CC Pod

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Rubi Laboratories is a portfolio company of 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.Subscribe to CC Pod wherever you listen to your podcasts:Welcome to another episode of the Climate Capital podcast! Today, we're thrilled to share an in-depth conversation with Neeka Mashouf, co-founder and CEO of Rubi Laboratories. Neeka's journey is rooted in a deep passion for nature and the environment, a passion she shares with her twin sister. They have always been captivated by the science behind nature, and their childhood experiences in a nature-focused community fueled their drive to contribute to climate solutions.Rubi Laboratories is pioneering what Neeka terms the 'Symbiotic Era' of manufacturing. This novel concept involves capturing CO2 and transforming it into useful materials, emulating the process of trees absorbing carbon dioxide. Their primary focus presently is on creating cellulose – a key component in textiles – from CO2. This impressive feat of engineering is not only a technological marvel but also addresses the urgent need for sustainable manufacturing processes.Scalability has been a significant challenge in their journey. Neeka shared the difficulties they faced in transitioning from millilitre scale to larger scales. They learned to allocate ample time for research and development at each stage to understand the system and optimize it before moving to the next scale. It's a testament to their resilience and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for any startup.One of the unique aspects of Rubi Laboratories is its culture. Neeka emphasizes creativity and ownership. She believes that these two elements, combined with a shared vision for a sustainable future, can create a powerful and effective team. This culture has undoubtedly played a vital role in their journey, enabling them to overcome challenges and continually innovate.Neeka's story is a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those passionate about the environment. Her dedication to sustainable manufacturing and creating a more symbiotic relationship with nature provides a guiding light for future endeavors in the field of decarbonization. If you're interested in learning more about Rubi Laboratories or getting involved, Neeka encourages you to reach out and join their community. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Rubi Laboratories is a portfolio company of Climate Capital, where Michael works as a General Partner and 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 decisionIn the latest CC Pod led by Michael and Jenny, they interview Melik Demirel, one of the co-founders of Tandem Repeat. Through the integration of biotechnology and sustainable practices, Tandem Repeat is revolutionizing the way we think about fashion and its impact on the environment.At the beginning of the episode, Melik shares his background and personal story. Having moved to the United States at a young age, he made a significant contribution to the scientific community by writing groundbreaking code in protein dynamics. This achievement sparked curiosity and admiration from his peers, setting the stage for his passion for innovation and problem-solving.Tandem Repeat is driven by a team of three co-founders who recognized the need for a technological solution to address the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry. Their company, founded in 2018, focuses on developing sustainable materials and fabrics that have a minimal carbon footprint.Melik explains how they utilize biotechnology to manipulate genes, allowing them to optimize natural fibers and create innovative materials. By harnessing the power of fermentation and genetic engineering, Tandem Repeat aims to produce eco-friendly fabrics that can replace harmful synthetic alternatives.Building a startup is never without its challenges, and Melik openly shares some of the obstacles he has faced. From perfecting the conversion of fibers into fabric to navigating disagreements with investors, Tandem Repeat has encountered its fair share of setbacks. However, through perseverance and effective communication, Melik and his team have managed to overcome these hurdles and grow both personally and professionally.Looking ahead, Melik envisions Tandem Repeat as a key player in the sustainable fashion industry. Their mission is to save the world one garment at a time, and they plan to achieve this by expanding their product offerings and continuing to innovate at the intersection of climate and biotech. Melik's ambition is for Tandem Repeat to become an integral part of a growing society and a catalyst for positive change. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Gelatex s is a portfolio company of 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.Subscribe to CC Pod wherever you listen to your podcasts:In the latest episode of the Climate Capital podcast, hosted by Jenny Kan - GP of Climate Capital's Bio Fund - we had the privilege of delving into the world of Gelatex. This innovative materials technology company, led by co-founders Mari-Ann and Märt-Erik, is on a mission to revolutionize various industries by offering sustainable and versatile solutions. TL;DL (too long; didn’t listen):Gelatex's proprietary technology, developed in Estonia, enables the efficient production of bio-based nanofibers. These nanofibers possess unique properties that can be harnessed across a wide range of applications: from eco-friendly leather-like textiles to cultured meat, wound care, bio-based filtration materials, and tissue engineering.Initially starting with a focus on eco-friendly textiles, Mari-Ann and Märt-Erik realized the immense potential of their nanofiber technology and made a pivotal decision to pivot in 2020. This move allowed them to explore new avenues and applications, broadening their impact on multiple industries.Mari-Ann and Märt-Erik emphasize the importance of putting together a skilled and passionate team that aligns with their vision. Their dedication to finding the right people has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving milestones.Looking ahead, Gelatex has ambitious plans to expand their production capabilities. They aim to establish a certified production facility, paving the way for widespread adoption of their groundbreaking materials. By continuing to disrupt industries and provide sustainable alternatives, Gelatex envisions a future where high-tech materials reshape lab-grown products. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Wild Microbes is a portfolio company of Climate Capital, where Michael works as a General Partner and 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.Subscribe to CC Pod wherever you listen to your podcasts:In the latest episode of the Climate Capital podcast, hosts Michael and Jenny engage in an insightful conversation with Ben Kramer, the co-founder of Wild Microbes. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Wild Microbes is on a unique mission: harnessing the incredible potential of microbes to create sustainable products.TL;DL (too long; didn’t listen):Kramer, a Stanford graduate, outlines Wild Microbes' ambitious vision to replace environmentally destructive products in the supply chain with biologically engineered solutions. He explains the concept of bioproduction, illustrating how over 60% of physical goods in our supply chain can be made biologically. The potential scope of biomanufacturing is broad, ranging from producing dyes and pigments to ingredients for food and cosmetics.One significant challenge that Wild Microbes addresses within the biotech industry is improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the fermentation process. The company pioneers the use of novel microbes, sourced from diverse environments, to enhance the fermentation process. Their approach involves identifying microbes that naturally thrive in conditions similar to those within a fermentation tank, transforming biomanufacturing challenges into opportunities.Kramer also highlights the commercial traction that Wild Microbes is currently gaining. Companies in the food, cosmetics, and chemical sectors are showing interest, eager to launch their own bio-based products.The work of Wild Microbes stands as a testament to the power of innovative biotechnology in creating a more sustainable future. Focusing on harnessing the potential of microbes, the company is driving changes within the biotech industry and making significant contributions to the fight against climate change. The prospect is exciting, making us anticipate what the future of sustainable product development might hold. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Spira is a portfolio company of Climate Capital, where Michael works as a General Partner and 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.Subscribe to CC Pod wherever you listen to your podcasts:In our inaugural episode of the Climate Capital podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful conversation with Elliot Roth, Founder of Spira. As a passionate entrepreneur and a visionary in the field of biotechnology, Elliot shares his journey of turning DNA into a creative medium to solve global challenges.TL;DL (too long; didn’t listen):Elliot Roth is not a conventional entrepreneur. He's an extremeophile, a lover of extreme environments and complex challenges. Elliot shares how he started seven companies, ranging from a COVID diagnostic company to a dynamic wheelchair cushion, before landing on Spira. He explains his fascination with using DNA as a creative medium, shaping it like a beautifully crafted poem to solve some of the world's most urgent problems.Spira’s goal is to transform conventional manufacturing and production systems, moving away from harmful petrochemicals.The conversation takes a deep dive into the world of algae and its superpowers. Elliot speaks about how Spira uses algae to create carbon-negative materials. The company's innovative approach involves genetically engineering algae and leveraging a network of farms across the world to produce these materials.One of the key lessons Elliot has learned in his entrepreneurial journey is the importance of people. He believes that the right team can make the improbable possible. He also emphasizes the significance of learning quickly and iterating over time.Elliot concludes the conversation by discussing Spira's ongoing fundraising efforts. The company is currently raising $3 million to build a Photosynthetic biofoundry, a first-of-its-kind project for the type of algae they are working with. This project will allow Spira to start biomanufacturing other compounds beyond pigments.Elliot's journey and vision serve as a powerful reminder of how innovation, coupled with the right team and relentless determination, can help us tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.Join us in this fascinating conversation on the Climate Capital podcast, where we explore the boundaries of the possible and the future of biotechnology. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe