Leaders on a Mission

What happens when venture capital escapes the echo chamber of hype? In this episode, Leaders on a Mission welcomes Irena Spazzapan, Managing Partner at Systemiq Capital, to uncover how long-term, asset-light investments are reshaping the future of energy, food, and climate tech. Irena dives into founder mindsets, infrastructure bottlenecks, and why chasing trends won't solve systemic challenges. Learn how targeted capital and sharp strategy unlock climate solutions that scale.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.---Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – Systemic change through VC01:15 – Roots of global perspective05:35 – From Goldman Sachs to climate09:00 – Systemiq's three investment themes11:10 – Why asset-heavy doesn't scale13:20 – Enabling the electrification wave16:40 – Startups bridging energy silos18:00 – Europe's smart power innovators20:15 – Beyond the hype cycle24:30 – UK vs US founder mentality28:30 – The VC shakeout explained32:10 – The rise of specialist funds37:50 – Why trust builds valueUseful links: Systemiq Capital Website:   https://www.systemiqcapital.earth/     Systemiq Capital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/systemiq-capital-earth/       Irene Spazzapan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irena-spazzapan-741a53/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if drones could revolutionize farming and empower growers worldwide—without a single dollar of venture capital? In this episode, Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio, shares how his team is transforming agriculture through autonomous drones, precision spraying, and farmer-first data insights. From crashing prototypes in sugarcane fields to revenue growth of  $20M+ in 2025, Arthur unpacks the grit, ingenuity, and strategy behind Helio's bootstrapped success. Dive into the realities of modern farming, the race against nature, and how Hylio's tech is clearing the “fog of war” in agriculture. Tune in to see how a drone innovator scaled without taking a dollar of VC funding—only on the latest episode!--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:0:00 – No VCs, just velocity2:14 – From drone dream to startup6:20 – Pivoting into agriculture10:35 – The modern farmer's struggle14:34 – Triple Black Diamond startup20:54 – Overcoming drone failure rates26:55 – Data: the new differentiator31:12 – Surging demand, scaling fast36:13 – Bootstrapping with crowdfundingUseful links: Hylio's website:     https://www.hyl.ioHylio's LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/hylio/            Arthur Erickson's linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-erickson/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

As climate policy shifts, can the energy transition thrive without government support?In this episode, Voyager VC Director Leonardo Banchik joins Simon Leich to reveal why the drive to decarbonize isn't just surviving – it's accelerating. Discover how falling costs, free market dynamics, and resilient technologies are pushing renewables, batteries, and even nuclear to the forefront. Leonardo breaks down why deregulation, national security, and data center demand are fuelling this momentum, and why altruism no longer drives climate tech – economics does.  Tune in to learn which sectors are booming, which are lagging, and why Leonardo believes the energy transition is not a hope, but an inevitability.---Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:45 — Can innovation survive political shifts?02:15 — Surprising climate-friendly policies04:10 — Deregulation's silver linings05:45 — Why free markets back renewables07:50 — The battery cost curve dive12:20 — Climate tech sectors under pressure17:00 — Valuation resets and lessons learned20:30 — Smart risk stacking in investments27:15 — The evolving project finance gap32:10 — Finding purpose: Leo's "ikigai"37:50 — How technical expertise wins Useful links: Voyager Ventures' website: https://www.voyagervc.com/               Voyager Ventures' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voyagervc/              Leonardo Banchik's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leobanchik/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

By 2030, global water demand will outpace supply by 40%.  In this episode, we explore how Brian Sheng, CEO of Aquaria, is tackling the big questions such as “How to stop a water crisis”. He and his team are pioneering a scalable solution – harvesting water from the air itself to provide safe and abundant drinking water.  Driven by a personal story of loss linked to water pollution, Brian shares how Aquaria is building decentralized water infrastructure, creating resilient communities, and moving faster than traditional utilities to develop purified water.  Tune in as I uncover the technology, challenges, and vision behind a future where clean water is more than ample for all.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!0:00 – Global water crisis unveiled2:04 – Brian's personal motivation3:36 – Why current solutions fail5:18 – Aquaria's breakthrough innovation7:29 – Co-founding with his brother8:37 – The dream: water for cities16:03 – Surviving near-bankruptcy22:16 – How Aquaria's tech works28:51 – Building water-positive communitiesUseful links: Aquaria's website: https://aquaria.world/               Aquaria's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquariaawg/               Brian Sheng's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sheng/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if venture capital could truly solve the world's biggest problems? In this episode, Helmer Schukken, Managing Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures, reveals how his firm invests where purpose meets profit – backing businesses that are not only scalable and feasible, but fundamentally underserved. From energy transition and sustainable agriculture to inclusive employment and education, Helmer shares how systemic change happens when impact is embedded into the business model.  Tune in to discover why aligning financial returns with societal outcomes isn't just admirable –it's essential for long-term success.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps: 0:00 — What drives impact investing1:40 — Helmer's path to purpose6:46 — Building Rubio's first fund7:05 — Defining true impact investing10:01 — Frameworks and KPI alignment15:22 — Real accountability in returns18:48 — Key investment sectors21:31 — Energy transition innovations24:25 — Agtech, food, and waste26:29 — Evolving focus areas28:18 — Fund size and future plans31:18 — The fundraising landscape36:08 — From vision to execution38:55 — Tech vs. people risk43:36 — Adoption challenges in ag and foodUseful links: Rubio Impact Ventures' website: https://www.rubio.vc/               Rubio Impact Ventures' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rubioimpactventures/   Helmer Schukken's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helmerschukken/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if the key to reversing climate change lies right beneath our feet? In this episode, EarthOptics CEO Lars Dyrud reveals how cutting-edge soil tech is transforming sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration. With a background in space science and a mission to decode Earth's carbon secrets, Lars shares how data-driven insights and soil science are revolutionizing farm profitability and climate resilience. Discover how soil DNA, machine learning, and high-resolution mapping can create sustainable farming solutions—and profitability. If soil carbon holds the answers, EarthOptics is asking the right questions. Check out this episode to find out how this company are taking sustainable farming to the next level.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:54 – From space science to soil03:42 – Discovering the carbon mystery06:33 – Why soil carbon matters09:55 – Massive measurement leap11:08 – Data-driven agronomy goals13:25 – Unlocking soil health insights17:04 – Aligning profit and sustainability20:49 – Supply chain climate impact24:33 – Why data beats guesswork28:35 – Milestones and growth32:19 – Merger synergy and tech gains38:18 – World's largest soil DNA database41:00 – Startup scaling challengesUseful links: EarthOptics's website:https://earthoptics.com/                EarthOptics's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthoptics/              Lars Dyrud's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-dyrud-0a125816/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Is climate tech hype distracting us from true transformation? In this episode, Andrew Haughian, Partner at Pangaea Ventures, dives into the reality behind scaling hard tech solutions for planetary health. From cutting through inflated valuations to rethinking sustainability narratives, Andrew shares critical insights from 18+ years of climate investing. Discover why profitability now trumps growth, where food and agtech are stuck, and how contrarian bets could unlock game-changing returns.  This is a must-listen for founders seeking funding clarity and investors chasing resilient impact.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!1:35 – Learning trust from oil rigs4:59 – Why planetary health matters6:09 – Rethinking “climate tech” labels8:18 – Peaks, troughs, and pendulum swings11:28 – What stalled foodtech growth13:00 – Promising plays in protein17:50 – Innovating without capex burden24:42 – Strategic exits in life sciences33:58 – Founders vs funding realitiesUseful links: Pangaea Ventures's website: https://www.pangaeaventures.com/               Pangaea Ventures's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pangaea-ventures/              Andrew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhaughian/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if a tractor could change the future of farming? In this episode, Monarch Tractor CEO Praveen Penmetsa reveals how electric, autonomous machines such as electric tractors are reshaping sustainable agriculture—one farm at a time. With 500+ robots already sold, in excess of $20M revenue for 2024 and a bold energy-data-autonomy platform, Monarch is solving one of the toughest innovation puzzles in Agtech. Praveen shares hard-won lessons on risk, policy advocacy, and what it takes to lead an industry transformation.  Tune in for real talk on scaling sustainable farming system change, and building a mission-first company with global impact.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – From concept to $20M+ revenue02:15 – Early roots in automotive innovation04:38 – Two breakthrough moments in agtech07:49 – COVID's surprising impact on farming10:53 – Designing value beyond the tractor15:17 – “Audacity is our moat”19:05 – Attracting top-tier mission-driven talent23:58 – The power of policy & partnerships31:00 – Scaling hardware and platform revenueUseful links: Monarch Tractor's website: https://www.monarchtractor.com/                Monarch Tractor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monarch-tractor/               Praveen Penmetsa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveenpenmetsa/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if the climate crisis isn't just about carbon—but about people, systems, and resilience? In this episode, I sit down with Hampus Jakobsson, General Partner at Pale Blue Dot, a $100M early-stage climate tech fund. Hampus shares why he left a life of “freedom and bliss” to go all-in on climate innovation—and why the next great founders must be both visionary and gritty. From navigating uncertainty to betting big on bold ideas, this episode is a masterclass in investing at the frontlines of global change. Tune in to find out more.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Listen on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:42 – Where Pale Blue Dot began01:30 – The meaning behind the fund's name04:25 – Why Hampus couldn't look away09:00 – “Do it only if you can't stop”10:50 – Climate investment mindset shift15:45 – How climate became politicized18:45 – The Pale Blue Dot investment thesis23:30 – What great founders must have26:10 – Founder-market fit and raw authenticity34:55 – When founders stop scaling38:50 – Fundraising isn't the real problem44:50 – Why climate investing isn't slowing down47:30 – Innovation thrives in chaosUseful links: Pale blue dot's website: https://paleblue.vc/              Pale blue dot's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palebluedotvcclimate/             Hampus Jakobsson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hampusjakobsson/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

The future of business is AI-driven, data-informed, and sustainability-focused. But how do we fund the startups shaping this new reality? In this episode, Tim Chiang, Co-Founder and Partner at Myriad Ventures, unpacks his journey from engineering to venture capital and how Myriad is reshaping AI, deep tech, and clean tech investing. Learn how AI changes venture capital and how Myriad connects startups with industry giants, accelerates commercialization, and tackles today's biggest market challenges. Tim also shares key insights for founders navigating an evolving investment landscape. Tune in to find out how Venture Capital is investing in AI in the latest episode.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!0:00 – Why AI is reshaping industries 2:07 – Tim's journey from engineer to VC 6:06 – The missing piece in venture investing 10:12 – Myria'ds investment thesis 17:56 – The power of deep corporate networks 25:51 – Game-changing clean tech investments 31:32 – The future of energy storage 39:03 – What top founders have in common 42:50 – Key challenges for startups in 2025Useful links: Myriad Venture Partners' website: https://www.myriadventures.com/               Myriad Venture Partners' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myriad-vp/  Tim Chiang's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchiang1/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/ 

Can we truly decarbonize cities without disrupting daily life? Shane Johnson, CEO & Co-Founder of CarbonQuest, is proving it's possible. In this episode, Shane shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, pioneering on-site carbon capture for hard-to-abate sectors like real estate and industry. Discover how his team built the world's first distributed CO2 capture system in an NYC high-rise, the commercial viability of carbon as a commodity, and why scaling this technology could revolutionize urban sustainability.  Tune in for an insightful discussion on CO2 capture technology, innovation, economic viability, and the future of clean cities.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – The currency of carbon02:17 – Shane's early entrepreneurial spark06:32 – The emissions challenge in cities10:03 – From whiteboard to prototype12:56 – Engineering through COVID18:39 – Why this tech wasn't feasible a decade ago21:22 – Scaling the business27:52 – Overcoming regulatory & adoption hurdles31:17 – A culture of innovation & integrityUseful links: CarbonQuest's website:  https://carbonquest.com/              CarbonQuest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbonquestq/          Shane Johnson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-johnson-74003784/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/ 

 What if the biggest investment opportunity of our time is also our greatest challenge? In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, host Simon Leich sits down with Adrian Bührer, Managing Partner at Übermorgen Ventures, to explore the intersection of venture capital and climate innovation. Adrian shares his journey from entrepreneur to impact investor, the critical role of long-term capital in decarbonization, and why climate tech is the next big frontier.  From nuclear fusion to carbon removal, tune in to discover the groundbreaking startups shaping a sustainable future.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! 0:44 - Adrian's journey into entrepreneurship2:08 - The lightbulb moment on climate change10:00 - Investing to solve the climate crisis14:23 - Übermorgen Ventures' unique investment approach20:00 - Politics, regulation, and climate finance25:21 - Balancing long-term vs. short-term investments31:33 - Challenges faced by climate tech founders38:30 - The importance of resilience in founders43:00 - A success story of grit and perseveranceUseful links: Übermorgen Ventures' website: https://www.uebermorgen.vc/                Übermorgen Ventures' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/%C3%BCbermorgen-ventures/              Adrian Bührer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianbuehrer/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/ 

What if we could revolutionize agriculture with biology instead of chemicals? Join Tim Schnabel, CEO of Switch Bioworks, as he delves into the company's mission to replace 50% of traditional nitrogen fertilizers with engineered microbes. Tim shares the scientific breakthroughs powering this shift, including microbial symbiosis, ammonia production, and precision field testing. From raising $28M in funding to building a mission-driven team, Tim unpacks the challenges, cultural values, and vision driving this movement toward a sustainable food future. Delve into the world of sustainable agriculture and fertilizer and find out “what is sustainable fertilizer?” and how Switch Bioworks are feeding the future.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!1:04 - From PhD project to company4:35 - The hidden cost of nitrogen fertilizer6:20 - Engineering microbes to fix nitrogen8:45 - Progress milestones and field testing11:30 - Challenges: scaling sustainable agriculture15:18 - The science behind the "Switch"18:00 - Vision: feeding the world sustainably21:40 - Culture of purpose and diversity29:15 - Lessons learned as a first-time CEOUseful links: Switch Bioworks' website: https://www.switchbioworks.com/            Switch Bioworks' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/switch-bioworks/  Tim Schnabel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnabeltim/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Why is “tough tech” set to revolutionize the next wave of energy transition? Michael Kearney, General Partner at The Engine Ventures, shares how startups tackling hard engineering problems are unlocking clean, firm baseload power like geothermal, fusion, and fission. With renewable energy making up 96% of new U.S. production in 2024, Michael explores the rapid scaling of technology, overcoming talent gaps, and the role of team culture in startup success. From AI-driven power demand to industrial scaling, this conversation reveals the key levers tough tech companies must pull to lead the energy boom.Tune in to be captivated by Michael's passion for tough tech and setting energy transition in motion.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes![0:00] Why firm baseload power matters[1:21] Evolution of tough tech investing[7:30] Progress in energy transition[10:29] What the next 20 years hold[12:24] AI driving power demand[16:08] How The Engine supports founders[22:52] Major startup hurdles in 2025[33:39] Maintaining culture during growth[39:56] The most rewarding part of investingUseful links: Engine Ventures's website: https://engineventures.com/                Engine Ventures's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engine-ventures/  Michael Kearney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kearney-b6704126/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Cement accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, but what if it could be reimagined to help solve the climate crisis? Join Simon Leich as he sits down with Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera, to explore how they're transforming the cement industry, using scalable, economically competitive, and low-carbon technologies in sustainable cement production.Ryan shares hard-earned insights from 20 years in climate tech, the strategic shift from competition to collaboration with cement producers, and Fortera's vision for global impact. This is an inspiring look at innovation, perseverance, and redefining industries from within. Tune in to learn more about zero carbon cement production in the latest Leaders on a Mission episode.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – Scaling with simplicity01:20 – Ryan's climate tech journey05:58 – The global problem: cement carbon emissions09:54 – The science of sustainable cement:14:00 – Small commercial success18:53 – Navigating the Valley of Death 225:46 – Collaboration, not competition33:51 – Scaling for impact36:58 – Measuring successUseful links: Fortera's website: https://forteraglobal.com/               Fortera's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortera/                Ryan Gilliam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-gilliam-237ab62a/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

From growing up in poverty in upstate New York to coining the term "cloud computing" and revolutionising venture capital, Sean O'Sullivan's story is nothing short of remarkable. As Founder and Managing Partner of SOSV, Sean has backed over 1,000 startups through world-renowned programs like IndieBio and HAX, driving breakthroughs in synthetic biology, climate tech, and more. In this episode, Simon Leich dives into Sean's journey, exploring his passion for empowering entrepreneurs, tackling humanity's toughest challenges, and scaling innovations in human and planetary health. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or changemaker, this conversation will inspire and equip you with actionable insights for meaningful impact.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – A Studio Model at Scale: SOSV's Unique Approach01:37 – Humble Beginnings: Sean's Journey from Poverty to Innovation08:12 – The Creator of Cloud Computing and Ride-Sharing10:34 – Biology Meets Innovation: Why IndieBio Leads the Future15:13 – Inside IndieBio: Building Community to Drive Change20:37 – Global Entrepreneurs: Innovation Without Borders31:06 – Sustainable Production for a Growing Planet.37:54 – Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Venture Capital43:12 – The Future of Innovation: Sean's Vision for SOSV and BeyondUseful links: SOSV's website: https://sosv.com/                                SOSV's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sosv/                              Sean O'Sullivan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-sosv/                Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What does it take to lead an advanced materials company from the brink of bankruptcy to becoming a global innovator in nano-composites?In this episode, Simon sits down with Craig Bandes, CEO of Pixelligent Technologies, to unpack his extraordinary 15-year journey. Craig reveals how Pixelligent's dispersion technology is revolutionising augmented and mixed reality devices with brighter displays, longer battery life, and sharper optics.From overcoming funding challenges to forging a strategic collaboration with Henkel, Craig shares how he transformed niche science into scalable solutions. He also explores the game-changing potential of extended reality and AI, poised to reshape industries like healthcare and retail.Don't miss this powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the future of advanced materials. Subscribe now!--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!0:47 – Craig's 15-year leadership journey and defining moments in advanced materials.02:19 – Overcoming early challenges, including industry knowledge gaps and funding hurdles.05:15 – Pivoting Pixelligent's dispersion technology and its value for augmented and mixed reality.09:48 – Lessons learned from market pivots and breakthroughs in display technology.16:54 – Focus on extended reality markets, including augmented and mixed reality.27:03 – Exploring new applications, such as surgical, retail, and education markets.36:40 – Future outlook for Pixelligent and insights into their strategic partnership with Henkel.43:24 – Closing remarks and final takeaways from the discussion.Useful links: Pixelligent Technologies's website: https://pixelligent.com/ Pixelligent Technologies's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pixelligent-technologies-llc/ Craig Bandes's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbandeslinkedin/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Which early-stage startups are poised for success in the climate tech world? Venture expert Josh Posamentier reveals the telltale green flags that signal a winning investment opportunity.In this episode, Josh shares how early-stage venture capital is driving transformative innovations in climate tech, from renewable energy and food systems to mobility and manufacturing.Josh dives into the critical funding gaps for climate startups, the importance of high-quality teams, and the evolving opportunities in geothermal energy, alternative proteins, and resource efficiency. He explains how Congruent Ventures balances financial returns with impactful solutions to the climate crisis, supporting groundbreaking startups that tackle emissions, pollution, and inefficiency.Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how patient capital and bold ideas are reshaping the future. Hear Josh's advice on navigating challenges, scaling solutions, and creating meaningful change in the fight against climate change.-- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 Episode Introduction01:39 Josh's Career Path05:46 Operator vs. Investor Roles07:29 Evaluating Early-Stage Founders11:15 Gaps in Climate Tech Funding14:33 Tips for Overcoming Stalled Fundraising17:06 Balancing Impact and Returns19:32 Challenges in Go-to-Market Strategies22:06 Understanding Customers and Value Chains23:22 Bridging Tech and Market Strategy25:50 Congruent Ventures' Impactful Investments27:12 Fervo Energy Case Study32:44 Exit Strategy and Long-Term Vision34:57 Top Sources of Entrepreneurial Talent36:47 Trends in Energy and Manufacturing40:49 Innovations in Food & Agriculture44:17 Managing Board Commitments45:41 Final ThoughtsUseful links: Congruent Ventures's website: https://www.congruentvc.com/ Congruent Ventures's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/congruent-ventures/Joshua Posamentier's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/posamentier/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Microsoft opens up a new data center globally every three days. We need to make sure there's enough clean energy to power this! In this episode, Tim Vail, CEO of ION Clean Energy, explains how his company is revolutionizing clean power and decarbonization for hyperscalers.Vail shares his decades-long journey in the energy industry and how he found his calling in the fight against climate change.ION Clean Energy's unique solvent-based carbon capture technology is poised to make a significant impact. With the ability to capture up to 99.6% of CO2 emissions from natural gas power plants, the company is paving the way for a new era of "blue electrons" - verifiably low-carbon electricity.Tim delves into the science behind their innovation, the importance of bankability and affordability, and the growing demand from hyperscalers and data centers for clean power. Tune in to be captivated by Tim's passion for driving real change and helping hyperscalers to reach their clean energy goals.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:33 Tim Vail's career journey03:10 Carbon capture and market demand09:03 ION's innovation in carbon capture technology13:44 The effectiveness of ION technology for capturing CO217:47 Long-term impact on de-carbonization20:16 Safe storing of CO223:00 Scaling and commercialization26:25 Challenges in funding FOAK technologies28:25 The role of DOE and global support30:47 Keys to success: bankability and verification32:44 How will this market evolve?36:35 Overcoming innovation fatigue43:29 Recruiting mission-driven talentUseful links: ION Clean Energy's website: https://www.ioncleanenergy.com/                 ION Clean Energy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ioncleanenergy/  Timothy Vail's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-vail-91373814/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Hendrik Van Asbroeck shares Astanor Ventures' exciting approach to venture capital, fueling groundbreaking, impact-driven startups revolutionizing the future of food and agriculture.In this insightful conversation, Hendrik discusses his firm's mission to create a more sustainable and regenerative food system globally, drawing on his own journey from corporate finance to clean tech.He explains Astanor's focus on balancing financial returns with measurable positive impact, using proprietary methodologies to assess both. Hendrik also delves into the challenges of scaling sustainable technologies in a highly subsidized industry, as well as the importance of building diverse, international teams to navigate cultural differences in the global food market.Hendrik shares Astanor's strategies for supporting European startups in the US, and vice versa, to drive widespread adoption of regenerative solutions.  This episode offers a unique window into the world of mission-driven venture capital, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of food, agriculture, and sustainable investing.-- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:28: Introduction01:15 Career journey & joining Astanor Ventures05:01 Technology & innovation for a better future08:13 Journey toward a regenerative food system12:18 Market dynamics and investment challenges14:53 Finding investors aligned with Astanor's vision17:40 Astanor's unique approach21:10 Measuring impact beyond financial returns24:07 Parallels between energy and food sectors27:52 Potential for success in agricultural food ecosystem29:47 Differences between U.S. and European markets33:32 The balance between people and technology35:47 Challenges with technical founders and key mistakes madeUseful links: Astanor's website: https://astanor.com/Astanor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astanor/                 Hendrik Van Asbroeck's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-van-asbroeck-86192965/?originalSubdomain=be                  Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Sky NRG is revolutionizing aviation with sustainable fuel to tackle climate change and decarbonize the skies.In this episode, Philippe Lacamp, CEO of SkyNRG, delves into the challenges and opportunities of transforming the aviation industry through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). He shares the incredible journey of SkyNRG, from its early efforts to create demand for SAF to its role in building a global infrastructure for cleaner aviation. Learn how waste oils, fats, and emerging technologies like power-to-liquid are powering green jet fuel and decreasing plane emissions.All you need to know about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – Philippe breaks down the complexities of scaling SAF production, from navigating feedstock limitations to collaborating with governments and corporations on ambitious mandates and incentives. Hear about Sky NRG's groundbreaking projects in the Netherlands, US, and Nordics, and how they are leading the charge in meeting global decarbonization targets.-- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:35 Journey into sustainable aviation02:58 Early efforts to promote SAF04:26 Challenges in decarbonizing aviation emissions06:48 Sky NRG's role in SAF development.09:10 What makes SAF different from fossil fuels09:46 Feedstock use for SAF production13:13 Alcohol-to-jet and power-to-liquid processes15:16 Comparing SAF mandates in Europe and US18:39 Cost challenges of sustainable aviation fuels22:26 Scaling SAF production and infrastructure23:46 Sky NRG's new facilities and projects27:35 Importance of partnerships in SAF industry29:29 Scaling production as the biggest challenge33:02 Sky NRG's growth and talent recruitmentUseful links: SkyNRG's website: https://skynrg.com/ SkyNRG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skynrg/ Philippe Lacamp's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-lacamp-2087a11/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Is nuclear energy a dinosaur from the past? Ed McGinnis talks about exciting new nuclear energy innovations that are leading the path for clean energy transition, as well as solving nuclear waste issues.The CEO of Curio shares his unique journey from working in high-level government nuclear policy to leading Curio, a fascinating company transforming clean nuclear energy. He explains how Curio's new recycling technology can drastically reduce nuclear waste and make the most of the energy from fuel. This innovation could help nuclear energy become a key player in the global clean energy transition. Ed also talks about the challenges of public opinion and regulations, and how Curio's approach could change the future of clean nuclear power.Ready to uncover if nuclear is the green energy of the future? Tune into the podcast to find out more!-- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 Introduction to Ed McGinnis & Curio01:23 Ed's Career Highlights in Nuclear Energy03:33 Transitioning from Government to CEO of Curio09:53 Current State of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.17:33 The Explanation of Nuclear Waste Problem23:47 Curio's Revolutionary Recycling Process29:24 How Curio's Technology Fits into the Nuclear Industry35:33 Biggest Challenges Facing Nuclear Recycling39:38 Impact of Scaling Nuclear Recycling on Clean Energy44:32 Curio's Vision for the Future of Nuclear EnergyUseful links: Curio LV's website: https://curio.energy/ Curio LV's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curiolv/ Edward McGinnis's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-mcginnis-05121813/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/ 

Explore how Zenobē Energy has raised over 1 billion pounds with their innovative energy storage and electric vehicle technology.Steven Meersman, Founder Director of Zenobē Energy, is leading the clean energy revolution, tackling grid challenges, scaling electric mobility, and shaping the future of sustainable energy.From financing breakthroughs to revolutionizing public transport such as electric buses, Zenobē is transforming the energy landscape with their new electric battery technology.You'll hear how their unique design-build-finance model is overcoming key barriers to widespread adoption. Steven also dives into the challenges of international expansion and maintaining company culture in a rapidly growing industry.  Tune in to discover how their bold strategies are driving the transition to a greener, more sustainable future!--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 Intro00:37 Steven's journey from consulting to co-founding Zenobē04:33 Key problems in energy storage and sustainability finance06:13 Grid-scale storage, EV battery, and portable power10:50 Growth in battery storage - from megawatts to gigawatts13:58 Policy catching up with technology16:19 Storing energy from sources like solar and wind20:05 UK grid capacity and challenges with demand distribution23:11 Zenobē's design-build-finance model and first international projects25:46 Overcoming challenges in the value chain27:13 Funding challenges: Raising equity and debt29:36 Key challenges in scaling the business33:30 Expanding internationally into new markets35:59 Managing culture and communication in a growing company39:07 What can Zenobē's offer to its employees40:22 Long-term goals and aspirations of Zenobē42:57 Closing thoughts: Inspiring the next generation of clean energy leadersUseful links: Zenobē's website: https://www.zenobe.com/Zenobē's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenobe-energy-ltd/Steven Meersman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevencgmeersman/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Qorium is revolutionizing the leather industry with lab-grown, animal-free leather that's sustainable, cruelty-free, and set to reshape the future of fashion.In this episode, Michael Newton, CEO of Qorium, takes us on an exciting journey through the groundbreaking world of sustainable leather.He explains how Qorium pioneered the creation of real leather without harming animals, using innovative technology and synthetic biology.From tackling the environmental issues caused by the traditional leather production process to exploring the immense market potential of animal-free leather, Michael dives deep into the future of fashion. He also explains the potential of Qorium's innovative product to change industries like fashion while maintaining the quality and luxury associated with traditional leather.Leather and sustainability can be one! If you're curious about innovation, sustainability, and how artificial leather could make a difference, this episode will give you a great insight into these topics.-- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 Intro00:29 Michael Newton and Qorium's sustainable leather innovation01:20 The difference between vegan leather and Qorium's approach02:17 Michael Newton's journey to becoming CEO of Qorium05:31 Leather industry's environmental challenges and supply chain issues08:35 Leather market size and global trade of leather09:51 Innovation in the leather industry and Qorium's progress12:04 Synthetic biology and cellular agriculture in manmade leather15:26 Regulatory differences between food and leather industries16:49 The role of science and technology in ethical leather19:46 Commercialization challenges and consumer excitement24:27 A global team and European business environment28:16 Fundraising and the investment landscape32:37 The biggest challenge in the transition from Nike to QoriumUseful links: Qorium's website: https://www.qorium.com/Qorium's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qorium/Michael Newton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelanewton/           Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Bart Biebuyck, CEO and founder of Green Energy Park, discusses how they are driving the transition to affordable, renewable hydrogen.From his early career with Toyota to leading Europe's largest hydrogen research program, Bart shares his passion for hydrogen energy and its potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape. Bart explains how his personal concerns for climate change led him to focus on green hydrogen as a key part of the global energy mix. He shares insights into the challenges of scaling hydrogen technology, the importance of finding the right location for low-cost renewable energy, and the innovative use of ammonia to transport hydrogen globally.The episode delves into the complexities of international regulations and the need for investor confidence to drive de-carbonization efforts. Bart also highlights the importance of collaboration between governments, technology providers, and the private sector in building the hydrogen economy of the future. Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 Intro00:26 Ben's career journey and Green Energy Park03:30 The origin of Ben's passion for hydrogen04:44 Hydrogen's role in clean energy08:10 Hydrogen's importance in the universe09:51 Green Energy Park's vision and mission12:05 Brazil's renewable energy infrastructure14:43 Selecting efficient electrolysers16:52 The cost structure of hydrogen production18:53 Using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier23:27 Navigating regulations across countries28:53 Educating the public and investors33:09 The challenges of being a CEO of a startup36:18 Governments, industry, and investor fundingUseful links: Green Energy Park's website: https://www.airhive.earth/Green Energy Park's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airhive/Bart Biebuyck's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-biebuyck-4750b86/     Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Jeremy Wrathall, founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium, is revolutionizing the way lithium and other vital battery metals are sourced in the UK.He shares his bold vision for sustainable extraction methods that are helping to shape the future of the UK's green economy.Jeremy's passion for geology and his understanding of lithium's growing importance in the global energy transition sparked the creation of Cornish Lithium. The company has hit major milestones, from groundbreaking crowdfunding campaigns to securing significant institutional backing, all fueling its mission to explore and extract lithium in the eco-friendliest way possible.Wondering "is lithium extraction environmentally friendly?" With a deep commitment to sustainability, Cornish Lithium uses cutting-edge direct lithium extraction techniques to minimize environmental impact. Despite the challenges of this emerging industry, Jeremy is optimistic about the future, as the company positions itself to meet the UK's increasing lithium demands and drive forward the nation's clean energy transition.Tune in to discover the true cost of lithium mining vs sustainable lithium extraction from our fascinating guest.–– Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 Intro00:34 Jeremy Wrathall and the Cornish Lithium's Mission01:31 Jeremy's Career Journey to Cornish Lithium04:01 Driving Inspiration from Electric Vehicles05:52 Innovating Sustainable Lithium Mining07:58 How Cornish Lithium is Different from Its Competitors09:02 Crowdfunding and Securing Funding Milestones12:39 Developing Domestic Lithium Supplies15:04 Challenges of Lithium Extraction in the UK19:08 The Volatile Lithium Market and Predictions for the Future21:43 Cornish Lithium's Strategy for Commercialization24:50 Building a Unique Company Culture31:51 UK's Commitment to Climate Change and Critical Minerals33:54 Securing Funding As the Biggest ChallengeUseful links: Cornish Lithium's website: https://cornishlithium.com/ Cornish Lithium's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornish-lithium-plc/ Jeremy Wrathall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-wrathall-ba7891b/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

LanzaJet, led by CEO Jimmy Samartzis, is pioneering the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from waste materials.LanzaJet has developed an amazing technology that transforms ethanol from sources like municipal waste and agricultural residues into bio jet fuel, offering a greener alternative to fossil-based fuels. By avoiding the extraction of new carbon, LanzaJet's approach recycles existing waste, making it a vital player in reducing aviation's carbon footprint. ✈️ Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, LanzaJet built the world's first commercial-scale alcohol-to-jet plant in Georgia and is now focused on scaling production to contribute 3 billion gallons of sustainable jet fuel annually in the U.S. by 2030. Their success relies heavily on partnerships and government support as they lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in aviation.

Aaron Rudberg of S2G Ventures shares his firm's unique approach to sustainable investing, focusing on positive environmental and social impact.Aaron addresses the question "what is sustainable investment?" and explains how S2G invests in "tough tech" industries like energy and agriculture, providing patient capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale.  Discussing sustainability in VC, he also talks about the evolving sustainable investments landscape and its increased competition. Aaron emphasizes S2G's disciplined, relationship-driven approach to finding the right entrepreneurs and talent to partner with. Tune in to discover how one leading sustainable venture firm is driving innovation and impact

In this episode, host Simon Leich chats to Greg about his carbon capture company's pioneering work in CO2 capture and carbon conversion – turning it into valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with @NASA. Greg discusses @aircompanynyc 's innovative "artificial photosynthesis" technology that combines CO2 and hydrogen to create sustainable fuels, chemicals, and other materials.

Chad Mason, CEO of Advanced Ionics, shares how they're pioneering the efficient, cost-effective green hydrogen tech of the future.Advanced Ionics play a leading role in the transition to a sustainable energy future with hydrogen green energy. In this episode, Chad discusses his personal journey, from growing up on a family farm to developing a passion for green hydrogen systems. 

CEO Rory Brown explains how Airhive are using CO2 capture technology to reduce the carbon footprints of major brands like Coca-Cola.The UK-based green tech company is revolutionizing the world of direct air capture. Airhive has developed a cutting-edge fluidized bed system that can efficiently removes CO2 from air on an industrial scale. 

Robert Fryers' company, Spotta, are shaking up the pest control world with some seriously cutting-edge tech. In this episode, I chat with him about their not-so-secret methods of eco friendly insect control. Robert takes us on his journey from the medical devices field to becoming a leader in pest control solutions, tackling a $400 billion problem head-on!He shares how his insect control company's AI-powered sensors are delivering smart, eco-friendly pest solutions—from alerting hotels about bed bugs to bug solutions for forests.Tune in to hear Robert's take on the challenges, the growth of Spotta, and his forward-thinking vision for the future of pest control solutions and services. This episode is packed with insights for anyone curious about how technology and sustainability are changing professional pest control, insect monitoring, and humane rodent control.So, if you're looking for a smart, environmentally-friendly solution to those pesky bugs, this one's for you! Tune in to find out more!-- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!--Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:41 The career path of Robert Fryers, CEO of Spotta05:48 Insect monitoring technology for agriculture and eco insect control07:11 The company's innovation in the pest control technology10:23 Using technology to control bedbug infestations in hotels14:40 Using technology to control insect infestation in challenging environments17:13 Precise targeting of pests, reducing chemicals, and lowering costs22:09 The importance of actionable change25:17 Scaling and visions and goals for the future28:45 Business growth and investment strategies31:09 The best business model from an investor viewpoint36:05 The biggest challenges and future plansUseful links: Spotta's website: https://www.spotta.co/Spotta's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spottacambridge/Robert Fryers's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-fryers/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:32 Peter's career development, failure, and personal growth08:58 TemperPack and its sustainable packaging solutions14:48 What drew Peter to TemperPack?16:48 Plastic displacement and cold chain engineering21:24 The environmental impact of Styrofoam24:09 The importance of learning for a CEO26:59 Peter's experience in the renewable energy industry33:22 Running a mission-driven company with sustainability at its core38:05 Company's innovative culture and valuesUseful links: TemperPack's website: https://www.temperpack.com/TemperPack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/temperpack/Peter Wells's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergwells/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Harshal Chokhawala, the CEO of ZymoChem, breaks down their exciting solutions to microplastics. In this episode, we explore ZymoChem's groundbreaking efforts to decarbonize the production of everyday materials, providing real solutions to microplastics in the ocean, our bodies and the earth.  

Imagine turning everyday trash into a sustainable alternative to plastic. In this episode, I sit down with Albert Douer, CEO of UBQ Materials, to explore how his company is revolutionizing waste management and tackling the global plastic crisis. Albert shares the journey behind UBQ's innovative approach, from overcoming skepticism to building trust in new technologies. Learn how UBQ is transforming household waste into valuable materials, creating a ripple effect that could reshape industries worldwide. Join us for a deep dive into the future of sustainable solutions and the challenges of pioneering new technologies.Tune in to discover how UBQ is making the world a greener place, one ton of waste at a time.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 Albert Douer's journey in addressing plastic waste05:36 Transforming polystyrene foam into school supplies07:44 UBQ Materials: Recycling 100% of black bag waste13:07 Revolutionary recycling technology17:03 The UBQ Matrix: How it works21:24 UBQ's plastic alternatives in various industries26:31 Scaling sustainable tech: Challenges and lessons32:30 New Holland facility processing 110,000 tons of waste33:59 The value of strong partnerships and investors38:08 Educating potential customers on UBQ's impact42:18 Economic competitiveness and growth potential

Ever wondered what it takes to scale a battery manufacturing company from one gigawatt to five in just five years? In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I sit down with Priyadarshi Panda, CEO of the International Battery Company, to explore the transformative power of energy storage technology.Priyadarshi shares his vision of leading the global energy transition through manufacturing excellence and innovation. We delve into the company's ambitious goals, including scaling from one gigawatt to five gigawatts within five years, and their roadmap to reach up to 20 gigawatts in the next decade.We also discuss the critical role of patient and collaborative capital in building long-term tech giants, and the importance of strategic, step-by-step execution in achieving these monumental goals. Tune in to hear how the International Battery Company is setting the stage for a sustainable future and revolutionizing the way we think about energy storage.Timestamps:00:00 Intro 00:43 Priyadarshi Panda's Education and Career Journey 06:40 Vision and Goals of the International Battery Company 10:12 Designing for an Ignored and Neglected Customer Base 16:18 Limitations of Current Battery Technology and New Approaches  23:00 Major Influences Shaping Priyadarshi's Thinking  26:49 Pilot Facility in South Korea  29:58 Plans to Build a Gigafactory in India and Future Plans  33:07 Key Factors Contributing to IBC's Success

Is 3D-printed meat the future of our food? In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I sit down with Arik Kaufman, CEO and Founder of Steakholder Foods, to delve into the fascinating world of cultured meat. Arik shares his insights on the industry's rapid evolution, from its nonexistence just a few years ago to the cutting-edge technology driving it today.We explore the significant hurdles faced in scaling cultured meat production, including the high costs inherited from the pharmaceutical industry and the technological challenges of 3D printing a steak that tastes just like the real thing. Arik also discusses the financial strategies required to survive in the market, comparing public and private funding, and the crucial role of government support in ensuring the industry's growth and sustainability.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of food, sustainability, and innovation. Don't miss it!Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:04 Arik's professional journey04:01 Starting a company to create 3D meat07:15 Vision and goals for the Steakholder Foods09:31 Developing cost-effective cultured meat technology13:57 Challenges of a cultured meat producing company17:21 Pros and cons of being a public company20:20 Culture meat industry requires mature support22:34 Countries that are supported of cultured meat production23:25 The fear of a potentially disruptive technology27:26 What would Arik do differently when he started?28:59 Commercializing 3D food printing technology31: 15 Future plans and strategic partnerships33:11 From B-to-C to B-to-B business model34:16 Easy integrations with the factories36:15 Competition and challenges of being a CEO39:35 The industry's potential, improved products, and market evolution

How can technology solve the wildfire crisis and save our forests?In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I talk with Allison Wolff, CEO of Vibrant Planet, about leveraging technology to tackle the wildfire crisis and preserve our forests. Allison shares insights into her team's innovative strategies, from AI-driven wildfire management to conserving biodiversity and water sources.We also explore the history and current state of Western US woodlands and the role of top tech experts from companies like Meta in addressing climate change.Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the power of technology in forest conservation. #TechForGood #ForestConservation #WildfireManagement #ClimateActionTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:15 - Allison Wolff's career journey10:45 - Tech-driven solutions for wildfire management20:30 - The rise and fall of the Western US woodlands30:00 - Transforming bureaucratic systems with top tech experts40:45 - Future goals and vision for Vibrant Planet

How is AI and innovation transforming the mining industry?In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I'm joined by Corrado De Gasperis, CEO of Comstock, a trailblazer in the mining industry who is leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainability and efficiency. Corrado shares his insights on pioneering breakthrough innovations that have the potential to make a global impact.We dive into Comstock's rigorous selection process for high-impact technologies, focusing on those that promise both technological readiness and economic feasibility. From renewable water treatment generating clean hydrogen to advancements in material sciences and AI, Comstock is at the forefront of transformative innovation in mining and beyond.Corrado also highlights the crucial criteria for successful innovation, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative and logical approach over hierarchical and rigid structures. He provides a fascinating glimpse into the future, discussing the potential revolutions in quantum computing and neural computing that could drive unprecedented progress.Tune in to hear Corrado De Gasperis's optimistic vision for the future and learn how Comstock is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in climate tech and the mining industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and global impact. Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:22 Two key factors that shaped Corrado professionally04:53 Fixing and transforming industrial companies10:17 Committing to de-carbonization15:04 Three different businesses within Comstock18:49 Cooperation with Gen Matt in launching a satellite21:44 Using AI to analyze satellite data for geological exploration23:43 The Company's exceptional team of experts27:29 Investing in early-stage tech companies with potential for global impact31:18 Evaluating the technology readiness and economic feasibility before investing36:05 Future innovation and de-carbonization goals for Comstock40:57 Attracting public and private equity investors

Hydrogen's potential is vast, but so are the hurdles. Baruch Halpert, CEO of Electriq Global, joins me on this week's Leaders on a Mission to dive into their cutting-edge innovative hydrogen carrier, which acts like coffee powder for a coffee machine. This groundbreaking solution simplifies the storage, transport, and use of hydrogen in off-grid applications, making green hydrogen more accessible and practical.Baruch shares his unique analogy of starting a business being like leveling up in a video game, where each challenge becomes more complex. Electriq is currently focusing on gaining commercial traction and achieving product-market fit, specifically in replacing diesel generators for backup power in critical sectors like data centers and hospitals.Emphasizing the importance of practicality, Baruch advises against falling in love with technology itself, but rather focusing on its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Electriq ensures their systems meet the critical needs of users who depend on dependable emergency power solutions.Tune in to hear how Baruch Halpert and Electriq are leading the way in sustainable energy innovation. Discover the insights and strategies driving their success in the green hydrogen market.Timestamps:01:56 Baruch Halpert and his career path06:29 Getting very early or very late into the game08:46 Investing in hydrogen energy15:35 Electriq Global and benefits of storing hydrogen as powder21:19 Developing technology for releasing hydrogen from the powder25:36 The challenge of getting commercial traction27:41 Data centers as a good product market fit32:44 Scaling the technology - market demand and geopolitical factors37:13 The challenge of hiring talent for innovative projects

How can we tackle the urgent challenge of global food waste, where every minute, we waste enough food to feed over one million people. Tune in to this episode of Leaders on a Mission  with Moody Soliman, CEO of Ryp Labs for an inspiring conversation on innovation and sustainability in the fight against food waste.Moody explains how Ryp Labs is addressing this colossal issue with a simple yet powerful solution: a natural, food-grade bioactive sticker. This sticker can be applied anywhere along the supply chain, extending the shelf life of fresh produce without interfering with its natural ripening process. Whether it's blueberries or strawberries, Ryp Labs' technology ensures that one sticker can protect an entire container of fruit, making it a versatile and scalable solution.Moody also shares insights on the importance of choosing the right investors and exploring diverse funding sources to maintain leverage and freedom in their mission.#FoodWaste# Innovation #Sustainability #Leadership #PodcastInterviewTimestamps:01:49 Introduction to Moody Solomon, CEO of Ripe Labs06:40 Reducing waste with a new technology11:31 Key milestones and challenges so far15:08 Belgium facilities and communication challenges18:43 Developing new technology with the right people and mindset23:05 How does this new technology work?26:03 The efficiency and advantages of this new technology30:45 The vision of the company33:39 Who are the customers of this technology?35:50 Fundraising strategies - timing and investor selection42:01 Building a culture of passion and drive

Have you ever imagined that bacteria could revolutionize the protein in your next burger? This may soon be a reality thanks to one pioneering start-up.In this episode, meet Bryan Tracy – the CEO of Superbrewed Food and an entrepreneur developing the world's first commercial bacterial food ingredient. Through fermentation, his company cultivates microbes into a protein-packed biomass. Through fermentation, Brian cultivates microbes into an 85% protein-rich biomass. But the journey from lab to grocery stores has not been easyHear how Brian overcame regulatory hurdles to gain FDA approval for this unprecedented ingredient. Discover the challenges of partnering with big food brands and finicky investors.Now, Bryan is partnering with leading food companies to incorporate his microbial macronutrient into everyday products. Soon, you might find it enhancing your snacks, beverages, and meat alternatives.Tune in to discover how one entrepreneur is on a mission to turn microbes into a mainstream nutrition source. Explore Bryan's ambitious vision to produce this sustainable protein on a global, industrial scale. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on Leaders on a Mission.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:24 Bryan's professional journey05:39 Making a microorganism a valuable product09:12 Selling bacteria biomass as a nutritional food ingredient11:05 Superbrewed Food and its vision14:51 The challenge of developing a market for a product18:01 Postbiotic cultured protein as macronutrient ingredient21:06 How can postbiotic cultured protein be used?22:42 Partnerships to bring the product to the market26:51 Challenges in partnering with big corporations and investors30:52 Innovation and growth in the food industry35:28 Plans for the next 10 years

The cement industry is responsible for a staggering 8% of global CO2 emissions, heavily relying on coal furnaces for production. Most see this as a daunting problem, but Carbon Upcycling views it as a groundbreaking opportunity. This innovative climate startup is turning emissions into the raw materials of the future.In this episode, we sit down with Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling, to delve into the urgent issues his company is tackling. Learn how Apoorv transitioned from an engineering graduate to a pioneering leader in the fight against cement's substantial carbon footprint. Discover their groundbreaking process of capturing CO2 from smokestacks and transforming it into eco-friendly building materials.Explore how Carbon Upcycling is scaling its carbon capture technology from the laboratory to commercial plants, and how they're now setting their sights on revolutionizing the entire cement industry through electrification.Tune in to understand their vision of converting emissions from a liability into a sustainable asset. If Carbon Upcycling succeeds, it could pave the way for heavy industries to operate in a low-carbon world, showcasing a transformative approach to tackling climate change. Timestamps:01:03 Introduction to Apoorv Sinha01:48 Aproov Sinha's background03:07 Motivation to work in sustainability05:00 Entrepreneurship and Carbon Upcycling09:08 Technology that sequesters industrial CO213:17 Carbon Upcycle's key goals and milestones16:32 Scaling up carbon capture technology21:16 Decarbonizing cement industry25:10 The performance of carbon upcycled materials30:07 Challenges in scaling carbon utilization projects35:17 Company's vision and culture38:50 An advice to a climate tech start-up CEO

Nigel Sharp, a serial entrepreneur with a social conscience created Aquagga to solve a great contamination issue. PFAS ( (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are highly toxic man-made “forever” chemicals that have migrated into the air, soil, and water. Today, nearly all Americans have PFAS in their blood, with over 200 million people potentially drinking PFAS-impacted water Nigel's small team is battling PFAS - "forever chemicals" contaminating communities everywhere. Tune in to hear how their pressure-cooker technology is destroying PFAS at an industrial scale, completing the largest treatment project to date. From early milestones to partnerships with the EPA and DOD, discover Aquagga's story of innovation against all odds. Uncover how they're scaling up to remediate pollution and protect billions from this trillion-dollar contamination crisis. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:34 Nigel's career development03:21 A trip to Armenia and TUMO project06:00 Building businesses to make an impact07:26 The beginnings of Aquagga10:50 PFAs chemicals, their dangers, and global impact16:48 Legal actions against corporations18:54 Developing technology that destroys PFAS23:31 Scaling as a company – key milestones29:00 The biggest challenges as a CEO33:36 The most liked and disliked parts of being CEO36:47 The impact in the next 10 years

Through a pioneering process of microbial fermentation, David Henstrom and Unibio are harnessing the power of nature's alchemists - microbes - to produce protein. No land needed, their breakthrough technology utilizes methane in a novel "gas-liquid brewing" approach. But scaling challenges loom large. Hear how David overcame the valley of death after 27 years as a biotech intrapreneur. Discover his journey of commercializing this planet-friendly nutrition source through global partnerships. Learn how Unibio plans to transform the future of food production through its boundless microbial protein. Tune in now! Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:19 The main forces that shaped David04:08 David's career path and 27 years in Cargill10:32 Unibio and finding the boundless source of protein13:40 The challenges and future goals of the company16:13 The importance of aquaculture18:44 The process of fermentation and growing of protein20:05 The journey from Cargill to Unibio25:59 The future of precision fermentation technology28:11 Cultural aspects of working in a Danish company30:08 A mission-driven company requires passion31:56 How to create a great company culture

Marc Washington, a health entrepreneur, was inspired by his sister's tragic passing to help others live healthier. Now, his startup Supergut is riding the wave of interest in appetite control to promote natural solutions.You'll discover how Supergut has evolved its vision from gut health to leveraging the "Ozempic conversation". Learn how the founder reinvented operations to break even after a difficult period. Find out their plans to raise capital and expand distribution nationwide.Gain insights into iterating a company's focus and products for increased accessibility. Get a behind-the-scenes look at iterating, fundraising, and honoring a legacy at this health startup striving to transform lives.Tune in now!Timestamps:04:27 Marc Washington's story11:02 Entrepreneurship, experience, and resilience14:20 Starting a company and rebranding it19:26 Decision-making as an entrepreneur24:21 SuperGut and its prebiotic products26:39 GLP-1 hunger resisting, insulin response hormone31:47 Where to buy?33:28 Company's vision and aspirations37:16 Scaling and growth of the company41:44 Building a team and creating a company culture

Our guest today is Scott May, the Head of MISTA, a unique innovation platform bringing food companies and the startup ecosystem together. Scott has seen the challenges in our food system up close and is on a mission to transform how we eat and farm. After discovering his passion for food science, he has dedicated his career to innovating sustainable solutions as a food tech pioneer.Hear Scott's inspiring journey - from his early days in university to founding innovation hub MISTA. Discover the model he's developed to help startups and big companies collaborate on tackling issues like health, environment, and affordability.You will learn:Scott's journey from chemical engineering to founding MISTA and his mission to transform our food system through science and sustainability.How MISTA helps startups commercialize new technologies by connecting them with big companies and spinning off new ventures.Practical tips for food entrepreneurs on navigating industry challenges with resilience and self-care.Don't miss Scott's predictions on what's ahead in 2024 either. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of food.Timestamps:04:21 Introduction to Scott May05:35 What fuels Scott's passion?07:00 Working for Givaudan, a global leader in flavors and fragrancies09:07 The launch of MISTA, an innovation platform for the food industry13:31 What's wrong with our food system?15:47 Plant-based food innovation and evolution21:31 Attracting consumers and engaging with younger generations24:17 Regenerative Innovation in MISTA29:53 The strategic membership model of MISTA32:26 Spinning off new brands outside the corporate structure35:02 Communicating with the market37:24 The advice to startups for 202440:56 Mental health and burnout44:51 Predictions for 2024

Cambrium CEO Mitchell Duffy is on a mission to reduce our dependence on petrochemicals and animal-derived products through the power of biology. In this episode, Mitchell discusses his journey from PhD researcher to entrepreneur, and his vision to create sustainable innovation by creating biobased  high performance molecules Learn how Cambrium produces sustainable vegan collagen at scale to replace animal byproducts. Also, discover their plans to design revolutionary new biomaterials that outperform existing chemicals.For anyone interested in the potential of biotech and synthetic biology to solve our biggest environmental problems, this interview provides an inspiring look inside one startup's work to create a truly circular economy through the most advanced manufacturing process on Earth - biology.Timestamps:09:16 Introduction to Mitchell Duffy and Cambrium10:23 Mitchell's major influences13:04 Career path in science and entrepreneurship16:28 Cambrium and the problems it wants to solve18:31 Reducing waste material in the meat industry20:50 PhD work on collagen and production of vegan collagen29:03 Investors and growth of a company31:12 The mission, vision, and scaling39:22 Company culture and team integration42:09 Startup ecosystem in Europe44:37 Communication and the reality of remote work49:45 The benefits of mentors and advisors51:15 Mitchell's wildest hopes and dreams

In this episode, we have an interesting conversation with Johan Cardoen, a Biotech executive who started his career in 1988, with Plant Genetic Systems which was the first biotech company in Belgium. Since then, he played a very important role in the growth and the evolution of the Belgium biotech ecosystem.Johan Cardoen shares how he grew Crop Design into an acquisition target through strategic deal-making. Tune in to hear how he led a young startup through an acquisition process in just 10 weeks after creating multiple exit options. Get insider tips for navigating challenges in sustainable agriculture commercialization.Learn how regulatory hurdles stifle innovation and what it takes to succeed as an ag-tech entrepreneur. Discover the untapped potential of biologicals and new breeding technologies to build a resilient food system.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:31 Highlights of Johan Cardoen's career06:41 Creating options for a company's exit strategy11:46 VIB's role in developing Belgium's life science ecosystem18:51 Agriculture vs. Non-agriculture in VIB22:38 The greatest need for agriculture innovation25:53 The challenges of innovative start-ups28:57 Regulatory challenges and European debates31:59 A message for start-up companies

Today, I sit down with the one and only Henrietta Moon, CEO and Co-founder of Carbo Culture, a climate technology company pioneering for scalable biochar carbon removal solution.Henrietta's passion for the environment was ignited during her time as a scout and sailing trips, witnessing the deterioration of natural environments. Originally on track for international relations, she found herself drawn to entrepreneurship, co-founding Carbo Culture after participating in NASA's Singularity University program.With a team of passionate individuals, Carbo Culture fosters a culture of trust, independence, and innovation. Having recently closed a Series A round of funding, the company prepares for expansion while staying true to its mission of making a tangible impact on climate change. Henrietta's dream? To witness Carbo Culture's pivotal role in reshaping the carbon management landscape.Let's build the future we want to live in. Tune in for the full conversation!What you'll get out of this episode:● Learn how biochar technology offers a powerful solution for carbon removal, contributing to global climate efforts.● Henrietta's journey from a background in international relations to becoming a leader in climate technology entrepreneurship.● Explore Carbo Culture's mission to achieve gigaton-scale carbon removal and revolutionize the carbon management landscape.● Gain insights into the innovative technology behind Carbo Culture's biochar carbon removal process and its potential impact.● Learn how biochar technology offers a powerful solution for carbon removal, contributing to global climate efforts.● Henrietta's journey from a background in international relations to becoming a leader in climate technology entrepreneurship.● Explore Carbo Culture's mission to achieve gigaton-scale carbon removal and revolutionize the carbon management landscape.● Gain insights into the innovative technology behind Carbo Culture's biochar carbon removal process and its potential impact.Learn more about Carbo Culture: Website: https://carboculture.com/LinkedIn: Carbo CultureX: @carbocultureConnect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: Henrietta MoonX: @PiaHenriettaMInstagram: piahenriettamoonFollow us for more riveting conversations like this: Simon Leich LinkedIn | Simon LeichCS Partners Website | www.cs-partners.netApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.00:00 - Introduction02:01 - Henrietta's background and influences leading to her role in Carbo Culture04:48 - Early days of the startup ecosystem in Finland05:52 - Meeting the co-founder and the inception of Carbo Culture07:24 - Starting Carbo Culture in late 2016 and the journey since then09:53 - Research origins and scaling up of the technology13:10 - Carbo Culture's vision and mission for carbon removal16:28 - Funding and partnerships for deploying Carbo Culture facilities16:51 - Potential for carbon credits and marketplace development17:10 - Business model and revenue streams for Carbo Culture18:03 - Potential regulatory changes in carbon removal markets19:29 - Benefits and applications of biochar in soil

Summary:In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, CEO Shely Aronov discusses how her company InnerPlant is revolutionizing agriculture through real-time plant stress detection. By giving crops a way to optically signal when under attack from fungi and other threats, Inner Plant is transforming farming from an industry of guesses into one powered by data.Tune in to hear how their technology means farmers can pinpoint problems within days instead of weeks, helping boost yields and reduce waste. Shely also shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges of scaling an AgTech startup while maintaining focus on the customer. It's a fascinating discussion on empowering plants to share secrets that can supercharge farming as we know it. Timestamps:01:10 Early influences, military, and Stanford04:53 World Bank funded project in Columbia06:15 Building a team, gaining trust, and avoiding biases09:33 Starting a hummus brand regret12:13 Bio sensors and communicating with plants18:20 The importance of early stress detection19:28 Pathogens and overuse of pesticides21:43 The benefits of this technology for farmers26:22 What does the future hold?30:50 The challenges to overcome