CC Pod

Join Shannon Hall, CEO of Pow.bio, as she discusses revolutionizing fermentation processes with synthetic biology and machine learning. Discover the challenges faced in the startup's early days and their commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Explore the advancements in biomanufacturing, data-driven approaches for efficiency, and navigating investor expectations. Learn about the founder's journey, networking in entrepreneurship, and the transition to team management at Pow.bio.

Bill Kee from Quilt discusses the transformative technology of heat pumps and their innovative approach to revolutionizing the heating and cooling market. They address challenges like design, usability, installation transparency, and cost to make heat pumps more accessible. The podcast explores the energy-intensive nature of traditional heating methods and the efficiency of heat pumps in transferring heat, highlighting their potential as a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Kadeya is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Michael works as a General Partner.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!Join us on the latest CC Pod hosted by Michael Luciani, as we delve into the future of decarbonization with Manuela Zoninsein, CEO of Kadeya! Learn how Kadeya's innovative solutions are reshaping the beverage industry in pursuit of eliminating single-use containers.As a serial entrepreneur with experience in the Chinese market and a deep-seated interest in climate issues, Manuela's vision for Kadeya is rooted in a profound understanding of the global waste problem. She describes her company as "bike sharing for bottles," a concept derived from her experiences in China and her desire to address the global waste issue head-on.One of the key challenges Manuela faced during the early stages of Kadeya was developing a narrative that resonated with investors. She found that she needed to communicate her business model in a way that showcased potential for high returns, while also addressing concerns around capital intensity and the risks associated with hardware startups.However, Manuela didn't let these challenges deter her. Instead, she used them as an opportunity to refine Kadeya's value proposition, focus on industrial use cases, and develop a comprehensive understanding of different financial vehicles. This approach allowed her to align the company's objectives with investor expectations, helping her establish a compelling narrative that showcased Kadeya's potential in the climate tech space.A significant breakthrough came when Manuela discovered the potential for Kadeya's solution in industrial use cases. By providing a sustainable and efficient hydration solution for work sites, Kadeya not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers a valuable service, demonstrating the potential of climate tech startups to create economic value while tackling pressing environmental issues.Visit kadeya.com to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Enduring Planet is an investor in Dollaride, where our guest host Dimitry Gershenson works as co-founder and CEO of Enduring Planet. Additionally, Enduring Planet is one of Climate Capital’s portfolio companies.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In today’s exciting episode, join Dimitri Gershenson and guest Su Sanni, Co-Founder & CEO of Dollaride, a mobility company tackling climate challenges in underserved communities. Learn about their clean transit initiative and the quest for sustainable transportation solutions.Su, a graduate of Boston College, began his career in finance at Brown Brothers Harriman, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the tech world, where he honed his skills in sales and revenue generation at Meltwater Group.Dollaride is a mobility company that brings clean and accessible transportation to underserved communities. With Su's uncles' experience in the transportation industry and partnership with academic experts at NYU, Dollaride was created with the aim of providing a platform for small business owners to solve transportation challenges in their communities.The conversation further delved into how Dollaride integrates climate-friendly practices into its operations. Su explained how Dollaride is working to digitize the existing transportation ecosystem and transition to electric vehicles, thus cutting down carbon emissions and contributing to a healthier environment.However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Su shared a recent crisis where a key vendor filed for bankruptcy, disrupting their electrification plans. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic and is actively seeking alternatives.The episode concluded on a powerful note as Su shared some invaluable advice for fellow entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of building a strong team and creating a network of peers to navigate the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. He further encouraged founders to remain focused on their business execution, not getting swayed by industry headlines and external pressures.Visit dollaride.com to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Hoxton Farms is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Michael works as a General Partner.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!Join Michael as he hosts today’s CC Pod episode with Ed Steele, Co-founder of Hoxton Farms. Explore Hoxton Farms' mission to create cruelty-free, sustainable meat alternatives using mathematical models and synthetic biology.Hoxton Farms was founded by Ed and his elementary school friend, Max, a molecular biologist. The duo aimed to leverage their combined expertise in mathematical modeling and synthetic biology to make a significant difference in the food production industry. Hoxton’s primary focus is on producing food that not only matches up to real meat in terms of taste and texture, but also surpasses it. Their vision is to create food that browns the right way, tastes the same, and is sustainable.Hoxton Farms’ story isn’t just about creating sustainable food alternatives, but it's also about understanding and navigating the complex world of food science and safety regulations. Ed candidly discussed the challenges they faced when part of their process was found non-compliant, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective problem-solving in overcoming such hurdles.Ed also addressed some of the controversies surrounding lab-grown food. He believes that the perceived "weirdness" of lab-grown food stems from a lack of understanding and can be overcome with time and education. Hoxton Farms, through its innovative efforts, is not just contributing to decarbonization but also reshaping our perceptions about food and its production.Visit hoxtonfarms.com to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Arcadia is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Vijay works as a Syndicate Investor and Advisor.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In the latest CC Pod episode, Vijay interviews Kiran Bhatraju, founder and CEO of Arcadia. Listen and learn more about the fascinating world of utility data. Kiran's career began on Capitol Hill, where he worked on energy and national security issues. This early exposure to the complexities of energy markets and new energy technologies was foundational in shaping his future trajectory. He realized the urgent need for a shift away from fossil fuels and saw it as the most significant economic transition period in our lifetimes.Arcadia was born out of the challenges Kiran encountered in his previous venture. The availability and accessibility of utility data proved to be a significant pain point. Recognizing the need for a solution, Arcadia was founded with the aim of making utility data more accessible and usable.Arcadia's platform unlocks the value within utility accounts, making information like energy usage, tariffs, and price signals readily available. This data-driven approach not only streamlines processes but also offers numerous benefits to different players in the energy ecosystem. For instance, Kiran shared how Arcadia's data helped a solar developer determine a customer's reliability based on their bill payment history.Kiran envisions a future where Arcadia's success will not only catalyze the energy transition but also revolutionize the way utilities operate. He believes that the availability of utility data can unlock the full potential of DERs and ultimately lead to utilities focusing solely on distribution, leaving the generation game.Visit arcadia.com to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Cemvita is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Michael works as a General Partner.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!Welcome to another episode of the Climate Capital podcast! In today’s episode, Michael sits down with Moji Karimi, Co-founder and CEO of Cemvita. Cemvita's innovative approach tackles climate change head-on by leveraging industrial biotech to address key challenges. Moji shares the origin story of Cemvita, including how he met his co-founder and their decision to leave their previous work to start something new. The co-founders, despite coming from different backgrounds, found common ground in their shared frustration with the limitations of the academic environment.Moji shares insights on the role of oil and gas in their work. While there was some skepticism from investors about their location in Houston, Moji highlighted the significance of their local presence. He stressed the importance of understanding the industry, its culture, and its mechanics to create effective solutions.Despite the challenges faced during their Series A funding, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Moji emphasized the importance of focusing on executing set milestones. He also shared some valuable advice he received from another entrepreneur, "Believe in yourself and follow your passion."Visit cemvita.com to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Carbon Collective is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Vijay works as a Syndicate Investor and Advisor.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In the latest episode of CC Pod, Vijay Rajendran had an insightful conversation with Zach Stein, Co-founder of Carbon Collective. Zach discussed the mission of Carbon Collective to provide curated options in sustainable investing. Carbon Collective is a fresh player in the financial industry, offering sustainable retirement accounts for businesses. Before this venture, Stein was the CEO and co-founder of Osmo Systems, an agrotech startup that provided affordable monitoring and control systems to hydroponic and aquaculture farmers.Stein and his co-founder, James, who have known each other since childhood, started Carbon Collective with a vision to build better tools that would enable individuals to take collective action against climate change.Rather than following a traditional model, they have created a simplified, jargon-free system that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their investments. It's an approach that has proved controversial in some quarters, but Stein firmly believes in its potential to disrupt the industry.Looking to the future, Stein is optimistic. If Carbon Collective succeeds, he sees a world where sustainable investing becomes the norm, fossil fuel investments shrink, and the narrative of the financial industry shifts towards sustainability.Visit carboncollective.co to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, FloodMapp is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In this CC Pod episode, host Dimitry Gershenson talks to Juliette Murphy, CEO and Co-founder of FloodMapp. They discuss FloodMapp's AI-driven flood intelligence, its impact on targeted evacuations, and the challenges of achieving product-market fit.Murphy's journey into climate tech was kindled by her studies in environmental engineering and her experiences living through catastrophic disasters. Witnessing the devastating impacts of floods on friends, family, and communities, she felt a compelling need to improve the system.FloodMapp was born out of this experience. In its early stages, the startup faced numerous challenges, including achieving product-market fit and finding the right investors who understood their deep technology. Murphy candidly shares how the initial idea of a consumer mobile app didn't resonate with their target market - emergency managers and government agencies. This feedback prompted them to pivot to a data feed model, integrating with the tools used by these organizations.The company's success has also heavily relied on building a passionate and dedicated team. Murphy emphasizes the importance of having team members who are not only experts in their fields but also personally invested in solving the problem FloodMapp is addressing.At the heart of FloodMapp is a live intelligence solution. It aggregates data from different sources, including satellites, weather stations, and river gauges, to provide a live mapping feed to help in preparedness, response, and recovery during flood events.Murphy stresses the importance of conducting deep customer interviews to understand the needs of the target market better and the necessity of letting go of control as the company grows.Visit floodmapp.com to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Concert Bio is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Jenny works as a Managing Partner.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.In the latest CC Pod, Jenny explored the journey of Paul Rutten, Founder and CEO of Concert Bio. Paul discussed his insights into the challenges of soil-less agriculture and how Concert Bio's innovative solution is unlocking the full potential of plant growth.Paul’s journey began with a fascination for how microbes could enhance plant growth and agriculture sustainability. This led to his exploration of soilless agriculture systems, a rapidly growing field that promises to be the future of agriculture.Concept Bio develops probiotics for plants in soilless agriculture. Their aim is to optimize plant growth by introducing beneficial microbes into systems that traditionally lack them. The company has achieved remarkable results, including a 57% yield improvement over baseline in one experiment.Paul devotes significant time to securing funding, which includes over £4 million in grant funding from the UK government. His approach to building the company involves meticulously hiring only 'superstars' for the first ten employees - a piece of advice he received from an investor, which he firmly believes in.Paul's journey from a PhD scientist to a biotech company founder highlights the importance of embracing uncertainty, prioritizing tasks, and understanding that not everything needs to be perfect. As he looks forward to the next stage of Concept Bio, Paul is keen to connect with experts in the Ag space and those with experience in marketing microbial products.Visit concert.bio to learn more! Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe