Podcasts about climatetech

What's up, everyone! Today we're sharing an episode with Joseph Vellone, the CEO of ChargeScape — a Joint Venture between Ford, Honda, BMW, and Nissan. -----Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts-----As the grid continues to buckle under the pressure of ever-increasing demand, it's more important than ever to find ways to manage the existing load. However, it's not all bad. One of the main demand drivers might be the core solution to these demand problems—namely, EVs, when paired with smart charging software. You see, all these EVs are essentially backup batteries. Currently, not all are equipped with bi-directional charging, but most new vehicles hitting the roads are. So, not only can a smart charging software, managed by utilities, alleviate demand on the grid, it can also pull energy from the vehicles when the time is right (again, when the hardware capabilities are present). -----Support our Work with a Paid Subscription-----This fundamentally shifts our perspective on vehicles. Instead of a cost center, it could earn you money by purchasing cheap energy, or charging on solar for free, and selling back to the grid at peak demand times. This is the type of utopian future we work towards — and the best part, it's becoming reality in front of us. Topics **01:35 Revolutionizing EV Charging**05:21 Joseph Vellone's Journey in Renewable Energy**07:47 The Unique Opportunity at ChargeScape**12:00 Transforming the EV Charging Experience**13:30 Make Money w/ Smart Charging**18:04 The Future of EVs + Renewable Energy**20:03 Building a High-Performance Team**23:10 Managing Startup Intensity Without Burnout**25:58 How to Successfully Sell to Utilities**28:50 The Benefits of Having Automakers as Strategic Investors**31:17 The Role of AI in ChargeScape's Strategy**33:44 Understanding EV Industry Backlash**37:59 Resilience of EV Charging Amid Political PushbackLinks**Joseph Vellone | ChargeScape**Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Support the showIf you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less. 70+ Placements 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech) The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary) 90-day placement guarantee It's really hard to say no to that. Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company. We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank. Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. hello@erthtechtalent.com

In the most recent episode of Better Money Better World podcast, Daniel speaks with Mike Winterfield, Founder and Managing Partner of Active Impact. Active Impact Investments is Canada's largest climate tech seed fund. They provide money and talent to accelerate the growth of early-stage climate tech companies that are capable of achieving massive scale while solving the most urgent environmental issues.While many early-stage investors are still chasing “paper” gains, Mike's team has realized returns, with 7 out of their first 32 investments sold, and most of their original capital already back in their LPs' pockets. Sometimes, a quick sale means the company is better suited for someone else. Above all, it de-risks Active Impact's astonishing fund, with 38 of 39 companies still operating.Mike's journey proves there's no single path to impact investing. Whether you're a founder or aspiring investor, his advice is simple: Hustle matters. Show you can get things done with speed, adaptability, and creativity—even if you're not a battle-tested entrepreneur (yet).If you enjoy this conversation and want to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns, visit us at www.impactcapitalmanagers.com. 

Today, we're speaking with Sophie Purdom, Managing Partner of Planeteer Capital. After co-creating CTVC with Kim Zou, the climate deals and deep-dives newsletter that has become canon in climate, with 75k+ readers, Sophie announced Planeteer Capital. (We discussed on the pod) They are going full speed with their investing thesis, investing in companies at the incorporation stage. Something they have been able to do well, given the history and network that Sophie has. Aside from teasing the future of Planeteer and discussing their unique advantage, Sophie gave us some insights on where the market is now. One thing that surprised us is how, despite all the negative news, more deals are being done year over year than in years past. Sophie shares the 4 types of climate tech founders, what they look for picking the right team, and core things to get right when navigating the climate capital stack. This interview is one we've been chasing down for some time, so we're glad to finally make it. We hope you enjoy the show! Fill out our listener survey. If you want to support our work, upgrade to paid today!Topics **2:08 The Current State of Climate Tech**5:31 Long-Term Impact of the Climate Boom**8:44 [Check out ErthTech Talent for your Hiring Needs]**9:28 Identifying Long-Term & Durable Trends**13:04 Tracking High-Potential Niche Markets**17:57 How Her View of Venture Investing Has Changed **20:20 Where Planeteer Investments**23:15 The Value Planeteer Adds**24:30 The Role CTVC Played In Her Ability To Run Planeteer Well**28:00 Investing at Incorporation**32:15 How They Support Founders & Incentive Alignment**35:05 What to Know When Partnering with Incumbents**39:29 Will Climate Disruptors Scale?**43:10 The Future Vision of Planeteer CapitalLinks**Sophie Purdom | Planeteer Capital**Discussing the Planeteer Fund Announcement**Somil on LinkedIn | Support the showIf you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less. 70+ Placements 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech) The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary) 90-day placement guarantee It's really hard to say no to that. Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company. We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank. Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. hello@erthtechtalent.com

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/

Joanna Yeo, founder and CEO of Arukah and former institutional investor, speaks with Jeremy Au to explore how Southeast Asia's agri-waste can be transformed into a global carbon credit engine. They unpack how her education at Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford shaped a mission to connect vulnerable communities to opportunity, and how she learned from finance, blockchain, and rapid tech scaling to build a climate startup grounded in data, incentives, and farmer equity. Joanna shares why embedded finance failed to scale in agri, how she discovered the commercial viability of biochar and biogas, and why her company commits 50 percent of carbon revenue to participating farmers. The conversation highlights how Southeast Asia's agriculture base, low-cost advantage, and digital infrastructure can lead the world in transparent, high-trust climate solutions if builders focus on real data, real problems, and real upside sharing. 05:05 The Impact of Education on Joanna's Career: Gratitude and exposure to global inequality led her to a clear goal to connect vulnerable people to markets at scale. 10:46 First Steps in Finance: Private Equity and Morgan Stanley: She learned how capital shapes the world, how sustainability can be measurable, and how investment logic is structured. 20:38 Reflecting on a Rapid Growth Journey: Joining a unicorn gave her a close look at how top tech firms manage speed, tracking, and execution discipline. 22:28 Addressing Poverty in Southeast Asia: Joanna links her mission back to the post-pandemic data showing up to 100 million people falling below $2/day. 23:16 Founding a Climate Tech and Agritech Startup: She founded Arukah to bring embedded financing and carbon monetization to underserved farming communities. 28:50 Building Sustainable Business Models: After embedded finance proved unreliable, she pivoted toward waste conversion with high verification standards. 36:49 Commitment to Farmers and Long-Term Vision: Bravery means holding the line on fairness Arukah gives farmers 50% of carbon revenue and builds with long-term trust. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/joanna-yeo-turning-farm-waste-to-wealth Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Send me a messageHow do we scale nature-based carbon removal without greenwashing or over-promising? That's exactly what I explore in this episode with Lisett Luik, co-founder of Arbonics.We all know forests are powerful carbon sinks. But turning that into credible, measurable climate action is harder than it sounds. Lisett shares how Arbonics is using satellite data, digital twins, and over 50 layers of land analysis to help landowners across Europe grow new forests or manage existing ones for long-term carbon storage, without defaulting to clear-cutting or monoculture plantations.We discuss the difference between planting trees and restoring ecosystems, how continuous cover forestry can deliver carbon and timber, and why Europe's underused farmland holds massive potential for afforestation. Lisett also tackles the big issue of trust in carbon markets - explaining how dynamic baselines, data transparency, and strong EU regulations are helping improve the integrity of nature-based carbon credits.If you work in sustainability, forestry, or carbon markets, or you just want to understand the real role of nature-based solutions alongside tech like direct air capture, this episode is for you.Listen now to learn how technology and nature can work together to deliver scalable, high-quality carbon removal.Find out more at https://arbonics.com, and connect with Lisett on Bluesky here.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I spoke with Laura Miranda Perez, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Oxford PV, about one of the most important developments in solar tech today: perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.We unpacked how Oxford PV's approach improves solar panel efficiency from the typical 20–22% to over 30%, and why that matters not just for land use, but also for grid capacity, system costs, and the speed of global decarbonisation. Laura also explained how tandem cells work, why silicon has hit a performance ceiling, and how perovskite offers a new path forward.We dug into the real-world implications:Why higher efficiency panels lower the cost of electricity, not just hardwareHow tandem solar can reduce emissions by 20% or more, even compared to conventional solarWhat's holding Europe back in solar manufacturing, despite strong deployment figuresWhy utilities, not just residential customers, are driving early demand for Oxford PV's techLaura also addressed common misconceptions about solar, including whether it works in cloudy weather and the overblown concerns about solar panel waste.If you're working in clean energy, manufacturing, or just curious about where solar is headed, this is a must-listen conversation.

Today's episode features Felix Krause, founding partner of Vireo Ventures, one of Europe's leading early-stage energy tech investors. Felix is based in Berlin and brings decades of experience across solar project development, corporate VC, and now independent fund management.We dig deep into why electrification is the real unlock for climate, and why Felix and his team believe the software that manages energy flows—not new forms of generation—is where VC dollars can make the biggest impact.Felix also talks candidly about:How Vireo built a reputation as a hands-on, brutally honest investorWhy “doing good and making money” aren't mutually exclusiveHow to spot founders with true grit and fire in their eyesWhy Europe is at a critical inflection point for tech sovereigntyWe also cover how AI and increasing data availability are quietly enabling new software business models in energy—from optimizing legacy boilers in multifamily buildings to managing distributed assets securely.If you're wondering how to build (or back) meaningful energy tech in today's shifting market, this episode is packed with pragmatic insights—and just the right amount of optimism.TopicsShort Version04:36 Founding Vireo Ventures: The Transition to Investment09:20 Building Relationships with Founders14:20 The Importance of Honesty in Investment17:52 Navigating the Future of Energy22:44 Data and Cybersecurity in Clean Tech25:12 Navigating the Go-To-Market Strategy25:57 Investing in Early-Stage Software Companies27:27 The Role of Data Extraction in Electrification29:55 Understanding Business Models in Climate Tech31:11 Evaluating Software Sales Strategies34:13 AI's Impact on Electrification and Business ModelsLinksFelix Krause | Vireo VenturesConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Support the showEvery ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best?

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Jacob Sandry is the CEO and co-founder of Euclid Power, a platform for renewable energy project development, financing, and operations—with AI-enabled services layered on top. MCJ is proud to be an investor in Euclid, having joined the company's seed round in mid-2022.Jacob has worked in renewable power his entire career, starting at Generate Capital right out of college, where he worked under Jigar Shah. He then spent several years on the investment team at Goldman Sachs' Renewable Power Group before having the a-ha moment that led to Euclid—and left to start it with a couple of his fellow Goldman teammates.Jacob and Cody discuss how he's seen the renewables industry evolve over the past decade, his theory of change, the insights that led to founding Euclid, and the company's current product and traction. We also touch on his thoughts on AI, power demand curves, and more. As we see it, Jacob is riding two massive waves with Euclid: the inexorable growth of solar and storage, and the curve-bending potential of AI and workflow automation.In this episode, we cover: [1:59] Jacob's early career and background[3:34] Working with Jigar Shah at Generate Capital[8:26] Time on the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power team[9:24] The origin story of Euclid Power[15:23] Challenges in building renewable energy projects[19:15] From internal Goldman tools to the Euclid platform[20:29] Client spotlight: UBS[21:57] Transitioning from project development to a software company[26:07] The role of AI in Euclid's platform[31:49] Business growth and market traction[33:35] Building Euclid as a multiplayer platform[37:10] Balancing software automation with hands-on services[40:41] Current limitations of AI and automation[42:50] Jacob's outlook on the future of renewable energy[46:05] Powering data centers and emerging demand[47:30] Where Euclid is looking for help[48:18] The meaning behind the name “Euclid”Episode recorded on April 25, 2025 (Published on May 5, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

She's reshaping climate leadership in Europe—Lara Obst reveals how success in climate is found by co-creating the business case for sustainability with customers.Lara Obst is the co-founder and Chief Climate Officer of ClimateChoice, a Berlin-based tech company helping companies decarbonize their supply chains. Her team has worked with clients like Lenovo and T-Systems, raised over $2M in funding, and won the Startup Slam at the GreenTech Festival in LA and many others.She explains:– Why 90% of carbon impact often hides in the supply chain—and how that's where change truly begins.– How the European climate legislation drives corporate climate action, and why European impact leaders are redefining the rules of the game as the U.S. steps back.– The surprising mindset that helps her avoid burnout while leading systemic change.– Why real innovation starts with listening to users—not chasing perfect ideas or political alignment.– How her background in culture, design thinking, and the arts shaped her approach to impact leadership.– The quiet revolution of building resilience in a world where policy may not always lead the way.This episode isn't just about climate—it's about how we show up, lead with clarity, and build purpose-driven systems that actually work.00:00 Introduction and Startup Challenges00:51 Welcome to the Podcast01:02 Meet Lara: Climate Choice Co-Founder02:01 The Rollercoaster of Climate Tech02:27 US Politics and European Climate Goals03:58 Inspiration and Early Influences05:59 Innovation and Collaboration in Climate Action10:05 Building Climate Choice: The Founding Story21:48 Balancing Profitability and Sustainability28:47 Personal Habits for Sustainable Leadership31:29 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Lara:LinkedinHer climate tech company: ClimateChoice Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show

Patrick Maloney is the Co-founder and CEO at CIV, and this episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the UCLA Anderson School of Management as part of LA Climate Week.Patrick's firm, CIV, is a new venture capital investment firm based in Venice, California, that backs and builds companies at the nexus of industry and technology. Patrick has had a long, successful career in clean tech. Before CIV, he founded and led Inspire, a clean energy technology company acquired by Shell in 2021. And for his work at Inspire, he was named Ernst & Young's 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner for Clean Tech and Renewables. Before Inspire, Patrick co-founded Independence Energy and was on the founding team of Energy Plus, both of which were acquired by NRG. Patrick is also co-founder of The Nuclear Company, in which we are proud investors via our venture funds at MCJ.In this episode, we cover: [1:39] How the LA wildfires shaped Patrick's outlook[4:12] Why energy ties into philosophy, economics, and politics[7:01] Patrick's early steps as an energy entrepreneur[10:05] The founding story behind Inspire[10:59] Lessons for CEOs and startup founders[14:59] Why Patrick sold Inspire to Shell[17:39] Entering venture capital and what came next[20:32] What CIV is and how it got started[22:30] CIV's first fund and core motivation[27:12] How The Nuclear Company came to be[31:31] CIV's approach to measuring impact[32:53] Patrick's take on “climate tech” today[35:17] Navigating today's tariff and policy shifts[36:26] What CIV looks for in investments[39:12] The future of energy and who will lead itEpisode recorded on April 8, 2025 (Published on April 24, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Thank you to BioEsol for sponsoring this episode.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I speak with Alexei Beltyukov, co-founder of Universal Fuel Technologies, about a new approach to producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), using a process they call flexiforming.Unlike traditional methods like HEFA or Fischer–Tropsch, flexiforming allows producers to use a much wider range of feedstocks, from mixed alcohols to naphtas and renewable waste streams, and turn them into jet fuel, renewable diesel, or chemicals. This flexibility is critical as SAF demand surges, especially with EU mandates requiring a rising share of SAF in jet fuel starting in 2025.We explore:Why SAF is the only viable decarbonisation path for long-haul aviation (for now)What sets flexiforming apart from conventional SAF productionHow current SAF mandates and incentives (EU vs. US) shape supply and pricingWhy scaling SAF requires compatibility with existing refinery infrastructureThe role consumer awareness might play in driving airline demandAlexei also makes the case for slow but steady growth in SAF adoption, pointing to its current double-digit annual growth and comparing its trajectory to that of electric vehicles 10 years ago.If you're working in energy, fuels, aviation, or sustainability policy, or you're just trying to understand how we decarbonise one of the hardest-to-abate sectors, this episode offers a clear, grounded perspective.

In this episode of the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Helena Wasserman, climate tech investor, co-founder of Investors for Climate, and driving force behind more than $40M in capital raised for sustainable startups. With a decade of experience at the Clinton Foundation, Techstars, and Top Tier Impact, Helena is passionate about moving capital to founders solving the world's biggest climate challenges. She also leads a 400+ member global investor network and is an Earthshot Prize nominator. Catherine and Helena dig into what it takes to build and fund the next generation of climate tech innovators. Helena shares how her Unstoppable program empowers founders with capital-raising strategies and how her own investment portfolio includes 11+ startups, including one that IPO'd. From investor tips to the importance of diversity in climate tech, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the intersection of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and funding. Websites Mentioned: https://www.investorsforclimate.com https://www.helenawasserman.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com https://svwomenfoundersfund.vc www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

We are excited to present this live panel moderated by our host Preethy Padmanabhan. "Unleashing AI startups in Climate", features the following successful entrepreneurs with a climate tech background. ​Aimee Gotway Bailey, CEO, Rock Rabbit ​Divya Demato, CEO, GoodOps ​Reetu Gupta, Founder, Pistachio Advisory & Co-Founder Clean Table ​Karan Chopra, Co-Founder, Earthena AI AI startups are uniquely positioned to accelerate climate action, offering scalable, data-driven solutions that can reshape industries and help achieve net-zero goals. By harnessing the power of AI, these startups are not only mitigating climate risks but also unlocking new opportunities for a sustainable future     00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:14 Panelist Introductions 01:03 Panelist Backgrounds and Climate Journeys 04:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Climate Work 13:58 Measuring Impact in Climate Tech 22:06 Energy Efficiency and Modernization 22:42 Climate Tech and AI Integration 23:43 Superpowers in Sustainability 26:34 Entrepreneurial Journeys in Climate Tech 29:54 Fundraising Strategies and Challenges 33:43 Impact of Policy and Economic Conditions on Climate

How will market uncertainty and a lack of federal support for climate efforts affect the future of clean energy in the United States? Plus, many wetlands are disappearing, but Louisiana's “accidental” Wax Lake Delta is growing—and informing coastal restoration techniques.$8 Billion Of Climate Tech Projects Were Canceled In 3 MonthsIn the first three months of the Trump administration, officials have been aggressive in cancelling climate change related efforts, from enacting layoffs at large agencies to withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and rescinding federal funding for green research and infrastructure.Joining Host Flora Lichtman to break down the changes we're starting to see in climate policy and clean tech on the ground is Casey Crownhart, senior climate reporter at MIT Technology Review. They also talk about other science news of the week, including a Florida-based startup that's recycling solar panels, an update on the growing measles outbreak in the Southwest, signs of a US science brain drain, humanoid robot participants in the Beijing half marathon, and how bats manage to drink on the fly.In Louisiana, A Chance To Study A Successful, Growing WetlandAmid the rapid erosion of Louisiana's coast, something hopeful is happening where the Atchafalaya River meets the Gulf. A flow of sediment from a decades-old river diversion has accidentally given birth to new wetlands.While that small delta is dwarfed by what's washing away all around it, researchers have gained knowledge from Wax Lake Delta that could help save the rest of Louisiana's coast and contribute to a better understanding of wetland science across the globe.Read more at sciencefriday.com.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

As federal support for clean energy faces new political headwinds, Rochester is stepping up. We explore how the nonprofit NextCorps is helping make Rochester a national climate tech contender through startup accelerators, clean manufacturing support and green job programs. But even as programs like Venture For ClimateTech build momentum, looming federal cuts could threaten local progress. Our guests break down the risks, the solutions and the opportunities ahead. In studio: Jack Baron, managing director of venture for ClimateTech Mike Riedlinger, managing director of technology commercialization at NextCorps Chris Thomas, CEO of RETRN Bioworks

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha's top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How climate tech founders and funders are planning to ride out the political storm. What the lackluster fundraising totals for TPG NEXT means for emerging and diverse managers (07:00). Plus, five promising pages in the playbook for shared prosperity (11:56).Relevant links:Climate tech is counting on falling costs, rising demand to ride out the political stormLackluster fundraising for TPG NEXT sends mixed signals to emerging and diverse managersRe:Construction: Five promising pages in the playbook for shared prosperityContribute to the playbookRSVP for the call

Tell us what you think of the show! This Week in Cleantech is a weekly podcast covering the most impactful stories in clean energy and climate in 15 minutes or less featuring Paul Gerke of Factor This and Tigercomm's Mike Casey.This week's episode features MIT Technology Review's Casey Crownhart, who wrote about how $8 billion of US climate tech projects have been canceled so far this year. This week's "Cleantecher of the Week" is Rev. Nate Pyle, senior pastor at Christ's Community Church in Fishers, Indiana for supporting rooftop solar on his church and helping show the community how caring for the planet is part of their faith.This Week in Cleantech — April 25, 2025US Imposes Tariffs Up to 3,521% on Asian Solar Imports — Bloomberg NewsThe Heat Coming Out of Your Car's Tailpipe? Some Can Be Turned Into Electricity — The Wall Street JournalScientists say they can calculate the cost of oil giants' role in global warming — The Washington PostAs Tesla Falters, These New EVs Are Picking Up the Pace – Bloomberg$8 billion of US climate tech projects have been canceled so far in 2025 — MIT Technology ReviewNominate the stories that caught your eye each week by emailing  Paul.Gerke@clarionevents.com

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha's top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How climate tech founders and funders are planning to ride out the political storm. What the lackluster fundraising totals for TPG NEXT means for emerging and diverse managers (07:00). Plus, five promising pages in the playbook for shared prosperity (11:56).Relevant links:Climate tech is counting on falling costs, rising demand to ride out the political stormLackluster fundraising for TPG NEXT sends mixed signals to emerging and diverse managersRe:Construction: Five promising pages in the playbook for shared prosperityContribute to the playbookRSVP for the call

In this powerful episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Mary King, vice president at Aligned Climate Fund, to uncover how venture capital is accelerating the global clean energy transition. If you’re curious about the future of climate tech, energy innovation, and how investors are driving decarbonization, this episode is for you! Mary pulls back the curtain on Aligned Climate Fund’s investment thesis: investing in companies taking real action to decarbonize our infrastructure—including clean energy, resilient infrastructure, electric transport, and sustainable land use. You’ll hear insider stories about backing geothermal breakthroughs, innovative microgrid solutions, and the growing impact of point source carbon capture. Mary and Barbara also dive deep on challenges in climate tech VC, how AI could transform investment diligence, and why distributed energy and resilience are game changers for communities around the world. Whether you’re in the climate space, an entrepreneur, or just passionate about shaping a sustainable future, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and inspiration for what’s next in climate innovation and venture capital. Guest Information Guest Name: Mary King Bio: Mary King is vice president at Aligned Climate Fund, the venture strategy for Aligned Climate Capital. She invests in early-stage companies driving decarbonization across clean energy, resilient infrastructure, electric transport, and sustainable land use. Links: Mary King’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryeking/ Aligned Climate Capital: https://alignedclimatecapital.com/ Episode Outline Aligned Climate Fund’s Investment Thesis Mary explains how Aligned invests in seed to Series B companies with proven climate solutions, focusing on clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and decarbonization. More about Aligned Climate Capital The Role of Emerging Technologies: Geothermal, Microgrids & Carbon Capture A look at how Aligned approaches geothermal and microgrid investments, plus insights on distributed energy and point source carbon capture for scalable climate action. Resource: What is Geothermal Energy? Resource: Distributed Energy Resources The Future of Climate Tech and VC: AI, Diligence, and Industry Shifts Mary predicts how AI will soon revolutionize VC deal flow and diligence, enabling faster, smarter investment decisions—and what this means specifically for the climate sector. Resource: AI in Venture Capital Transcript For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.com About the Host: Barbara Bickham is a venture investor, technologist, and founder of Female VC Lab. She champions women in venture and spotlights game-changing leaders investing for a better future. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. Review us here! Contact the show: femalevclab@trailyn.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @femalevclab X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclab Join the conversation: Comment on X, send us a message, or share your favorite takeaway using #FemaleVCLab. Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

For Earth Month, we're spotlighting a browser turning everyday internet use into climate action. Marco sits down with Neil Henderson and Mahum Azeem from Shift to explore how they're reimagining the web browser as a tool for reducing digital emissions. From email and streaming to Slack and beyond, Shift is tackling the hidden climate cost of our online lives—without compromising performance. A must-listen for product builders, climate tech founders, and anyone curious about weaving sustainability into software at scale.  

In this episode, Julien Guiot sits down with Ian Samuels, Founding Partner at New System Ventures, to discuss how the firm backs ambitious founders building solutions for a decarbonized future. Ian shares his perspective on investing in hard tech, the role of government in accelerating climate innovation, and why now is the moment for deep, systems-level change. The conversation covers topics like climate infrastructure, the intersection of policy and capital, and what it takes to scale breakthrough technologies. Tune in for a compelling discussion on how visionary venture capital can help catalyze the transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

The way we talk about the future of the planet often feels like a choice between denial and doomism. But what if we looked at the data? Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor at Our World in Data, has dedicated her work to making complex global challenges—like climate change, energy, and sustainability—more understandable and actionable. In this conversation with Beatrice Erkers, she shares insights from her book Not the End of the World, exploring what the data actually tells us about humanity's progress, where technology—including AI—can help, and how we can build a future that is not just survivable, but sustainable and hopeful.This interview is a guest lecture in our new online course about shaping positive futures with AI. The course is free, and available here: https://www.udemy.com/course/worldbuilding-hopeful-futures-with-ai/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's blocking our climate tech breakthroughs?It's not the tech. It's the process.Ben Downing has seen the system from both sides—first as a Massachusetts state senator, then as VP at Nexamp scaling solar across the country. Now, as Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, MIT's accelerator for “tough tech,” he's helping commercialize game-changing innovations that can decarbonize the toughest sectors—steel, cement, transmission, and beyond.But it's not just about the science. It's about fixing the systems—permitting, infrastructure, policy—that stall progress. In this episode, Ben shares why real-world deployment is the biggest hurdle… and how The Engine is building what he calls a “Solutions Factory” to overcome it.Expect to learn: ⚡ Why product-market fit is the #1 blind spot for climate tech founders⚡ How startups like Sublime and Commonwealth Fusion are scaling real impact⚡ Why Massachusetts might be the best place to pilot manufacturing⚡ How to rebuild broken processes that stall startup successBen's optimism is infectious—and it's backed by hard-won insight from the frontlines of policy and innovation. If you've ever wondered why brilliant climate ideas stall out and how to course-correct, press play and take notes.If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Zack Bogue is co‑founder and co‑managing partner at DCVC, a $4 billion deep‑tech venture firm spanning 13 funds. In late 2024, DCVC launched DCVC Climate, a dedicated vehicle backing technologies that slash emissions in heavy industry, hasten the energy transition, and bolster climate adaptation. In this episode, Zack unpacks how the firm's strategy evolved, how his journey—from Colorado outdoors‑kid to Harvard environmental‑science major to Silicon Valley deal‑maker—shaped his worldview, and what it takes to build a capital‑efficient deep‑tech portfolio that moves the climate needle.In this episode, we cover: [01:53] What DCVC is and Zack's role[02:41] Why DCVC focuses on deep tech[04:04] Zack's path from Harvard to VC[12:34] DCVC's playbook: applied AI, capital-light, climate-aligned[15:01] Launching a climate-only fund[20:06] Measuring impact beyond CO₂[25:55] Navigating policy shifts and returns[31:41] Bridging the Series B funding gap[32:56] Solving FOAK financing challenges[37:57] DCVC's bets: geothermal, micro-reactors, SAF, and moreEpisode recorded on March 28, 2025 (Published on April 17, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I spoke with Ryan Schermerhorn, a US-based patent attorney who's been helping clean tech innovators navigate the IP maze - until recently with the help of a now-suspended fast-track programme.We discussed the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which allowed inventors of emissions-reducing technologies to get patents approved in months rather than years, at no cost. Ryan explained how it worked, why it was a big deal for clean tech startups, and how it quietly disappeared earlier this year following a political shift.We also unpacked what this means for innovators now. Ryan shared practical alternatives - like using international patent offices with similar climate fast-track schemes and leveraging the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) to speed things up globally.We also covered the balance between IP protection and open innovation, why patents still matter in the climate crisis, and how to protect ideas early without blowing the budget.If you're working in climate tech, clean energy, or emissions monitoring and need to protect or scale your innovation, this episode is for you.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

In This Episode:The story of him co-launching the Goodwin climate practiceWhat's happening in climate tech right now? (Market update)The 3 Biggest Mistakes Climate Founders MakeCheck Out Our Sponsors!Goodwin: The Law Firm of Choice for ClimateTech EntrepreneursErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmWhat's up, everyone! Today's episode is special since we're speaking with David Brekke from Goodwin. In case you somehow missed it, Goodwin is the sponsor of our podcast, so yes, this is sponsored content. (tbh, even if it were not, we'd still have David on — but don't tell him that)With everything going on in the world of climate tech right now, it's hard to know which end is up. But David has a great perspective. You see, he's always interacting with tons of founders and investors in climate. He sees the good, the bad, and the ugly. For this reason, he's one of the best people to get a read on the market from. In addition to a market update, we get to hear the story of him going to Goodwin to start the climate practice. Then he walks us through the greatest hits of what to do and what not to do. He's been around the block, and in addition to his experience, they have an entire team with even more grey hair that knows how to guide founders. This episode is value-packed — enjoy! Want to access all our content? Upgrade to paid today. Act fast! Annual subscriptions increase to $100 on May 1st (currently $80). 

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/

From Consulting to Climate Investment: The Birth of SlateSébastien Léger's path to venture capital began with nearly two decades at McKinsey, advising on cleantech and building decarbonization scenarios. Around 2020, driven by curiosity about the "next 40%" of technologies not yet at economic parity, he shifted focus toward startups. This exploration led to the co-founding of Slate Venture Capital, alongside two seasoned entrepreneurs and another investor, with a mission to fund and support the next generation of climate innovators.Why Materials Matter in Climate TechFrom clothing to electronics, materials are everywhere—and they're central to climate challenges. Léger sees advanced materials as pivotal in reducing emissions, increasing circularity, and enabling innovation in key sectors like batteries, wind turbines, and construction. Slate's fund targets startups that help reduce, replace, or repair environmental impact, with materials playing a critical role across all three.Investing with Impact: Slate's CriteriaSlate focuses on Series A and B investments, writing checks between €4–15M and typically taking a 10% stake. Beyond capital, they offer strategic support through a unique network called the Collective Brain—a group of 80–100 experts in industrial scaling, manufacturing, and supply chains. Their investment decisions are based on:Climate impact: CO₂ and resource reduction potential.Commercial traction: Real (not R&D-subsidized) revenues and customer validation.Exit potential: Clear pathways to scale and acquisition.Team strength: Experienced founders solving real, validated problems.Deal Sourcing in the Climate Tech SpaceEurope is home to around 2,000 climate startups, and Slate accesses them through a mix of inbound outreach, referrals, and direct participation in events like JEC World. Léger stresses the importance of long-term visibility, often engaging with startups well before they're ready for investment.Understanding Circularity Without the BuzzWhile terms like “circularity” and “sustainability” are widely used, Léger emphasizes the need for substance over slogans. He encourages founders to frame their value proposition not just around technology, but around tangible customer and environmental impact—highlighting how their solution improves resilience, reduces waste, or supports biodiversity.Advice for Founders: Don't Lead with TechOne of the key takeaways for startup founders? Focus on the problem, not the product. Léger advises against diving deep into technical details like "the best membrane or algorithm." Instead, founders should clearly articulate the problem they solve, the measurable impact they create, and their path to scale. Climate VCs want to hear about outcomes, not just engineering.The Role (and Limits) of RegulationRegulation can accelerate climate innovation—but it's not always reliable. Léger notes that while government support (especially in Europe) has driven demand in sectors like solar and wind, startups should aim to create business models that are sustainable with or without policy tailwinds. Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Scott Mercer, Founder and CEO of Focused Energy, about the future of nuclear fusion. They explore how laser-driven fusion, inspired by breakthroughs at Lawrence Livermore Labs, could offer limitless clean power by the 2030s. From physics to commercialization, Mercer shares how Focused Energy plans to bring fusion to the grid—and why this could be a game-changer for climate tech and global energy.

Timestamps:8:01 - What drew Brynne to entrepreneurship15:10 - Brynne's political debut24:12 - What's a smart society?27:05 - Measuring growth as a VC43:25 - How can you find the right co-founders?This episode was produced in collaboration with startup days, taking place this year on May 14th 2025. Click ⁠here⁠ to purchase your ticket.Click here to check out our free Founders Agreement masterclass, with Melanie Gabriel from Yokoy, Christof Roduner from Scandit, and Viviana Gropengiesser from Talent Kick.About Brynne Kennedy:Brynne Kennedy is the co-founder and managing partner of Smart Society Ventures, a decarbonization and energy tech investment firm striving to accelerate net zero. She holds an MBA from London Business School, and founded and successfully exited Topia, a company providing technology solutions to manage all forms of employee movement and work location flexibility. After stepping down from her CEO role at Topia in 2019, Brynne had a brief stint in American politics, running for US Congress in California's 4th Congressional District. She was not elected, and nowadays she's able to look back with gratitude at that turn of events, considering the current political climate in the US. In 2023 she co-founded Smart Society Ventures, and began her career as a VC in the climate tech space. Smart Society Ventures strives to build a “smart society” (as the name would indicate), which they define as a society enabled by tech and data to achieve better outcomes and do more with less. Brynne is extremely committed to creating the societal impetus necessary to successfully manage the energy transition. She also co-hosts The Smart Society Show with Former MP and UK Energy Minister Chris Skidmore, where they discuss climate news and scaleups.

Today, we have a great episode with Andrew Chan from Atas Ventures.Surprise surprise…we're continuing the conversation about the climate tech vibe shift, climate tech 3.0, climate risk…whatever you want to call it. However, our conversation with Andrew Chan of Atas Ventures is a little bit different. Andrew has, from the very beginning, thought about climate investing from first principles, placing profitability and tangible impact at the core of his strategy. He refers to this next wave as "Climate 3.0," an evolution beyond traditional impact investing towards applied technologies like robotics, IoT, and advanced energy solutions.Our conversation today focuses on these themes, including how venture capital can meaningfully intersect with antiquated industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing to drive both profits and genuine environmental outcomes. Andrew also shares why the venture capital playbook may need to evolve, emphasizing smarter portfolio construction, disciplined investing, and leveraging real-world experience to build lasting companies.Overall, it's an amazing episode and we're really excited to share this with you.Sidenote, we recorded this remotely while Andrew was traveling—he joined us from Bangor, Maine. If you'd like to watch, check it out on YouTube. (Also, be sure to give us a follow on YouTube to help us grow the channel!)Follow us on YouTubeIf you're enjoying the content, consider upgrading to become paid subscriber today. Act fast! Because our annual subscription is going from $80 up to $100 as of May 1st. To upgrade, click the “upgrade” button on the top right of your screen here.

AI’s role in climate is often framed around increased energy use and emissions, but what if it could help solve the crisis? In this episode of Bloomberg Intelligence’s ESG Currents, we explore how Amazon Web Services is helping foster AI-driven climate-tech companies, including through the Compute for Climate Fellowship. AWS’ Head of Climate Tech Business Development, Startups and Venture Capital Lisbeth Kaufman joins BI director of ESG research Eric Kane to discuss how she drew inspiration from The Toxic Avenger, and highlights real-world applications of computing and AI in fusion energy, crop yields, pest mitigation and textile production. This episode was recorded on March 17. Learn more about the climate-tech startups discussed or apply for the fellowship here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columnist Scott Kirsner shares how local climate tech businesses are reacting to the first months of the Trump administration.

Here's a thought experiment. You're a seasoned clean energy developer. You've got a pipeline of projects. You've navigated permitting, secured financing, refined your technology stack. Everything's lined up, and you're ready to build. There's just one problem: interconnection.To connect your projects, you have to go through a complex study process run by your utility, or your Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), or your Independent System Operator (ISO). They need to evaluate how your project impacts the grid, what upgrades are required, and how the costs get assigned. It's a system built for a different grid era, and today, the system is completely overwhelmed.For both developers and transmission providers, the interconnection queue has become a major obstacle. Developers depend on timely approvals to move projects forward. Transmission providers, meanwhile, are inundated with requests while also trying to maintain grid reliability, plan for future capacity, and, in many regions, meet aggressive decarbonization goals. And they're doing all of that with legacy software that was never built to handle this kind of volume or complexity.If you've been in the energy world for a while, you know this bottleneck well. But if you're new, here's the scale of the challenge: around 2.5 terawatts of renewable energy projects alone are currently stuck in interconnection queues across the U.S. At the same time, electricity demand is surging, driven by data centers, AI, EVs, and industrial electrification. The average wait time for grid interconnection in the U.S. is 6 years. Speeding up the interconnection study process could remove one of the most significant barriers to getting clean energy and storage projects online. But that requires smarter, modern tools. Our guest today, David Bromberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Pearl Street Technologies, has built those tools, and is helping transmission providers and developers navigate the interconnection process with unprecedented speed. Sponsors:Watt it Takes is brought to you by Powerhouse Innovation. Powerhouse Innovation is a leading consulting firm connecting top-tier corporations and investors - including corporate innovation teams, CVCs, and pensions - with cutting-edge technologies and startups that meet their specific criteria for engagement. Are you seeking strategic startup partnership or investment opportunities? Get in touch to see how you can leverage Powerhouse Innovation's expert team and vast network, including a database of over 13,000 startups, to help accelerate your innovation and investing goals. To learn more visit powerhouse.co.About Powerhouse Innovation and Powerhouse Ventures Powerhouse Innovation partners with leading corporations and investors to help them find, partner with, invest in, and acquire the most innovative startups in climate. Powerhouse Ventures backs entrepreneurs building the digital infrastructure for rapid decarbonization. To hear more stories of founders building our climate positive future, hit the “subscribe” button and leave us a review.

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Schork, a Principal at the Broadscale Group, to discuss the firm's unique approach to investing in climate, energy, and industrial solutions. Pete explains how Broadscale strategically leverages partnerships with large corporations and family offices to scale impactful climate technologies, highlighting their investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy financing, and decarbonization platforms. In this episode we explore key questions like what makes corporate-startup partnerships effective and how capital-intensive businesses offer unique opportunities in climate tech. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how strategic partnerships and thoughtful venture investment are powering the clean energy revolution.

Spring has officially sprung! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming. But, have you ever wondered the journey that flowers take from the soil to your vase at home? Today on Curiosity Weekly, author Amy Stewart joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to chat about the global flower trade. Sam is also joined by producer Teresa Carey for a climate tech showdown, where Teresa tries to stump Sam and the listeners with some of the wildest ideas in climate tech. Then, you'll learn about the secret ingredient hidden in your can of chickpeas that's changing the way we make vegan food. Link to Show Notes HERE Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Schroepfer is Partner at Gigascale, a venture firm he founded and self-funded to back startups building venture-scale businesses with the potential for outsized climate impact. Previously, Mike served as CTO at Meta (Facebook's parent company) from 2013 to 2022, having originally joined in 2008 as VP of Engineering.In this episode, Mike and Cody discuss his career journey, key lessons learned, and their shared counterpoint to the often-repeated myth that "America doesn't build hard things." They also dive into AI, energy's role in its advancement, and the work Mike and his team are doing at Gigascale.Mike has been a longtime supporter of MCJ, and we're honored to count him among our investors. It's inspiring to see a technologist of his caliber not only invest in climate solutions but also roll up his sleeves to help founders tackle hard problems and build the future.In this episode, we cover: [2:08] Mike's early career working on video software [5:28] Fundraising challenges and lessons from the dot-com crash [10:12] Working at Sun, Mozilla, and joining Facebook in 2008[13:16] Risks and opportunities of early Facebook[15:40] Managing large engineering teams and the value of humility[18:30] The era of building hard things in the U.S.[21:25] AI and energy innovation: compute, chips, and power[27:49] How scale brings down cost curve and modularized technology [32:01] How he thinks about software-based opportunities   [37:40] Shrep's pivot to climate tech after Meta[41:04] The talent interest evolution in climate [43:33] Gigascale's investment thesis[49:49] Gigascale's approach to identifying sectors[51:37] Storytelling and marketing in climate tech[54:10] Gigascales talent efforts for its portfolio Episode recorded on Mar 4, 2025 (Published on Mar 20, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Cathy Zoi is a clean energy veteran with a career spanning leadership roles across government, industry, and investment. Most recently, she served as CEO of EVgo from 2017 to 2023, taking the company public in 2020. EVgo is now one of the largest EV charging networks in the United States.Today, Cathy is deeply engaged in the energy and climate space. She serves on the board of directors for Con Edison, the major investor-owned utility serving the New York City metro area. She's also on the board of Apax, a British investment firm, and sits on the investment advisory committee for EQT, a Swedish global investment organization that recently acquired Scale Microgrids. Additionally, she's a board member at SPAN, an MCJ portfolio company, and at Soil Organic.Cathy's career started at the Environmental Protection Agency, followed by roles in the White House during the Clinton-Gore administration and the Department of Energy under Obama. She's worked at Silver Lake, founded a division of SunEdison focused on emerging markets, and helped lay the groundwork for Odyssey Energy Solutions, another MCJ portfolio company. Throughout our conversation, we explore her fascinating career journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her perspective on the future of clean energy.In this episode, we cover: [3:01] Cathy's early career at the EPA and the launch of Energy Star[9:15] Commercializing GHG reducers in Australia[11:59] Working with Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection[14:42] Serving as acting undersecretary in the Obama administration[18:06] Advisory roles on investment platforms[23:22] Experience at SunEdison and founding Odyssey Energy[27:29] Financial discipline and capital deployment at EVgo[32:06] The future of the EV charging business[36:14] Evolution of pricing models[39:18] Board work at Con Ed and risk management[43:19] What excites her most, including beneficial electrificationEpisode recorded on Feb 25, 2025  (Published on March 13, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

When Raffi Garabedian co-founded Electric Hydrogen in 2020, he saw existing electrolyzers as too small and expensive to make green hydrogen economically viable. Instead of building standard sub-megawatt units, his team aimed for 100-megawatt systems at half the industry cost. Initial market enthusiasm brought millions in capacity reservations, fueling construction of a Massachusetts manufacturing plant. Then came the "trough of disillusionment" – a global cooling on hydrogen as projects faltered under high costs. In this episode, Lara Pierpoint talks to Raffi about taking big technology risks while building a factory during market volatility. He explains why startups, not incumbents, are best positioned to drive the cost reductions needed to make green hydrogen competitive with fossil alternatives. Credits: Hosted by Lara Pierpoint. Produced by Erin Hardick. Edited by Anne Bailey and Stephen Lacey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. The Green Blueprint is a co-production of Latitude Media and Trellis Climate. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Frederik Hendriksen is the co-founder of Rensair, pioneering the world's first air quality ecosystem to cut carbon, costs, and pollutants through next-generation ventilation technology. Rensair's connected solutions optimize existing HVAC systems, reducing energy costs while delivering cleaner, healthier indoor air—without expensive infrastructure upgrades. Their tech traces back to Frederik's father, a ventilation engineer, who originally developed a standalone air purification system for hospital operating rooms, and to help Frederik's twin brother manage severe asthma. Inspired by this innovation, Frederik and his team are now hacking HVAC to tackle the climate crisis and transform building ventilation, ushering in a new era of carbon efficiency, cost savings, and clean indoor air.(01:49) - The tech behind Rensair(04:29) - Impact of HVAC on building energy consumption(06:00) - Rensair's energy efficiency solutions(13:31) - Feature | Market Stadium - Book a demo: Optimize your Multifamily & Single-family market analysis(17:51) - Business model & partnerships(19:20) - Challenges & opportunities in Climate Tech(24:23) - Leveraging AI for indoor air quality(29:44) - Feature: Blueprint 2025: The Future of Real Estate - Register now(31:55) - Greenland & Climate change(34:16) - Collaboration Superpower: Niels Ryberg Finsen (Wiki)

Raj Kapoor is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Climactic, a seed venture firm focused on climate tech. Join host David Sandalow as he and Kapoor discuss how AI can accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, strengthen climate resilience strategies, support climate tech investing and more. AI, Energy and Climate is a special series from the DSR Network sponsored by NEDO and hosted by David Sandalow, Inaugural Fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. AI for Climate Change Mitigation Roadmap -- https://www.icef.go.jp/roadmap and transitiondigital.org/ai-climate-roadmap.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raj Kapoor is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Climactic, a seed venture firm focused on climate tech. Join host David Sandalow as he and Kapoor discuss how AI can accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, strengthen climate resilience strategies, support climate tech investing and more. AI, Energy and Climate is a special series from the DSR Network sponsored by NEDO and hosted by David Sandalow, Inaugural Fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. AI for Climate Change Mitigation Roadmap -- https://www.icef.go.jp/roadmap and transitiondigital.org/ai-climate-roadmap.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amit Gupta is the CEO of Aeroseal, a cleantech leader revolutionizing building efficiency through patented sealing technologies. Under his leadership, Aeroseal has secured nearly $100 million in private equity funding, including backing from Breakthrough Energy Ventures. The company has sealed 300,000 homes, enhanced performance in 500M+ square feet of commercial properties, and expanded to 90+ countries with a 1,500+ dealer network. Aeroseal's innovations help reduce HVAC losses and aim to eliminate one gigaton of CO₂ emissions annually, accelerating the net-zero building movement worldwide. Previously, Amit served various product management roles at Carrier, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.(01:35) - Amit's background & mission(04:10) - Challenges & innovations in building efficiency(05:57) - Aeroseal's growth & fundraising (9:41) - Feature | Market Stadium - Book a demo: Optimize your Multifamily & Single-family market analysis(10:52) - Commercial & Residential Real Estate applications(21:15) - Investment & future plans(24:34) - Feature: Blueprint 2025: The Future of Real Estate - Register now(25:20) - Advice for Real Estate investors, operators & developers(29:33) - Collaboration Superpower: Benjamin Franklin

As a new year unfolds, 2025 has already brought devastating natural disasters. From blizzards to wildfires, climate chaos is impacting our neighbors and communities in real time. My heart goes out to the people of Los Angeles for the profound losses they suffered last month, and for the difficult path of rebuilding that lies ahead. This devastation brings to mind a tragedy that struck even closer to home in 2018.I remember driving through Oakland that year, watching ash fall from the sky as the Camp Fire ravaged Paradise, California. That fire, still the deadliest and most destructive in California's history, was sparked by vegetation coming into contact with power lines-- a common risk that, coupled with dry conditions, strong winds, and human activity, can ignite a wildfire. That same year, at least 17 additional wildfires in California were triggered by power lines.Across the country and around the world, utilities face ongoing challenges from vegetation. The diversity of trees and their unique characteristics make it difficult to forecast where or when they might encroach on power lines. Traditional monitoring solutions like trucks, helicopters, and even drones cannot effectively or cost efficiently analyze the nearly 7 million line-miles of transmission and distribution that cover the US alone. In response, Indra Den Bakker and Anniek Schouten founded Overstory in 2018 — a software company that partners with utilities to predict and prevent wildfires caused by vegetation encroachment. Powerhouse Ventures is proud to be an early investor in Overstory, joining the team in 2020 via their seed round. It's been inspiring to watch the company grow, even in the face of immense loss.Overstory's founding CEO Indra tragically passed away in October of last year after a devastating battle with cancer, but his vision lives on. In a world where climate risks are increasing, Overstory's work is more critical than ever. Today, Overstory's CEO Fiona Spruill and her team are continuing to manifest Indra and Anniek's vision to reduce wildfire risks and make our grid resilient. This episode is a tribute to Indra, Anniek, and all that they've built together.Sponsors:Watt it Takes is brought to you by Powerhouse Innovation. Powerhouse Innovation is a leading consulting firm connecting top-tier corporations and investors - including corporate innovation teams, CVCs, and pensions - with cutting-edge climate technologies and startups that meet their specific criteria for engagement. Are you seeking strategic startup partnership or investment opportunities? Get in touch to see how you can leverage Powerhouse's expert team and vast network, including a database of over 13,000 climate tech startups, to help accelerate your innovation and investing goals. To learn more visit powerhouse.co. About Powerhouse Innovation and Powerhouse Ventures Powerhouse Innovation partners with leading corporations and investors to help them find, partner with, invest in, and acquire the most innovative startups in climate. Powerhouse Ventures backs entrepreneurs building the digital infrastructure for rapid decarbonization. To hear more stories of founders building our climate positive future, hit the “subscribe” button and leave us a review.

Marc Mezvinsky is a partner at TPG Rise Climate. TPG Rise Climate is among the largest pools of capital ever raised with a dedicated focus on climate tech. They announced a debut fund in 2021 at over $7 billion—and another very large fund currently in the works. Rise Climate is part of the broader TPG Rise platform, the impact arm of the publicly traded private equity firm TPG, which manages more than $220 billion in assets.Marc and I discuss his background and career path in finance across various asset classes, including private equity, venture capital at Social Capital, investment banking at Goldman Sachs, and hedge fund management, in addition to his work in climate tech.Of note, Marc has a fascinating personal history as the son of two former U.S. House Representatives and as the son-in-law of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—he is married to Chelsea Clinton.We also discuss how Marc approaches capital deployment at TPG Rise Climate, how he thinks about impact in his work, and how TPG Rise Climate evaluates impact relative to market-rate returns.We're thrilled to have Marc as an individual investor in our funds at MCJ, and it was great to learn more about his journey and work.In this episode, we cover: [3:04] An overview of TPG Rise Climate [8:34] The fund's investment approach [11:12] TPC Rise Climate's impact mandate [16:16] Marc's background and path into finance[26:16] His exposure to policymaking and its impact on his work [38:10] Areas Marc and TPG Rise are exploring [44:07] Headwinds and tailwinds  on Marc's radar Episode recorded on Jan 23, 2025 (Published on Feb 27, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant