CleanTechies Podcast

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

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

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 Ratzel 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 ----- Topics: * 1:57 Intro* 5:50 What Protocol Labs Does* 6:22 IPFS* 9:52 How to Verify Actually* 23:08 Tracking Trust* 25:20 Financial Transparency* 28:36 Where is the line of transparency* 36:48 Energy intensity of blockchain* 45:52 Regulation* 51:09 How to get non-crypto bros to use this tech----- Links: * Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-ransil-53573873/ * Filecoin Green: https://www.fil.org/* 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: 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) 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

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-----Topics: * 2:01 How he got into CT Investing* 13:08 Favorite Business Models* 20:51 Advice to Founders* 25:10 Moats* 29:05 Financing Your Company* 33:28 Deal Flow* 36:42 Key Components of a Pitch Deck* 41:58 Dealing with Bandwagoning* 49:22 Incubators* 56:51 When is an Incubator the most ValuableOther 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) 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

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 LeydenCleaning up Steel Production with Boston Metal's Adam Rauwerdink 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

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.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:0:00 - Cracking the Code on Reusable Containers6:14 - Solving the Problem of Sustainable Packaging16:03 - Improving Reusable Takeout Container Return Behavior24:58 - From Idea to MVP31:42 - Student Feedback for Business Model Improvement36:32 - Sustainable Reusable Packaging and Cost Savings42:32 - Online Incentives for Sustainable Behavior50:30 - Reusable Packaging's Billion-Dollar Market57:24 - Promoting Reusable Packaging Adoption----- 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 CaPao* #58 The Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter Leyden* #57 Soap, Carbon Capture, Boilers, and PropTech w/ Jaeson Cardiff (Clean02)* #43 A Deep Dive Into the Grid, the Intermittency Problem, & Where do We go from Here w/ Bhaskar Ray (QCells) 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

In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Manik Suri (@ManikVSuri) the Founder and CEO of Therma, an IoT device + software company that helps any organization using refrigeration to reduce cap ex and as a by-product, reduce the dirty energy assets on the grid. We cover his background, the problem and solution they are working on, and then go through building the business with a heavy focus on the work of raising money. Manik has a really interesting background having been a top achiever academically, going on to PE, and then government prior to launching Therma. 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: **1:20 Intro and Origin of Interest in Climate**4:02 The Problem**7:22 Electricity bill**11:38 The Solution**13:52 Cost and ROI**16:13 The Origin of the Idea**24:07 How his work in PE and Gov Influenced him**27:55 Carbon Abatement**31:13 Advice for Raising Capital**41:11 VC Issues & Thoughts on the Macro Environment**44:19 Discussion on VC Investing broadly**48:31 The Future----- Links: **manik@hellotherma.com **Manik on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManikVSuri **Therma Website: https://www.hellotherma.com/our-company **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: Building a Smart AC company to help Solve Climate Change w/ Ran Roth (Sensibo)**Similar Topic: Electrifying Homes, Home Air-Quality & Health, Merging Blue & White Collar Talent w/ DR Richardson (Elephant Energy)**Something Totally Different: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream 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

Today we speak with Ran Roth, the Co-Founder and CTO of Sensibo, an IoT device company that connects your AC units to various services to help you use your AC unit more efficiently. Ran started with a tech background, focused on data and with his co-founder, decided he wanted to start a business. They didn't specifically focus on climate, but did want to do something good for the world. Of course, as implied, they eventually ended up building a ClimateTech company. In today's conversation, we discuss how they got started, their experience raising funds back in wake of the death of CleanTech 1.0, and the future of indoor climate control. Punchy episode with a lot of great content. 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: **1:07 Intro**2:43 How he got into Sensibo**6:56 Stats: 1/3 of energy goes into heating and cooling globally**12:30 How the tech works**17:21 How they started**19:48 Going from software to hardware**22:23 When they took off & the funding process**26:21 Financial Model**28:57 Advice for Utility Partnerships**31:54 Indoor climate / air quality & health**34:36 Talent**37:00 Future of indoor climate control**39:58n Final thoughtsLinks: **Ran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-roth/**Sensibo Website: https://sensibo.com/pages/smartac-usa**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/email**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: Extracting Precious Metals from Catalytic Converters to Solve Climate Change w/ Greg Pendura (Regenx)**Similar Topic Episode: Electrifying Homes, Home Air-Quality & Health, Merging Blue & White Collar Talent w/ DR Richardson (Elephant Energy)**Something Totally Different: How CorporateVCs are Playing a role in the Climate Revolution w/ Erik Terjesen (Silicon Foundry) 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

In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with the CEO of publicly traded, Regenx, Greg Pendura. Regenx is a metals recycling company recovering precious metals from catalytic converters and selling it on the market or providing the service directly to OEMs. Greg explains the problem they are solving, how they are solving it, the back story of the company, how they funded the project, and where he sees the future going. If you dream of a future where everything can be broken down and made into either the same or another product, this is a great episode for you. 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: **1:19 Intro to Greg**6:03 The Problem**14:38 The Solution**17:14 Offtake of the Materials**21:39 Total Recovery**24:28 Business Model**34:22 The R&D Process**38:58 Funding**50:54Final Thoughts----- Links: **Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-pendura-301bb01b1/**Regenx Website: https://www.regenx.tech/**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 LeydenCleaning up Steel Production with Boston Metal's Adam Rauwerdink 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

In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Andreas Lehner (@lehner_a) about what he's doing with his new company PowerBlocks to capture methane that is just being flared, using that energy to power data centers or bitcoin mining, how he got interested in Climate, how to build an MVP with a hardware business, a short discussion around AI and the energy grid, and how he stays focused on one thing at a time.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:**1:19 What he's doing today and his backstory.**19:47 Bitcoin & Climate Compatibility.**25:50 How to win a pilot project?**31:27 How they finance the projects.**34:28 Should AI be allowed to touch the energy grid?**43:44 What is their funding mostly used for?-----Links:andreas@powerblocks.coConnect with Andreas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lehnerandreas/PowerBlocks Website: https://powerblocks.co/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:#74 Utilizing Carbon in Everyday Products w/ Aaron Fitzgerald of Mars Materials#83 From 30% to 90% Li Recovery, Founding a ClimateTech Co, & Talent Moat w/ Teague Egan (EnergyX)#2 Reimagining Carbon as a Useful Product w/ Apoorv Sinha (Carbon Upcycling Technologies)Support the show 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