CleanTechies

Adam Goff, the senior vice president of strategy at 8 Rivers, shares his insights on clean technology commercialization. He discusses the critical role of policy in advancing carbon capture, particularly the 45Q tax credit. Goff delves into the evolution of 8 Rivers, focusing on their innovative clean hydrogen technology. He also highlights the unique challenges of the climate tech hardware sector, stressing the importance of systematic approaches and understanding market dynamics for effective innovation.

Guest Helena Merk, CEO of Streamline Climate, discusses their AI powered tech that helps companies identify and land grants. Topics include crash course on grants, streamlining the grant process, choosing the right grants, finding a co-founder, GTM strategies, and fundraising journey.

Climate Tech founders needs lots of different financing options and styles of support – ClimateDoor is an example of a niche’d styles of venture support that I hope we see more of in ClimateTech VC.ClimateDoor is a style of venture builder called “Growth-as-a-Service”, functioning similarly to a late stage accelerator.We dive into the nuances of their model, the Canadian VC ecosystem, what its like founding a company with your childhood best friend and more. Enjoy the episode! 🌱🌎-----🌎 Want the full PodLetter? Go to our substack to see the written content that supplements the audio interview.  -----🚨🚨🚨 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!! 🚨🚨🚨-----📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube 🗣️ Take the Listeners Survey 📫 Get Written Summaries of Each Episode in Your Inbox 🌐 Join the CleanTechies Slack Channel ----- Topics: **00:00 Introduction and Background**07:14 Overview of Climate Door**13:27 The story of Polar Beer Taps**16:10 Advantages of "Growth-as-a-Service"**23:24 Canadian Venture Ecosystem**26:20 Blending Capital Sources in Climate Tech**29:30 Navigating Fundraising and Building Investor Relationships**35:01 Streamlining Operations with AI**39:51 Hiring Advice for Early Stage Companies**42:57 Fundraising Advice for Bridge Stage Companies**49:03 Challenges in Finding Value Spots in Climate----- Links: **Nick Findler | Chad Rickaby | ClimateDoor**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn**@Silas & @Somil_Agg on X 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!)

Our guest today is Tobias Egle, an investor at M Ventures, the Corporate Venture arm of Merck. Tobias joins us today to speak about deep tech investing, specifically around materials innovation and the decarbonization of electronics manufacturing. A topic that has been in the news a lot recently is PFAS, and given his work, he was able to speak about the issues with PFAS as well as how to get rid of it. He also provided some advice to highly technical founders when it comes to team building and surrounding themselves with the right partners. Enjoy the episode! 🌱🌎-----🌎 Want the full PodLetter? Go to our substack to see the written content that supplements the audio interview.  -----🚨🚨🚨 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!! 🚨🚨🚨-----📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube 🗣️ Take the Listeners Survey 📫 Get Written Summaries of Each Episode in Your Inbox 🌐 Join the CleanTechies Slack Channel ----- 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 Company----- Links: **Tobias Egle | M Ventures**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn**@Silas & @Somil_Agg on X 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!)

The chemical industry is ~$4.7t globally. The reason is that nearly everything we use is produced using secondary products that are created from catalyzing raw materials in some way.This is currently done using combustion (heat) powered reactors, and our guest today is commercializing a new way to do that. A way that is 30x more efficient than cutting-edge combustion reactors.Co-founder & CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, Trevor Best, joins us to discuss the journey of coming across the technology from a white paper - and then going through the required steps to prove the technology at scale so it can produce at a commercially viable level.Their tech can be applied to many specific types of reactors. Currently, they have three uses, but down the road, first principles thinking indicates they will be able to build alternatives for many reactors. They make money by licensing out the IP and selling the reactors which they produce. And this is happening today. They have many outstanding orders for their tech. Enjoy the episode! 🌱🌎---🌎 Want the full PodLetter? Go to our substack to see the written content that supplements the audio interview.  ---https://linktr.ee/cleantechies📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube🗣️ Take the Listeners Survey📫 Get Written Summaries of Each Episode in Your Inbox🌐 Join the CleanTechies Slack Channel  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*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 > MercenariesLinks *Trevor Best | https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorwbest/*Syzygy Plasmonics | https://plasmonics.tech/*Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners | https://www.next-wavepartners.com/*Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/*@Silas & @Somil_Agg on X 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, we chat with Russell Sprole, founder and managing partner of Virta Ventures. Virta Ventures invests at the early stages focusing on “equity-light” companies.We dive into the nuances of marketplace models, the potential of AI in climate tech, his journey with Full Harvest, and more. This is a great episode for software enthusiasts interested in its place in the climate tech ecosystem. As always, thanks so much for listening and enjoy the episode!https://linktr.ee/cleantechies---🌎 If you'd like to see the full PodLetter, go to our substack to see all the written content that supplements the audio interview.  ---🚨🚨🚨 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!! 🚨🚨🚨---📺 👀 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 ChannelTopics4:00 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 LinksRussell Sprole | Virta VenturesConnect with Somil | Connect with SilasCheck 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.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, Ken Munson, CEO of Rhythmos, shares his story of becoming an entrepreneur, including the wins and losses. He also discusses what Rhythmos is doing in grid-edge technology. He explains what GridEdge Tech is, the importance of experienced entrepreneurs staying in the arena, and the intricacies of selling to utilities. Munson also delves into the future of grid technology and sustainable energy solutions. Enjoy the Episode! 🌱🌎---🌎 If you'd like to see the full PodLetter, go to our substack to see all the written content that supplements the audio interview.  ---🚨🚨🚨 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!! 🚨🚨🚨---📺 👀 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: **1:40 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 Arena Links: **Ken Munson | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethmunson/**Rhythmos | https://rhythmos.io/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**@Silas & @Somil_Agg on Twitter / X 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!)

On this episode, we interview Jay Kapoor, General Partner at VSC Ventures. VSC Ventures is a Seed-stage VC fund focusing on climate adaptation and industrial automation. Their central thesis is that although starting a company is becoming easier, its becoming harder and harder to get noticed. Their solution? Storytelling. Confused? Listen to this episode – you won’t be disappointed.Jay needs no introduction – he has a podcast himself, comes from a VC and media background, and left a lasting impression on us as one of the most well-spoken guests we've ever had.---🌎 If you'd like to see the full PodLetter, go to our substack to see all the written content that supplements the audio interview.  ---🚨🚨🚨 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!! 🚨🚨🚨---📺 👀 Prefer to watch: Subscribe on YouTube.Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. Topics: **5:50 Focus on Industrial Automation**9:39 The Intersection of Industrial Automation and Climate**15:26 Augmentation vs Replacement in Automation**17:23 The Importance of Good Storytelling in Automation**20:03 Jay’s Accidental Transition to Climate Investing**25:40 Engaging with Government and Incumbents**34:28 Founder/Market Fit: Founders from The Industry**40:24 Impact on Fundraising and Time Horizons; Fund Size**47:50 The Importance of Choosing the Right Investor**50:47 Changing Cap Table Construction**58:28 The Evolution of VCs' Value Prop**1:02:20 The Role of PR in Climate Investing**1:06:43 Founder vs Company Journey; Paint Jet's Story**1:11:53 The Power of Storytelling in Pitch Decks**1:17:06 Hiring and Building a Team**1:20:53 Identifying Founders Willing to AdaptLinks: **Connect with Jay | VSC 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.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 enlightening episode, Silas and Somil are speaking all about Water and Wastewater Infrastructure with Adam Tank, the CCO and Co-Founder of Transcend Infrastructure. Adam shares his journey into the water industry and the creation of Transcend, a software platform that automates the design process for water infrastructure projects. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the need for more innovative and sustainable solutions. Tank emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, staying true to the company's mission, and remaining curious and open to learning. He also highlights the future of the water infrastructure industry, including the focus on carbon neutrality and the role of public demand in driving innovation.Enjoy the Episode! 🌎---🌎 If you'd like to see the full PodLetter, go to our substack to see all the written content that supplements the audio interview.  ---📺 👀 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: **2:00 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**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: **@Silas & @Somil_Agg on Twitter / X 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 enlightening episode, Silas and Somil delve into an engaging conversation with a visionary in the realm of carbon markets, Sudhu Arumugam, the CEO and Co-Founder of CYNK.CYNK is an early-stage company based out of Nairobi and Singapore, and they are building a block-chained tied marketplace specifically for the African voluntary carbon markets. Many debate the need for another carbon marketplace, but one thing is certain: trust in this space has been hard to find, and what CYNK is doing should help fix this.Sudhu Arumugam and his co-founder, Nils Razmilovic, bring a unique blend of Finance, Blockchain, and Sustainability expertise. Their collective experience and insight have culminated in the creation of CYNK. The driving force behind their venture is the imperative need to ensure that financial benefits reach local African communities, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable environmental impact.---🌎 If you'd like to see the full PodLetter, go to our substack to see all the written content that supplements the audio interview.  📺 👀 Prefer to watch: Subscribe on YouTube.Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. 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: Sudhu Arumugam | CYNKConnect with Somil | Connect with SilasFor 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.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!)