like yield and discuss the scalability of such a model. In the grand scheme of things, we'll be exploring the vital role startups play in mitigating big strategic problems, and how insurance can help de-risk the often expensive world of farming. So, whether you're a startup founder or an insurance enthusiast, you're in for a treat with this episode.In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Stephen Brittain from Insurtech Gateway (@Ideas_Gateway). They are incubating Impact Risk Mitigation and Insurance Companies / Products. On the back end, they invest and connect these companies with partners in the insurance space and other VCs.Today's conversation is a bit high-level but has many great insights.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/mwkn8zk5Thank you for reading CleanTechies. This post is public so feel free to share it.Topics:* 2:29 Intro* 7:05 What Insurtech Gateway is (this is the section that will be swapped with the second recording)* 12:26 How insurance works and what they are doing differently* 19:13 How they identify the right COs* 27:21 How to determine which areas to work on* 32:20 The process of finding founders and taking them through the incubation process* 43:46 FloodFlash* 53:13 Preventing ahead of issues* 54:42 Smoothing out the price issues* 1:01:04 What milestones need to be hit to really go onto Series A* 1:06:49 How insurance factories are partnering with these startups* 1:10:55 Who he wants to meet Links: * Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbrittain/* Insurtech Gateway: https://www.insurtechgateway.com/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: * HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: How to not be Another Failed Green Plastics Chemistry Company, Refugee Shelters, & Selling to Producers, not Brands w/ Alex Blum (Applied Bioplastics)* Similar Topic: The Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter Leyden* Something Totally Different: #29 - Gridware | Improving Grid/Transmission Infrastructure with IoT 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

Jul 23, 2023 • 1h 20min
#112 - How to not be Another Failed Green Plastics Chemistry Company, Refugee Shelters, & Selling to Producers, not Brands w/ Alex Blum (Applied Bioplastics)
CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.(Generated via CoHostAI)Want to redefine sustainability in a truly impactful way? Alex Blum, the innovative founder, and CEO of Applied Bioplastics, shows us how in our latest episode. The conversation illuminates Alex's journey from being a seasoned salesman to a philanthropist, generously contributing half a million dollars to charity. We delve into his exciting project of constructing refugee shelters using biocomposite material, a venture that not only supports the environment but also provides job opportunities to those in need.This episode unravels the tale of Alex's transformative trip to Bangladesh, where he encountered Dr. Mubarak Khan and learned about his dedication to reinventing the use of jute. Alex envisions a promising multi-billion-dollar business if this material can be efficiently converted into a thermoplastic. He also discusses the urgent need for refugee housing, the alarming risk of disease spread in refugee camps, and the role governments must play in managing these temporary settlements.We explore Alex's business model, his approach to commercializing his innovative plastic chemistry, and the potential global effect of switching to eco-friendly plastic alternatives. Alex shares the challenges he faces when dealing with large corporations, and his strategy to navigate these hurdles, which includes understanding cultural nuances to secure successful sales. As he outlines his plans to license his technology and expand the agricultural waste aspect of his business, we discuss the implications of supply chains and the impact of tech on climate change. Tune in and be inspired by Alex's journey and his commitment to creating a sustainable future.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 (around ~48 min into the show).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 Enjoy the show? Please share to help us grow the following. It supports the work we are doing of providing resources to ClimateTech Founders. 🌎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: * 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: @silasmahnerOther 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) 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

Jul 19, 2023 • 45min
#111 - Ensuring CT Startups Will be Able to Raise from Conventional Investors & More w/. Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)
Hello, Clean Tech enthusiasts, and welcome to an enlightening conversation with Heidi Lindvall, a pioneering spirit in the climate tech venture landscape and one of the founding partners at Pale Blue Dot. Buckle up as we delve into the highlights of their recent feat — closing a 93 million euro fund, and the roller-coaster ride of climate tech investment in Europe. Get ready to unravel the intricacies of the venture world and how transparency in term sheets can be a game-changer in attracting well-aligned portfolio companies.Now, imagine being early investors in a company, nurturing it, and watching it grow. Feels fulfilling, right? But, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine; Heidi gives us an honest account of the challenges that come with it. From founders lacking the experience to understand the term sheet to maintain relationships with the portfolio companies — it's a journey that requires perseverance, patience, and passion. Heidi’s commitment to her 30 portfolio companies is inspirational, and she shares how her team at Pale Blue Dot navigates the tumultuous waters of early-stage businesses.And it doesn’t stop there! We venture further into the world of climate tech investing, discussing the significance of making an impact essential to business models and connecting technical minds with business aficionados. Heidi unearths the current restrictions and regulations in private equity investing in Europe and the potential for crowdfunding platforms. Get ready for a captivating conversation that will leave you in awe of the exciting world of climate tech investing. Tune in now.(the above is provided courtesy of cohost.ai via buzzsprout.com)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 into startups that can get funding from generalist funds in the future. They want to ensure the future of their portfolio co's is not reliant on a strong ecosystem of CT VCs. 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: * 1:42 Re-Intro* 4:25 State of CT VC in EU* 8:13 How the Ukraine War has affected the CT investments* 10:46 Making their term sheet public* 18:25 Supporting their founders closely* 21:10 How they look at fund size now* 25:05 Laying the tracks for their PortCo’s* 29:45 How to measure themselves* 32:37 Biggest challenge; the Market* 39:00 Getting R&D & Commercial together* 40:47 The mistakes startups make* 43:03 What she's interested in next Links: * Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidilindvall/* Pale Blue Dot: https://paleblue.vc/* 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: 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 Macleod* Last Episode with Heidi: ClimateTech VC Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot) 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

Jul 16, 2023 • 1h 2min
Redefining Waste through 3D Printed Clay Containers | Earth to Earth w/ Sanjeev Mankotia (GaeaStar)
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/mwkn8zk5Topics:* 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 CloseoutLinks:* Sanjeev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeev-mankotia/* GaeaStar: https://gaeastar.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: @silasmahnerOther 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 Leyden 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

Jul 9, 2023 • 55min
From Coal to Climate, VC Channel Sales Partners, LP Sentiment & More w/ Albert Bielinko (Telstra Ventures)
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: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther 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) 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

Jul 2, 2023 • 54min
Sawdust to Chemicals; Building a BioChemical Startup w/ Julie Kring (Khepra)
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: @silasmahnerOther 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) 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

Jun 26, 2023 • 40min
Planeteer News Reaction, Thought Leadership in CT, & Leveraging Reputation w/ Somil Aggarwal
Today Somil (@somil_agg) and Silas (@silasmahner) have a discussion reacting to the news about Planeteer Capital 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 Labs 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


