CC Pod

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