Podcasts about startup series

Erica Nemser is CEO at Ardent, a Series A stage startup that's aiming to help drive industrial decarbonization by developing and selling membranes to perform point source carbon capture. Point source capture differs from direct air capture in that it's focused on concentrated greenhouse gas emissions coming right out of the flue of an industrial system, as opposed to direct air capture (DAC), which attempts to capture emissions from ambient air. Ardent, formerly Compact Membrane Systems, has been operating for 30 years, but its pivot to carbon capture and tech startup status is recent. In this episode, we discuss how Ardent's technology stands out in the point source capture field, the industry's varied approaches to decarbonization, and how Erica's leadership has guided the company's transformation.In this episode, we cover: [2:11] Rebranding from Compact Membrane Systems to Ardent[3:53] Ardent's membrane-based carbon capture solution and how it differs from other technologies [6:29] Erica's background and how it has informed her leadership at Ardent[7:37] Ardent's go-to-market strategy of partnering for scale[12:15] The company's hypothesis around facilitated transport membranes [13:05] An overview of Ardent's approach to industrial carbon capture [18:01]: Ardent's low-energy membrane systems for carbon capture[19:50]: Overview of Ardent's membrane system setup[23:03]: Addressing concerns about prolonging fossil fuel use with carbon capture[25:11]: Erica's perspective on diverse solutions for industrial heat[32:06]: “Carbon Capture as a Service” explained[37:20]: Agricultural sector's interest in carbon capture[45:51]: Ardent's global presence and talent searchEpisode recorded on Aug 1, 2024 (Published on Oct 17, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Cody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at info@mcj.vc, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

This My Climate Journey podcast episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Ion during Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week. Zach Dell is the Co-founder and CEO of Base Power Company. Base aspires to build a reliable and affordable home energy service powered by distributed batteries. Their technology supports the grid during times of peak need and protects customers during outages. They claim to do this at a fraction of the cost of other solutions. Base is serving live customers in Texas and claims to be the only electricity provider to offer a home battery, monthly energy service, and installation, all in one with no requirement of rooftop solar.MCJ is a proud investor in Base via our venture capital fund. The company recently raised a $68 million Series A round via Valor Equity Partners, Thrive Capital, and others in which we participated. In this episode, we dig into Zach's journey, the origins of Base, and what he sees as the path ahead for distributed storage and home energy as he builds a vertically integrated business in this enormous space.In this episode, we cover: [2:47] Zach's background and journey into entrepreneurship, with a focus on solving energy and climate problems[7:57] How he landed on batteries and met his co-founder, Justin Lopas[14:05] Base's residential approach in Texas [22:00] The company's business model and role in the energy market [25:03] Base's ideal customer [27:30] The battery's current and future manufacturing strategy [31:00] Zach's key learnings from starting a business[32:18] Base's company culture and who they're looking to hire[36:46] How Base could grow into other energy sectors [40:00] Zach's vision for the futureEpisode recorded on Sept 10, 2024 (Published on Oct 3, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Cody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at info@mcj.vc, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

What does it take to build the next generation of DeFi on Solana? In this special episode of the Solana Startup Series, we sit down with Tristan Frizza, Founder of Zeta Markets, to explore the future of crypto trading. Tristan shares his journey from AI to blockchain, participating in Solana's early hackathons, and the inspiration behind creating Zeta Markets—one of DeFi's most compelling exchanges.Tristan takes us through the ins and outs of perpetual futures trading and explains why these instruments are game-changers for traders seeking flexible, non-expiring positions. However, this flexibility comes with risks, especially with high leverage. Tristan provides insights into how volatility can be an advantage, maximizing exchange profitability and offering a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind crypto revenue models.We also dive into the technical complexities of building on Solana, one of the fastest-growing ecosystems in crypto. Tristan discusses the necessity of Layer 2 solutions to address network congestion and cost management and breaks down advanced concepts like optimistic roll-ups and ZK bridges.Tune in to learn how Zeta Markets plans to overcome these challenges and build a comprehensive, builder-friendly ecosystem for the next wave of DeFi innovation on Solana.Zeta Markets: https://www.zeta.markets/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

What's the future of Web3 gaming? Join us for a special episode of the Solana Startup Series on The Index. Today, we're talking with Guido Pardini, CEO of Shaga, a revolutionary cloud gaming platform born from Solana Labs. Guido takes us on an inspiring journey from his teenage years in Italy, where he immersed himself in 3D printing and the maker movement, to his academic studies in computer science and electrical engineering in Milan. Discover how the 2009 financial crisis ignited his passion for decentralized technologies like Bitcoin, and how those early interests now fuel Shaga's mission to revolutionize gaming by drastically reducing latency through decentralization.We explore the key differences between centralized and decentralized gaming infrastructures and the innovative ways Shaga is solving the latency problem. Shaga's DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) transforms individual gaming PCs into nodes, distributed near gamers. These nodes share their computing power to enhance the gaming experience, slashing latency and providing seamless, real-time gameplay. Guido also shares the ambitious plan to pilot a decentralized Xbox cloud gaming platform, offering lag-free experiences while giving small game studios access to free cloud infrastructure. Learn why Solana's unique state-on-flight technology was the perfect foundation for this game-changing platform.Don't miss this deep dive into the future of gaming and the transformative potential of decentralized networks.Website: https://www.shaga.xyz/X Channel: https://x.com/playonshagaShow LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

What does it take to build a successful startup in the blockchain space? Join us for a special episode of The Index podcast as part of the Solana Startup Series, featuring twin co-founders Tommy and Taylor Johnson. The two brothers share their startup journey in the crypto world, from Tommy's early days in the blockchain scene in 2014 to their significant pivot to Solana in 2020. The Johnson brothers provide a detailed account of how they overcame initial hurdles, such as the lack of development frameworks and tools, and how their perseverance led to the innovative project, PsyOptions, which won a Solana hackathon in 2021. Their story is about technical achievements and the founders spirit and resilience required to adapt and thrive in a fast-growing industry.The discussion delves into their new project, Armada, and their work on staking and tokenomics infrastructure within the Solana ecosystem. They provide insights into validating market demand, collaborating with teams like Hero and Bonk, and emphasize the importance of pattern recognition and perseverance in entrepreneurship. The twins also reflect on the unique challenges and advantages of working together as siblings. From navigating VC funding to balancing family life, this episode is packed with practical advice and serves as another inspiring Solana startup story.Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

What is the future of global payment solutions? In this special episode of The Index for the Solana Startup Series, we join Anthony Emezu, CEO & Co-founder of Espresso Cash. Anthony shares his entrepreneurial journey from working at prestigious media companies like ViacomCBS and Showtime Networks to building a groundbreaking mobile finance app.Learn how Espresso Cash, now available in the USA, Europe, and Nigeria, leverages crypto rails and stablecoins to deliver users a seamless, Venmo-like experience, especially in emerging markets with volatile currencies. Anthony also talks about the app's rapid growth strategies, their exciting partnership with MoneyGram, and how they're building network effects in the open-source crypto ecosystem.Espresso CashX ChannelShow LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

Doug Bernauer is the CEO and Co-founder of Radiant. Radiant is developing a portable nuclear micro-reactor to replace diesel generators. They raised a $40 million Series B in 2023 led by a16z, after previously raising capital from investors including USV, Founders Fund, and DCVC. They're targeting the development of a portable, mostly self-contained, one-megawatt nuclear reactor that is roughly the size of a shipping container.We've been focusing more on nuclear energy lately, exploring whether the US could reclaim its position as a global leader. With bipartisan support reflected in recent legislation like the ADVANCE Act signed into law by President Biden, there are signs of progress, but significant challenges remain.In this episode, Doug discusses these challenges and delves into Radiant's technology, use cases, fuel, and more.In this episode, we cover: [02:28]: Radiant's micro-reactor technology and applications [04:21]: Use cases for one-megawatt reactors, including disaster relief [06:36]: Description of Radiant's reactor[10:26]: Cooling technologies used by Radiant[12:20]: Radiant's connection with Idaho National Lab's Pele design [13:40]: DOE and DoD funding for Radiant's nuclear technology[17:02]: Customer models and sales strategies for nuclear reactors [20:43]: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval processes for operating reactors [21:57]: Doug's hopes for future regulatory parity with diesel generators [24:18]: Supply chain for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel [28:38]: Challenges of NRC processes for micro-reactors [32:24]: Demand signals from remote and military applications for micro-reactors [35:31]: Current financing status and future fundraising plansEpisode recorded on Aug 8, 2024 (Published on Sep 12, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Cody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at info@mcj.vc, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Jeff Chapin is the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Haven Energy. Haven aims to make it easier for homeowners to install home battery systems, including choosing the right battery, permitting and installation, tax credits, and virtual power plant setup. Haven recently began offering bundled installation of solar and batteries. Jeff has seen scale before as he and his co-founder, Philip Krim, previously co-founded and grew the one-time darling, direct-to-consumer mattress company, Casper. Jeff has a long-time background in design at IDEO and credits this experience with training him for the context switching that's allowed him to move across very different industries, sectors, and technologies.In this episode, we talk about consumer demand for batteries, how Haven works, the wonky and esoteric net metering regulations in California where Haven is prioritizing their go-to-market, and why Haven added solar to their offering recently. In this episode, we cover: [02:08]: Jeff's design-driven journey from IDEO to Casper[06:18]: Applying design thinking to home energy[08:45]: Retrofitting batteries to existing solar systems[11:30]: Challenges in the battery installation market[15:28]: Customizing battery options and customer incentives[21:35]: Installation process and energy management[26:03]: Financial benefits and tax credits[28:15]: Changes in net metering for rooftop solar[34:46]: Growing demand for solar and battery setups[41:06]: Series A funding and growth strategy for HavenEpisode recorded on Jul 23, 2024 (Published on Aug 29, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Cody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at info@mcj.vc, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Today, we'll start a startup live on the pod. A listener wrote in with an idea in the shifting healthcare space and we pursue it over the next few episodes. We start from square one, digging into what's actually valuable about the idea with the 90% Wrong Principle, using the Four Question framework to pull out assumptions, and finally judging the viability of early customers with the Committed vs. Interested Test. It's a fun start to a series where we'll build a business in real-time. 90% WrongHow to Live an Asymmetric LifeTackleboxIdea to Startup NewsletterIdea to Startup Bot 00:25 Intro - Starting a Startup Idea Live02:02 The Idea - Healthcare is changing05:58 Smooth Jazz06:30 90% Wrong07:52 Scary and Hard09:30 Worst First10:51 The Four Story Questions15:45 The Two hero's18:38 The End: I Hate Both Customers

Matt Soule is the CEO and Co-founder of Parallel Systems. Parallel Systems is re-imagining how goods can be transported via rail by building automated battery-electric freight rail vehicles. These vehicles resemble box cars that can drive independently and form on-the-fly connections with each other to create mini trains. According to Matt, the goal is not to upend existing rail freight use cases but to rethink what's possible on current rail infrastructure to address use cases traditionally managed by trucking. Before founding Parallel Systems, Matt spent 13 years at SpaceX as an engineering leader in avionics. Parallel Systems has raised around $50 million from investors, including Anthos Capital and Congruent Capital. The conversation begins with a 101 primer on railways, a topic not previously covered on the show.In this episode, we cover: [2:31] Matt's background in rocket engineering[6:14] Energy efficiency: rail vs. trucks[7:31] History of US rail transportation[9:22] Rail industry ownership and subsidies[11:21] Rail transportation's environmental impact[14:44] Rail's challenges, especially for short trips[17:23] Industries using rail transport[18:53] Rail for non-critical and luxury use cases[23:05] Overview of Parallel Systems' self-assembling trains[28:37] Benefits of battery electrification in rail[31:21] Cost comparison: Parallel Systems vs. traditional rail and trucking[34:14] Current pilots and safety considerations[39:08] Expansion plans for new geographies[40:29] Business model: selling vehicles to railroads[44:08] Future of locomotives in the rail industryEpisode recorded on July 30, 2024 (Published on Aug 22, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Cody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at info@mcj.vc, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Katie Siegel is CEO and Co-founder at Flipturn. Flipturn is an EV charging management platform for fleets and we're diving into the electrification of trucking.At the beginning of 2024, the Advanced Clean Fleets law came into effect in California creating a number of mandates for zero emissions vehicle adoption in the trucking space. And the law impacts any fleet doing business in California, so there are nationwide implications.Cody and Katie dig into this as well as the impacts on various types of trucks and routes. As fleet managers begin to anticipate compliance, they're realizing that understanding and managing charging will need to become a core competency for them. All of a sudden, things like power procurement and efficient energy usage will become a huge part of the equation for running a business that moves goods around. Flipturn raised a seed round in 2023 from Excel and Katie brings hands-on experience into the company after having previously grown her career through IPO at Samsara, a leader in telematics and Internet of Things, connectivity services for trucking and logistics. In this episode, we cover: [01:48]: Flipturn's mission to electrify trucking and enhance fleet management[02:28]: Katie's journey from Samsara to founding Flipturn[03:39]: From telematics to EV infrastructure innovation[05:14]: Transportation's role in pollution and the shift to electrification[07:19]: Focus on electrifying last mile delivery and drayage[10:25]: Differences in EV charging needs for delivery vans vs. drayage trucks[17:23]: Flipturn's software for efficient fleet charging[19:00]: Strategies for setting up fleet charging stations[22:21]: Challenges and solutions in vehicle electrification[27:32]: Integrating truck OEMs with charging networks[30:06]: How fleets choose charging software[33:23]: Hydrogen vehicles in new zero-emissions law[35:12]: Evolving challenges in the trucking industryEpisode recorded on Jun 27, 2024 (Published on Aug 15, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Siva Yellamraju is the Co-founder and CEO at Fourier. Fourier's mission is to make hydrogen universally accessible with on-site and on-demand production. Fourier is not Siva's first startup, it's his fourth. He sold his last company to Apple the one before that to Google and the one before that to Polycom, so he knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship.Fourier is barely two years old and they raised a seed round in mid-April led by General Catalyst. They've largely operated in stealth. In fact, there's nothing on their website at fourier.earth other than their thesis statement for starting the company, so we were excited to learn from Siva about why he transitioned from a very successful entrepreneurial career in software to tackle a business in the energy sector. We were also eager to learn specifically about what Siva''s building in distributed hydrogen and what he's learned from the process thus far. In this episode, we cover: [2:01] Siva's entrepreneurial background[4:46] His decision to work on climate and energy [7:35] Customer pain point understanding [12:44] Potential use cases for distributed hydrogen, including power backup solutions and data centers[15:04] Approaching hydrogen production as a data problem[21:47] Customers working with Fourier as part of a broader movement around clean energy   [24:01] Potential use cases for distributed hydrogen, including power backup solutions and data centers[27:14] Advantages of hydrogen over batteries for long-term storage and heavy transportation [33:20] Geographic markets for hydrogen deployment; the US, Germany, India, and Indonesia[35:33] Fourier's success to date and plans for commercial rollout [37:12] The goals for Fourier's pilots in the US and India [40:16] Siva's learning curves in building an energy company [42:29] Potential for India to become a leader in hydrogen[44:21] The name behind Fourier [45:34] Fourier's current capital and hiring needsEpisode recorded on July 25, 2024 (Published on Aug 1, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Max Jamilly, CEO and Co-founder at Hoxton Farms. And today, we're talking about fat. Hoxton Farms, a London-based startup, grows and sells animal fats without animals. They aspire to be an ingredients provider; cultivating fats via bioreactors and selling cruelty-free and sustainable fats to other food brands, starting with meat alternatives. It's been a challenging time for the alt-meat space, and we were eager to hear how Max feels the industry will develop and the role Hoxton Farms can play therein. He's also got a vision for how Hoxton Farms can expand beyond that initial market over time. Hoxton raised a series A led by Fine Structure Ventures and Collaborative Fund in late 2022, in which MCJ is proud to have participated. So grab a plate and let's dig in.In this episode, we cover: [1:37] Intro to Hoxton Farms[2:36] Founders' background: Max Jamilly and Ed Steele[5:51] Meat alternative industry: Challenges and opportunities[9:00] Expansion potential beyond meat alternatives[12:56] Cost parity with traditional animal fats[17:08] Scalability, production, and commercialization plan[18:51] Consumer appetite for meat alternatives[24:49] Regulatory environment and labeling requirements[32:56] Hoxton Farms' pork fat cultivation process[34:48] Potential for genetic engineering in cultivation[40:18] Overview of Hoxton's facility[42:48] Capitalization and financing history[46:13] Importance of branding and merchandise[47:21] Hoxton Farms is hiring!Episode recorded on June 26, 2024 (Published on July 18, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Julia Reichlstein is the CEO and Co-founder at Vaulted Deep, a carbon removal company that injects carbon-rich waste slurries deep underground into permanent geologic storage. They've come onto the scene quite fast recently securing just north of a $58 million order from Frontier to sequester over 152,000 tons of carbon between now and 2027, which is Frontier's largest commitment yet. They're one of 20 finalist teams still in the mix for the $100 million Carbon Removal Xprize, and one of 24 semi-finalists of the DOE's Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Pilot Prize. Try saying that three times fast.They also recently announced an $8 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital with participation from Earthshot, Woven Earth, Collaborative Fund and others. We got to know Julia and her co-founder Omar Abou-Sayed as they set up Vaulted as a spin-out of Omar's waste disposal company, Advantek. Vaulted is a complex set of operations based on a relatively simple construct: Humans have been sucking geologically stored carbon in the form of oil out of the ground for 150 years now. What if we could put it back? In this episode, we cover: Backgrounds of Vaulted's co-founders and the company's mission How Vaulted turns organic waste into carbon storage Julia's shift from venture capital to carbon removal Advantek's history and technological contribution to Vaulted Technical details of Vaulted's sequestration wells Types of wells used in Vaulted's process Community and environmental benefits Vaulted's business model and financial sustainability The rigorous process for selecting and processing waste for carbon removal Comparison of carbon removal strategies and Vaulted's unique approach Financial and ecological benefits of Vaulted's methodology Hutchinson Kansas facility's role and historical significance Vaulted's partnership with Frontier for carbon removal Vaulted's participation in the $100 million Carbon Removal Xprize competitionPotential global health impact of Vaulted's technology Open roles and opportunities at Vaulted for furthering its missionEpisode recorded on Jun 17, 2024 (Published on Jul 11, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

In the third of Gather's three-part start-up series with Gather Collective Member Old Tom Ventures, we welcome Adeel Yang, Co-Founder of Dryvebox.Learn about the journey so far including how Dryvebox recently took the decision to launch its franchise model; it has rapidly scaled from its first franchise to eleven across America.Randi Zuckerberg was an early investor in Dryvebox. Dryvebox also has a wide range of collaborations with the likes of Lululemon, Cobra Puma, Michelob Ultra, Topgolf, Malbon, Topgolf, Barstool, LAGC, Lexus, and PGA Hope.Adeel has other startup experience and understands the investor landscape; the pros and cons of partnership deals. Couple this with the experiences of Evan Roosevelt from Old Tom Ventures and you have a fascinating conversation packed full of helpful insights and advice.Key discussion areas to listen out for:3:18 mins. The Fairgame product journey so far – why did Eric see an opportunity to leverage human centric design, a simple user experience, and pair it with a beautiful brand?3:00 mins. What did Old Tom Ventures see in Dryvebox and their Founding team that prompted them to consider investing?7:50 mins. What's the backstory of Dryvebox and how did Adeel jump from being a doctor over into starting a mobile golf simulator company?12:00 mins. Many businesses start from a Founder's need to “scratch their own itch.” How powerful a motivation is this if you are starting a company? Is growing a new company as simple as this?15:00 mins. The value of co-founders. Is it important to seek other people to help build a new business?22:40 mins. What has surprised Adeel the most about coming from outside the golf industry and building a business within golf?26:03 mins. Which market currently demands Dryvebox the most: existing golfers, or people new to golf?28:11 mins. Is it less desirable for investors to invest in a company run by a single person rather than investing in a team?31:17 mins. How much of the early-stage decision making at Dryvebox was done through data and insights vs gut instinct?33:20 mins. Does Adeel feel part of the golf industry? Or does Dryvebox feel like an external business with a product partnering with golf industry businesses? 35:30 mins. Was it critical for Dryvebox to start discussing potential partnerships in the business's early stages?39:52 mins. “Staying Switzerland.” What is the no.1 learning that Dryvebox took from their first few years in the golf industry?42:18 mins. “Let other people do what they do best.” What is the no.2 learning that Dryvebox took from their first few years in the golf industry?43:48 mins. Company Mission and Values – do they matter more to the next generation of customers?51:02 mins. Was the decision to go the franchise route the biggest pivot for Dryvebox so far? What has Dryvebox learned from this?58:14 mins. How can you help Dryvebox? Want to discuss potential collaborations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mish Thadani is the CEO and Co-founder of Rhizome. Rhizome helps utilities plan for resilience. It's an AI-powered software platform that helps electric utilities identify vulnerabilities from climate threats to quantify risk and to measure the economic and social benefits of grid enhancing investments. In our discussion, we delve into how utilities address vulnerabilities arising from extreme weather and other climate change impacts. We also explore how they balance preventive investments to avoid disaster-related outages with strategies to rapidly recover after incidents. In this episode, we cover: [2:42] Exploring the definition of resilience[6:26] Vulnerabilities of utilities to climate and weather extremes[10:02] Data-driven balancing of utility investments[14:15] Enhancing decision-making in utilities with Rhizome's software[16:43] Comparing physical asset and capacity risks[18:07] Reconductor technology as a resilience strategy[22:53] Regulatory challenges in resilience investments[25:50] The impact of proactive resilience investments[29:42] Inside look at Rhizome's software platform[33:35] Rhizome's market strategy and achievements[36:07] Federal initiatives on resilience: expectations and realities[39:53] AI in resilience: challenges and opportunities[42:34] Where Rhizome needs helpEpisode recorded on May 23, 2024 (Published on June 27, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Dr. Seonghoon Woo is CEO and co-founder at Amogy. Amogy is building technology to unlock ammonia's potential as a clean energy fuel source for transportation and beyond. About a year ago, they raised a Series B of funding led by SK Innovations, with backers including Temasek, Aramco Ventures, Mitsubishi, DCVC, Amazon Climate Pledge Fund, Mitsui OSK Lines, and others.Ammonia is a workhorse chemical in modern society. It's one of the most produced chemicals in the world today, and it's used primarily as the foundation of the nitrogen fertilizer industry, as a transport vessel for nitrogen. Chemically, ammonia is NH3, so in addition to nitrogen, it contains hydrogen. And hydrogen as we know has a strong potential as a low to zero emissions fuel source, depending on how it's produced.But hydrogen is challenging to transport. Ammonia, therefore, also has the potential to be a transport vessel for hydrogen as a power source, and ammonia supply chains are already mature today. Amogy's unique innovation lies in cracking ammonia into hydrogen at the point of power generation and then powering vehicles via hydrogen fuel cells. They are targeting ocean shipping as most major companies seek solutions to decarbonize their supply chains.  In this episode, we cover: [02:21]: Dr. Woo's background and journey to founding Amogy[05:16]: Co-founder roles and decision-making at Amogy[07:16]: The company's impressive Series B funding round and key investors[09:45]: Overview of Amogy and its technology: converting ammonia to energy[11:14]: Importance of ammonia in global food production and fertilizer[15:07]: Ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and its applications beyond fertilizer[17:03]: Ammonia production processes, challenges of transportation and storage[19:47]: Amogy's innovation to use ammonia as a fuel without combustion[24:35]: Ammonia compared with other renewable fuels like methanol and batteries[29:21]: Process and efficiency of converting ammonia to hydrogen on ships[31:32]: Safety considerations for storing and transporting ammonia on ships[34:40]: Amogy's current traction and building the world's first 100% ammonia-powered vessel, a tugboat[38:57]: Where Amogy is looking for help today[42:07]: Future expansion of ammonia adoption in East Asia and globallyEpisode recorded on May 9, 2024 (Published on May 23, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

“We are striving to create an experience so engaging that golfers will never want to leave the game.” (Fairgame)In the second of a three-part series looking at golf's startup ecosystem, we welcome back Gather Collective Member Old Tom Ventures and their guest Fairgame to talk about their journey so far.If you read Golf.com, you may enjoy learning that one of Fairgame's co-founders, Eric Mayville, built Golf.com's publishing site that provides content to 10 million subscribers. At that time, Eric was a co-founder of Wondersauce, a global agency that now has 130 staff in five international offices.One of Eric's other Fairgame co-founders will be familiar to any watch collectors out there. Ben Clymer is the Executive Chairman and Founder of Hodinkee. He's regarded as one of the leading voices in the watch industry, and brings that experience to golf.“Golf today reminds me of where watches were 15 years ago.” (Ben Clymer, Co-Founder, Fairgame)The third co-founder of Fairgame is reasonably well known in the golf industry. Despite his day job–being one the most famous international golfers on the planet–Adam Scott plays an active role in both the development of the Fairgame product and the promotion of the brand. In fact, the app Fairgame launched for golfers is helping Adam solve his own problem of staying in touch with golfing friends around the globe.Old Tom Ventures is one of Fairgame's first investors. They join Eric and Ben in this discussion to explain what they saw in Fairgame that prompted their investment decision.Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Law is the CEO and co-founder of Urban Machine. Urban Machine develops robotics and AI to reclaim lumber from construction and demolition for re-use. They claim that 37 million tons of wood goes into landfills annually, and much of that wood could be reused. Their robotic machines specialize in the necessary steps to prep wood for reconditioning. In 2022, Urban Machine successfully secured a seed funding round, spearheaded by Lower Carbon Capital and supported by GV (Google Ventures).With a career rooted in the construction and contracting industry, Eric has extensive experience in large construction projects and has been involved in creating and selling software targeted at this sector. We start our conversation with an overview of the construction industry, highlighting the main players, their challenges, including considerations around emissions and sustainability. The discussion touches on challenges Urban Machine aims to address, the innovative technology they employ, and their aspirations for the future.In this episode, we cover: [3:08] Overview of the construction industry and its challenges, including labor shortages and sustainability concerns[5:52] Key stakeholders in construction[13:41] Urban Machine's mission to reclaim lumber from construction and demolition for reuse[17:91] The importance of deconstruction in reducing wood waste[19:30] Urban Machine's tech and processes for preparing wood for reconditioning[21:38] Benefits of using reclaimed lumber in construction projects[23:58] Economic considerations of using reclaimed lumber and competing with virgin lumber prices[26:19] Urban Machine's progress to-date, funding and future vision [30:00] Eric Law's motivation for starting the company and its positive reception from the industryEpisode recorded on Mar 14, 2024 (Published on Mar 28, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Dan Yates is the CEO and Chairman of Dandelion Energy, a Series B Stage startup deploying solutions for residential geothermal energy. As Dan explains it, residential geothermal distinguishes itself from utility-scale geothermal by not aiming to exploit a scarce, underground heat source for electricity generation through turbines. Instead, the process involves circulating an aqueous solution through a closed loop underground. This allows the system to harness the stable temperature of the soil beneath and employ it for both heating and cooling functions in a residential ground source heat pump. Essentially, residential geothermal aligns with the trajectory of residential HVAC heat pump adoption, serving as a means to maintain a dependable and efficient temperature for optimal heat pump performance.Dan is a repeat guest on My Climate Journey. He joined Jason way back on Episode 7 to recount his journey as the Co-founder and the CEO of Opower. Dandelion's Co-founder, Kathy Hannun, was also on the pod way back on Episode 35. A lot has changed in that time. In today's conversation, we touch a bit on Dan's Opower journey, but most of the time is spent on Dandelion and geothermal. We also cover Dandelion's current geographic focus areas, the technologies it has developed, how they operate the company, the business model, the recent tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and other legislation that have benefited the company, and so much more.In this episode, we cover: Dandelion's mission to bring residential geothermal to scaleDan's experience at Opower and its thesis Difference between residential geothermal and utility-scale How residential geothermal works and its benefitsDandelion's closed-loop solution Geographic focus areas of Dandelion Energy The company's heat pump technology Recent tax incentives for geothermal energyAn overview of Dandelion's operations The company's business model and funding to date Dandelion's biggest challenges and barriers to growthEstimated cost breakdown for homeowners looking to switch to geothermal with DandelionCareer opportunities with Dandelion and how folks can spread the word about geothermalEpisode recorded on Jan 18, 2024 (Published on Feb 15, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

In the first of a three-part video podcast series with Gather Collective Member Old Tom Ventures, we look at an emerging trend within the golf industry – a rise in startups.Many founders and a number of investors have joined the Gather community, leading to interesting conversations about the investment opportunities that golf offers.Previously, golf was seen as a trophy asset in the portfolio of many investors, rather than a commercial opportunity. Now, given the landscape of golf, we are seeing new stakeholders enter the investment space. One of which is Gather Collective Member, Old Tom Ventures.Old Tom Ventures sees emerging golf companies as future market leaders. Through their fund, Old Tom Ventures invests in promising startups, guiding them through key growth stages. Old Tom Ventures expects these firms to add billions of dollars in golf market revenue in the next decade. By backing early-stage startups and acting as a syndicate, Old Tom Ventures offers vital support beyond just financial investment.Evan Roosevelt and Matt Erley from Old Tom Ventures have knowledge across various aspects of the golf industry. So, we wanted to bring you deeper insights from their unique viewpoint.Here are some key highlights to listen out for:4:00 mins. What is Old Tom Ventures doing for the golf industry and for investors? What are the signals that golf startups are “having a moment?”6.55 mins. Why is there opportunity for new founders in golf right now?10.35 mins. “I have an idea! How can I talk with potential investors and get good advice?”15.56 mins. Why is there an opportunity for investors to invest in golf right now?23.34 mins. How is Old Tom Ventures navigating investment opportunities? If you are a founder, should you try to raise investment? When should you reach out to Old Tom Ventures?29.30 mins. What are some big pitfalls that golf startups fall into?33.42 mins. Not every business is going to be venture scalable. Here's why that is not a bad thing.35.16 mins. “I want to be a golf startup entrepreneur, where should I start?” 37.14 mins. Incubators and accelerators: do they exist in golf and would they be beneficial for our industry?43.35 mins. What's one big advantage you have if you are trying to start a company in golf, compared to other sports?46.45 mins. What are the cheat codes for building a business in golf?48.42 mins. What is the spirit animal of the startup founder?49.50 mins. Put in place contingencies along the way to help you qualify your business idea.52.39 mins. Please send us your questions for Episode #2 in the Startup Series with Old Tom Ventures54.15 mins. INVITATION FOR ACCREDITED INVESTORS: How to reach out to Old Tom Ventures and discuss some of the best opportunities.Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prakash Govindan is COO and Co-founder at Gradiant. Gradiant is a Series D stage company that develops technology for industrial wastewater treatment. They work with Fortune 500 clients across a range of industries, including semiconductor fabrication, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, and more, to help them reuse water in their operations.Prakash discusses his background, experiences with water scarcity during his childhood in India, how he met his co-founder during his doctoral work at MIT, how the company started, and the problem of industrial wastewater today. Cody and Prakash talk about some of the different industries and use cases that Gradiant serves, a bit about how their technology works, and how their business model is structured.As Prakash says in the conversation, water is one of the primary interfaces through which the world will experience climate change, whether through drought or flood. The more we can do to manage our water supply, the better off we will be. In this episode, we cover: [02:35]: Prakash's early experiences with water scarcity in India[04:09]: Gradiant becoming the water industry's only unicorn[10:21]: How climate change primarily impacts society through water[11:52]: Gradiant's role in closing the loop on industrial wastewater[18:25]: The challenges of industrial vs. municipal wastewater treatment[22:22]: Gradiant's bespoke water treatment solutions for the pharmaceutical industry[26:17]: The company's involvement in direct lithium extraction and production processes[30:52]: The importance of seawater desalination and minimizing brine discharge[38:03]: How Gradiant collaborates with semiconductor clients under the CHIPS Act[41:50]: Gradiant's approach to extracting valuable byproducts from waste[45:06]: Early funding for Gradiant from high net-worth individuals and family offices[46:01]: Gradiant's revenue and backlog growth, anticipating future financial milestones[48:38]: The story behind the company name, Gradiant with an “A” instead of an “E”Episode recorded on Jan 5, 2024 (Published on Feb 8, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Sarah Lamaison is the CEO and Co-founder of Dioxycle. Dioxycle is developing technology to produce sustainable ethylene from recycled carbon emissions. Ethylene is the world's most used organic chemical and it's a precursor to many everyday products including construction materials, plastics, and textile fibers. Indeed, it's a core feedstock for polyester.Ethylene is also an enormous market at well over $100 billion. We were excited to learn from Sarah about Dioxycle as an example of a startup leveraging electrolysis to convert electricity, water, and carbon emissions into low carbon chemicals. Dioxycle announced a Series A of financing earlier this year with investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale. In this episode, we cover: [02:00]: An overview of Dioxycle[04:37]: Sarah's background in CO2 electrolysis[06:41]: Ethylene's role in everyday products, including polyester fabrics [11:02]: Dioxycle's novel carbon electrolysis technology for converting emissions into ethylene[17:53]: The challenge of decarbonizing ethylene's embedded emissions[23:14]: Dioxycle's goal of cost-competitive production below fossil prices[25:24]: Current trends and challenges in sustainable ethylene production[28:26]: The need for renewable power sources for Dioxycle's electrolysis process[30:19]: Dioxycle's focus on deploying an industrial pilot and team expansion[33:49]: Key global centers for ethylene production[34:36]: Dioxycle's vision as a trusted tech provider in emissions recyclingEpisode recorded on Dec 14, 2023 (Published on Jan 25, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

Eloa Guillotin is the Co-founder and CEO of Beyond Aero.The topic of aviation emissions is complex. Flying is in many ways a crucial part of our global society, and although COVID lockdowns temporarily reduced frequent flying, the reliance on air travel in modern society is indisputable. Aviation accounts for over 2% of global emissions. Lithium-ion batteries are heavy, which doesn't really pair well with flight. Sustainable aviation fuel is one potential solution and has promise as a drop in replacement for kerosene. But what about hydrogen? Beyond Aero, under Eloa's leadership, is exploring hydrogen as a fuel source for small business or private jets. This episode dives into the potential of hydrogen for this aircraft category, France's commitment to hydrogen aviation, how Beyond Aero has designed its solution and how Eloa sees the market evolving.In this episode, we cover: [03:48]: Beyond Aero's hydrogen-based electric aviation mission[04:51]: Designing an aircraft from the ground up[06:28]: Hydrogen as an energy vector in aviation[07:47]: Hydrogen tanks' weight and efficiency vs. jet fuel[09:47]: Beyond Aero's design focus on fuel cell, not combustion[10:48]: Market potential of a thousand-mile range hydrogen aircraft[12:27]: Complexities of aircraft compressor systems in hydrogen-powered planes[15:21]: Cooling system challenges for hydrogen-powered aircraft[18:02]: Comparing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage in commercial aviation to Airbus's hydrogen initiatives[20:54]: France's role in advancing hydrogen-powered aviation[23:33]: French government investment in low carbon aircraft and startups[25:04]: Role of pink hydrogen (from nuclear energy) in France's aviation strategy[29:24]: Future flight behaviors and electric aircraft's environmental impact[31:36]: Environmental concerns and potential of hydrogen in private jets[33:21]: Shift in business jet market towards hydrogen[35:45]: Certification timeline for hydrogen-powered aircraft[38:19]: Differentiating hydrogen-powered from battery-powered aircraft[41:17]: Eloa's journey to founding Beyond Aero[49:10]: Beyond Aero's next steps and long-term vision in electric aviationEpisode recorded on Dec 13, 2023  (Published on Jan 18, 2024) Get connected with MCJ: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInYin Lu X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a review! You can also reach us via email at content@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.

The late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was known was for his eccentric personality and his utmost belief in Titan. #karthikreddy #CaratLane #TATA

Julie Willoughby serves as the Chief Commercialization Officer at Circ, and in this episode, we are talking about fast fashion, the clothing industry, and Circ's role in bringing circularity to the world of polyester and cotton. According to statistics from The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of a garbage truckload of clothes is burned or buried in a landfill every second, and clothing production in the world has doubled in the last 15 years, with each garment being used only half as much as before.Our conversation with Julie explores the environmental challenges posed by polyester and cotton, including the contribution of polyester laundering to ocean microplastics and the significant water consumption of cotton cultivation and textile dying. Julie, a chemical engineer, shares her journey from academia and Nike to joining Circ, emphasizing the urgent need for change in the fashion industry.Circ, a post-series B company, employs innovative technology to transform textile waste into recycled thread. Notable investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Patagonia's Tin Shed Ventures, and Inditex, the parent company of Zara. The conversation concludes with an examination of the fashion industry's progress toward sustainability, questioning whether mainstream practices are transitioning actively or if circularity and sustainability remain primarily in the realm of research and development.  In this episode, we cover: Julie's background in chemical engineering Her return to academia at NC StateJulie's experience at Nike and transition to CircSocietal and environmental impacts of fast fashion Circ's process of recycling (upcycling) polyester and cottonThe rising market demand for recycled materials and reasons for this shift Circ's investors and partnershipsThe tipping point for sustainability in the fashion industryWhy customer experiences and stories are critical Resources mentioned: Walmart sustainability scorecardGet connected: Julie Willoughby LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 23, 2023 (Published on Nov 30, 2023)

In this episode, Sandeep Nijhawan and Quoc Pham, founders of the startup Electra, talk to Cody about tackling the complex issue of steel decarbonization. Steel production is a formidable contributor to global emissions, accounting for nearly four gigatons annually, equivalent to approximately 8-10% of total global emissions. To put it in perspective, if steel were its own country, its annual emissions would rank third globally, following only China and the USA.The conversation dives into the intricacies of current steel production, shedding light on how the US approach differs from much of the world. The US has a head start on the path toward steel decarbonization, featuring fewer coal-based blast furnaces and substantial installed electric arc furnace capacity. The episode also explores various pathways for steel decarbonization, including point-source carbon capture and hydrogen utilization, and introduces Electra's pioneering electrochemistry method. Electra announced an $85 million funding round in Q4 2022, with participation from renowned climate tech investors and industry leaders, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon, and many more. Sandeep and Quoc are tackling one of the hardest problems in climate change head on. Time will tell if it works, but they certainly aren't shying away from the challenge.In this episode, we cover: [03:44]: Sandeep's background[08:01]: Quoc's background[15:38]: Overview of steel production and emissions[22:20]: Overview of supply chain and integrated steelworks concept[25:09]: Why the US is a leader in low carbon intensity steelmaking[30:50]: Contrasting McKinsey's roadmap with Electra's approach  [34:22]: Environmental and safety risks of traditional iron tailings[37:10]: Electra's unique approach to the steel decarbonization problem[44:24]: How low-cost renewable electricity is crucial for Electra's solution [46:26]: Challenges in electrifying ironmaking vs. copper and zinc[48:39]: Hydrometallurgy for iron ore dissolution to minimize waste and extract value[49:05]: Core principles: decarbonization, sustainability, and circularity[55:59]: Electra's go-to-market strategy and commercial vision[58:42]: The company's capital stack evolution and local project financing[01:02:51]: The importance of collaboration in this space[01:04:41]: Invitation for listeners to join Electra's teamGet connected: Sandeep Nijhawan  LinkedInQuoc Pham LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 12, 2023 (Published on Sep 28, 2023)

Startups Building for Health is a new series supported by Rainmatter Health! In this series, we are having conversations with startups and their founders reimagining the business of health, fitness, sports & nutrition. We explore what these entrepreneurs are building and why it's important. In the third episode, I have Sudeep Kulkarni, the founder of Game theory, joining me. More about them at https://www.gametheory.in Sudeep is on a mission to make sports accessible across cities throughout the day. We discussed the scope of the business, the motivation, competition, and collaboration that's going to build his dream, of solving the sports accessibility and pushing Indians to stay active. Listen to the episode to get the insights shared by Sudeep. Hope you enjoy the episode. Listen to the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/YjTpuPxzpvg Spotify: https://spotify.link/2JpGO4Q5oDb Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-other-side-with-dilip/id1659991514?i=1000629077811 ____________________________________ My name is Dilip and I'm your host. You can connect with me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmr_dilip Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilipevs My blog: https://www.dilipkumar.co

Josh Silverman is the CEO and founder of Windfall Bio, which transforms methane into nitrogen-rich organic soil nutrients using naturally occurring methane-eating microbes. With a strong background in biotechnology, Josh has founded multiple successful ventures in the field, raising over $300 million in equity financing and generating a cumulative exit value exceeding $1.7 billion.After co-founding Calysta, a cellular agriculture company that converts methane into sources of protein for livestock and other food ingredients, Josh turned his attention to other ways to tackle the problem of atmospheric methane, which led him to start Windfall. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) gets the bulk of attention in the greenhouse gas removal space, but methane is responsible for a significant portion of the planetary warming that we are experiencing. Methane is up to 80 times more potent than CO2 from a heat-trapping perspective and is significantly more diffuse than CO2 in the atmosphere, making it challenging to capture or remove it once released. While there are growing sources of anthropogenic methane released via natural gas infrastructure, livestock, rice cultivation, as well as landfills and waste processing, there are also significant naturally occurring pockets of methane released in the oceans and arctic tundra, which are likely to only increase on a warming planet, a case study in feedback loops leading to climate change tipping points.Josh and Cody dive into the problem of methane, as well as Windfall's solution and how Josh has grown the business. They also cover Josh's background and experience in the space. The MCJ Collective Venture Fund is a proud investor in Windfall, and we're grateful to Leron Gidig at EDF for introducing us to Josh as part of EDF's Climate Tech Convening event in the fall of 2022.  In this episode, we cover: [03:41]: CO2 vs. methane attention and short-term impact[06:03]: Methane breakdown into CO2 over time[07:18]: Sources of methane: natural and human-created[09:16]: Challenges with methane release and feedback loops[11:49]: Diffuse methane release sources like rice farming[12:58]: Connections to biological CDR solutions[14:46]: Windfall's work with methane-eating microbes (MEMS)[18:24]: Energy value and economics of methane capture[20:36]: Windfall's digester use on farms for methane reduction and fertilizer production[25:18]: Potential for branding "Low Greenhouse Gas" ag products[26:37]: Market for methane removal[28:05]: Decrease in natural MEMS despite methane increase[30:53]: Josh's biotech background and methane work[34:20]: Windfall's branding and company status[35:27]: Where the company stands today, scaling, and low technology risk[37:01]: Windfall's patented natural MEMS[38:58]: Scaling MEMS for diffuse methane sources[41:27]: Following and connecting with WindfallGet connected: Josh Silverman LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Aug 8, 2023 (Published on Aug 17, 2023)

Dr. Steve Davis is the head of Climate Science at Watershed. Watershed is a leading provider of carbon accounting software. They help large companies such as Walmart, Airbnb, Sweet Green, BlackRock, and many others measure, report, and reduce their emissions. They announced a $70 million series B financing on a $1 billion valuation co-led by Sequoia and Kleiner Perkins in February 2022. And Steve joined Watershed shortly after that in July 2022.Steve spent the last decade as a professor in the Department of Earth System Science at the University of California Irvine. At Watershed, he works to help close the gap between science and business, ensuring that the pathways that Watershed offers to its customers are scientifically viable. He's also a contributor to the Energy Systems chapter of the most recent IPCC report and the lead author of the National Climate Assessment mitigation chapter.In this episode, Steve and Cody dive into his background, why he jumped into a startup from academia, what Watershed is and does, an overview of carbon accounting, the decisions Steve sees companies make around decarbonization priorities, and the advice he has for startups hiring their first climate scientist and vice versa. In this episode, we cover: [2:18] Steve's climate journey from law to science and climate [3:57] What makes the Rocky Mountains particularly unique (Steve's Ph.D. focus)[5:28] Steve's decision to transition to work on climate [7:13] His primary research focus at the University of California Irvine: international trade and its effects on emissions [10:22] Steve's transition to the private sector at Watershed [13:19] Challenging areas for decarbonization[15:10] The National Climate Assessment and Steve's work on it [17:28] An overview of Watershed and its mission[19:40] Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions [21:47] Reporting standards and requirements for company disclosures [24:32] Watershed's acquisition of Vital Metrics [26:02] The data challenge of Scope 3 emissions [27:50] Creating roadmaps for how companies can reduce emissions over time [29:17] The lowest-hanging fruit of direct decarbonization[31:56] Advice for companies considering emissions reductions and some examples including Sweet Green, Imperfect Foods, etc.[36:26] How data usage factors into a company's footprint[40:49] Opportunities for scientists to get involved in climate tech and solutionsGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInDr. Steve Davis Twitter / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on June 26, 2023 (published on July 13, 2023)

Anastasia Volkova is the CEO and Co-founder of Regrow, which was named Fast Company's number one most innovative company in agriculture in 2023. They empower the world's largest brands such as Kellogg's, Cargill and General Mills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chains. Their product began as a data and analytics offering to agronomists and farmers to help build a localized growing roadmap, identifying what crops to plant, what fertilizer and other inputs to use, how much of it to use, and an irrigation plan. By building this roadmap for growers, Regrow realized that it could then help food brands and processors have a much deeper knowledge of how the food they source is grown. Beyond expertise, Regrow's product helps companies proactively lower their supply chain emissions by incentivizing best practices across their grower network. In this conversation, Anastasia traces her journey from starting Regrow to the company it has become and discusses the agricultural practices that can make the biggest difference in emissions mitigation. The company raised a Series B of financing last year from Galvanized Climate Solutions among others, and is a leader in driving regenerative agriculture practice changes at scale.In this episode, we cover: [02:30]: Anastasia's personal climate journey[04:43]: Discovering the potential of satellite imagery for agriculture during her PhD[07:24]: Agronomists' crucial role as "crop doctors"[10:05]: Regrow's initial focus on providing agronomists with data[10:40]: How satellite imagery fits into Regrow's software[13:10]: Regrow's product evolution[15:38]: Lack of visibility as the main challenge in understanding the agri-food supply chain[17:08]: Deep dive into the nuances of Regrow's product[19:30] Regrow's business model: Brands paying farmers for emission reductions[23:48]: The agri-food industry's significant contribution (31%) to global emissions[26:52]: Key emissions factors on farms, including machinery and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers[32:08]: Topsoil degradation and the regenerative agriculture movement[39:04]: Challenges with creating a carbon credit methodology around soil organic carbon[43:41]: Systemic challenges to scaling regenerative agriculture[45:09]: The need for financing the transition to regenerative practices[47:09]: Predictions for upcoming farm bills[48:04]: What's next for Regrow[49:34]: Who Anastasia wants to hear from and career opportunities at RegrowResources mentioned:Kiss the Ground DocumentaryGet connected: Anastasia Volkova LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Jun 15, 2023 (aired Jun 28, 2023)

The Breakdown is off for a few days this week, but over on Bitcoin Builders things are hot with the Summer Startup Series. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week, NLW is profiling a different startup from the first In Wolf's Clothing Cohort, including a bitcoin-powered gaming tournament company, a popular and scaling lightning wallet, and an exchange app seeking to bring Bitcoin values to Bitcoin trading.  Check out Bitcoin Builders: https://pod.link/1680067216 Learn more about The Breakdown Network: https://breakdown.network/    

This week, Bitcoin Builders presents its Summer Startup Series, profiling companies from the first accelerator cohort from In Wolf's Clothing https://wolfnyc.com/ Today on the second episode of the Summer Startup Series, NLW interviews Philipp Hoenisch from 10101, an app that promises bitcoin trading without counterparty risk. 10101 was part of In Wolf's Clothing's first startup cohort.  Check out 10101: https://10101.finance/ Follow Philipp on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bonomat Thanks to our sponsor: In Wolf's Clothing // Wolf is the first startup accelerator focused exclusively on Bitcoin and Lightning // Learn more at wolfnyc.com  Bitcoin Builders is produced and hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore. Lead researcher is Scott Hill. Edited by Kyle Barbour-Hoffman. Images by Midjourney. Theme music is "Everybody Dance" by True Ripper, licensed via Track Club. Ad music is "Easy's First Tiger" by Bossfight  

This week, Bitcoin Builders presents its Summer Startup Series, profiling companies from the first accelerator cohort from In Wolf's Clothing https://wolfnyc.com/ Today we're talking with Neil Woodfine, CEO of Dustup, a new Bitcoin-powered platform that helps battle royale tournament organizers. We talk about what Neil has learned over more than a half decade building Bitcoin startups and why Bitcoin is the perfect currency for global gaming.  Check out Dustup: https://www.dustup.gg/ Follow Neil on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nwoodfine Thanks to our sponsor: In Wolf's Clothing // Wolf is the first startup accelerator focused exclusively on Bitcoin and Lightning // Learn more at wolfnyc.com  Bitcoin Builders is produced and hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore. Lead researcher is Scott Hill. Edited by Kyle Barbour-Hoffman. Images by Midjourney. Theme music is "Everybody Dance" by True Ripper, licensed via Track Club. Ad music is "Easy's First Tiger" by Bossfight  

John O'Donnell is the Co-founder and CEO of Rondo Energy. Rondo is tackling the massive emissions problem of industrial heat. Almost everything around us requires heat to be made, from chemicals, to paper, to cement, to steel, and historically, nearly all of that heat comes from burning fossil fuels. Renewable energy is now becoming cheaper to procure than fossil fuels, but as we know, it's intermittent, and a factory needs access to heat for its processes when it needs it. So how do we harness the fluctuating availability of renewable power and let industry turn it into a reliable and extremely high temperature heat as needed?John believes that figuring this out is the opportunity of a lifetime and one of the biggest levers to unlock decarbonizing our economy. The Rondo heat battery, in simplest terms, takes electricity and turns it into heat via an electric heating element, like those found in a toaster, and then circulates that heat across a condensed package of bricks that can currently achieve heat of up to 1500 degrees Celsius and store it at high efficiency for extremely long periods of time.It's a surprisingly low-tech sounding approach for a very complex problem. In this episode, John discusses the problems of industrial heat, how industry has historically solved them, some emerging technologies competing to decarbonize heat, and how Rondo works. We also talk about how project financing is evolving to consider not just the power generation capabilities of a renewable energy project, but how an end-to-end system such as renewable energy plus heat or storage can change costs for an industrial heat and power consumer. In this episode, we cover: [03:13]: John's background in computer science, building companies, and working in the solar thermal space[06:08]: Introduction to global industrial heat needs[08:17]: Why it's challenging to harness renewable energy for industrial heat[11:30]: Why using electricity off the grid isn't feasible[13:05]: Falling cost of renewables and policies driving decarbonization of industrial heat[14:58] Carbon capture and the concept of a “green premium”[17:12]: The new class of electric thermal energy storage technologies[19:14]: Pros and cons of alternative energy storage options[24:09]: Overview of Rondo's tech[37:26]: How Rondo can convert stored heat back to electricity for grid supply[39:03]: How John sees the evolution of Rondo[43:11]: Rondo's projects in operation today[45:24]: Partnering with manufacturers and exploring zero-emission cement manufacturing[51:32]: The size and makeup of Rondo's products[53:53]: How the project financing space has evolved[59:12]: John's closing thoughts and opportunities in the spaceGet connected: John O'Donnell LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on May 24, 2023

Kate Henningsen is Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Arcadia. Arcadia is a tech company empowering energy innovators and consumers to fight the climate crisis. Arcadia started as a way for consumers to gain access to premium renewable energy credits for their home energy consumption. They now claim to be the leading manager of community solar projects in the United States. They've expanded on that with the launch of the ARC platform in late 2021 and the acquisition of Urjanet in the spring of 2022, which together allow Arcadia to offer developer API access to data from over 10,000 utilities globally across electric, water, gas, and waste.Kate has scaled the business to hundreds of global employees, significant revenue, and hundreds of millions of dollars in capital raised. We talk about how she's managed her own transition from startup to scale and the advice she often gives to women looking to work in climate tech. We're thrilled to be multiple time investors in Arcadia via our MCJ Collective Venture funds. To us, they represent one of the standout success stories in terms of being a high growth digital company that's driving real impact on decarbonization.In this episode, we cover: [01:55]: Kate's background[05:08]: Arcadia's beginnings: Premium RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates)[07:48]: Arcadia's billing relationship with customers[09:41]: Arcadia's first core proposition: Matching everyone who wants it with clean energy[10:55]: Becoming the largest manager of community solar projects in the US[12:22]: Building relationships with utilities[14:40]: The popularity of community solar projects[16:46]: How the energy market has evolved in the last five years[18:34]: Sign-up process for community solar[23:00]: The savings benefits of community solar and its role in the market[26:16]: Origins and overview of the ARC platform and role of EV manufacturers[31:00]: Arcadia's acquisition of Urjanet[34:01]: How Kate manages as COO of two large businesses[36:47]: How to maneuver within the "monopoly system" of the energy market[39:31]: The need for humility and adaptability while scaling[41:12]: Kate's advice for women breaking into climate[45:42]: Advice for founders navigating today's market environment[49:33]: The future of Arcadia and how folks can get connectedGet connected: Kate HenningsenCody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on May 31, 2023

McGee Young is the founder and CEO of WattCarbon. WattCarbon knows the hour-by-hour carbon intensity of the grid for every building in the USA, and it helps identify the real-time carbon savings of distributed energy resources, such as heat pumps, rooftop solar, and storage in commercial buildings. This empowers project developers to sell these carbon savings as building decarbonization credits to companies and organizations with net-zero commitments, helping to accelerate the adoption of these more efficient technologies and speed up the decarbonization of the built environment.McGee started his career as an associate professor of political science at Marquette University, where he studied the history of political action groups in America. This led him to learn more about environmental movements. As part of his classes, he started having his students hack their way into political action by pulling publicly available data, making sense of it, and publishing their findings. This led McGee down an entrepreneurial journey that eventually saw him leave academia and go all in on a climate tech career. Rather than spoiling any more of his story, listen to hear it directly from McGee himself. In this episode, we cover: [2:22] McGee's background in academia [8:09] Early entrepreneurial pathways he explored with students [11:45] McGee's transition to starting MeterHero and its evolution to STEMHero[16:45] His time at Open Energy Efficiency and MRV learnings [20:09] The origins of WattCarbon [25:22] Challenges with how we think about carbon accounting today [26:42] An overview of WattCarbon's software solution [30:43] The process for companies using carbon credits as part of their toolkit [34:47] How WattCarbon works with new energy companies [42:04] The role of the IRA in accelerating local regulations[44:39] Tenant implications for building owners [46:34] WattCarbon's ideal customers [47:57] The company's status today [48:56] How listeners can get involved [49:52] McGee's takeaways from the recent Clean Energy Buyers Association SummitAdditional resources mentioned in this episode:Developing Interests: Organizational Change and the Politics of Advocacy by McGee YoungSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMcGee Young / WattCarbonMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on May 15, 2023

Brad Hartwig is CEO and founder of Arbor, and today's topic is BiCRS. No, not the people in black leather jackets cruising down the highway, but rather the acronym for the process of biomass carbon removal and storage, BiCRS. Arbor is developing a process that transforms organic waste from forest thinning to prevent wildfires. The company's process converts the carbon in the waste into stored CO2, while also producing clean energy and freshwater as byproducts. Specifically, Arbor's process runs wood waste through a light thermal treatment known as torrefaction, which is somewhat akin to roasting coffee beans. They take this torrefied biomass and gasify it into syngas and then combust it with pure oxygen to produce clean water and high purity CO2, which they then run through a highly dense turbine to create carbon negative electricity while injecting the CO2 into permanent sequestration.The plants that they will build to operate this process end to end will be significantly smaller than existing biomass energy facilities. And Arbor has an audacious vision to own and operate these carbon capture plants in a distributed nature near carbon injection wells and sequestration facilities, selling the excess power that they generate back to the grid or to the facilities themselves. We start the conversation going into Brad's inspiring background, which includes time as a rocket engineer at SpaceX and nearly a decade on the USA National Swim Team, while also volunteering for Marin County Search and Rescue and the California Air National Guard. We cover how he surveyed the entire carbon dioxide removal space before landing on the idea for BiCRS and how his aerospace background seemed particularly well suited for Arbor's specific approach.In this episode, we cover: [2:51] The movement of talent from the aerospace industry into climate [6:28] Brad's volunteer work with the California Air National Guard Rescue Operations and Marin County Search and Rescue[8:37] His personal background in aerospace and work at SpaceX[15:24] The importance of meaningful service work [19:57] Brad's motivations for getting into the carbon removal space and the thesis for Arbor[25:21] Differences between BiCRS and BECCS[27:47] How and where Arbor sources materials[31:49] Arbor's process for transitioning forest materials into biocarbon[35:07] An overview of torrefaction [40:37] The "trilemma" of biomass, CO2 storage, and load demand[43:38] How the company plans to scale based on organic waste feedstock availability[45:38] Arbor's integrated carbon sequestration and power generation business model[50:49] The carbon capture side of the business [51:38] Funding to date and plans for Arbor's future capital [54:27] The challenges of processing biomass[56:52] Who Arbor wants to hear fromGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInBrad Hartwig / ArborMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on May 5, 2023

Henrik Langeland is the Co-founder and CEO at Enode. Enode is building digital infrastructure to enable a coordinated, smart, and flexible energy system. In particular, Enode's software API connects over 400 smart devices like EVs, solar panels, and thermostats, so that they can work together to help a home run as efficiently as possible, both within itself and as a node in a larger energy system. The idea of energy demand response relies on the ability of each node in an energy system to be as smart as possible. And Enode is this digital glue layer between them.Cody and Henrik spend time talking about his background and the electrification progress made in Norway, where Enode is headquartered. They also talk about the role of software, climate, and energy systems, plus what Enode is and how it works. Henrik compares Enode's role in energy systems to Plaid's role in the banking world, as a service solution that creates more efficiency for all and solves a common problem that all actors in the system would otherwise need to build themselves. We're happy to be multi-time investors in Enode via our MCJ Collective Venture funds and hope you enjoy hearing from Henrik about what they're building.In this episode, we cover: [2:54] Henrik's background and early interest in energy [7:04] EV adoption in Norway and the inspiration for Enode's software solution [12:05] Enode's role in connecting and integrating different energy devices [16:58] The company's product offering [18:14] Enode's consumers including OEMs, energy retailers, etc. [23:08] Henrik's perspective on how software can make a difference in climate [26:22] Risks of deregulation of the energy system (e.g. ERCOT)[27:17] How Enode uses AI [31:51] Henrik's predictions for energy interoperability and his company's role in itGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInHenrik Langeland / EnodeMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on May 4, 2023

Scott Case is the CEO and Co-Founder at Recurrent, which provides EV battery reports for used EVs, helping consumers and dealers understand the residual health of the battery in a prospective purchase. Think of them as a Carfax report for EVs.New EV sales have boomed since the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in 2018. A year later, roughly 1% of new sales in the US were EVs. And in 2022, that number had increased to over 5%. The used EV market therefore logically will follow a similar trajectory, with a 3-4 year delay. In this discussion, Scott points out that a car can only be sold new one time but can be sold used many times over. Most of us have no experience buying a used EV because there just hasn't been enough inventory.  As that changes, so too will our used car buying experience.  And when it comes to which factors to pay attention to, the battery's health rises to the top of the list.Scott and Cody have a great conversation about what impacts an EV battery's health, how Recurrent gets the data to make health assessments, how Scott sees the used EV market evolving, and even what make/model EV he drives. It's a jam-packed episode with information that's sure to be personally relevant to many of us in the coming months and years ahead. In this episode, we cover: [3:02] Scott's background and how he got started in the used EV market[9:25] How Recurrent came to be[13:51] The early days of figuring out the company's approach and business model[17:54] An overview of the used EV market[19:97] How to determine the quality of a used EV battery[20:24] Recurrent's solution and battery assessment process[24:49] Battery issues associated with EVs and environmental factors that influence performance[30:11] Battery quality and price discrimination for used EVs[32:48] Recent volatility and future market predictions[35:19] How Recurrent's business model is adjusting and its plans for growth[40:19] The dealer's role in EV sales[44:45] Recurrent's progress to date and what's aheadGet connected:Cody SimmsScott Case / RecurrentMCJ Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on April 21, 2023.

Today's guest is Jeff More, President and CEO of MineSense. MineSense provides real-time, sensor-based ore sorting and data analytics for mines. The company recently announced a $42 million Series E round led by JP Morgan's sustainable Growth Equity Group. MineSense technology platform includes a set of sensors that go into a shovel bucket, and at the moment of extraction, help identify the makeup of ore and rock with each new scoop. This helps mines reduce the amount of low-quality rock sent to milling and processing, which also helps mining operations use less power and water. Jeff and Cody dive into the state of mining today, MineSense's technology and how it's increasing efficiency. They also cover the company's business model, and the adoption curves of software in the mining industry generally. And lastly, they talk about how mining is changing and how sustainability and climate factor into purchasing decisions around innovation. We've had a number of conversations on the pod recently about the state of metal supply chains, metal recycling, and related topics. But this is an excellent primer for how mining works generally and how MineSense is helping to drive optimizations into processes that have been in place for decades.In this episode, we cover: Jeff's backgroundThe state of mining today and its challengesSite selection and permitting processThe logistics behind setting up a new mine and long-term planWhat happens to wasteEnvironmental impact of the mining processAn overview of MineSenseThe company's hardware and softwareMineSense's focus on copper and other base metalsThe company's value proposition of increased profits and sustainabilityMineSense's business modelJeff's predictions for the future of the mining industryAdvice for founders/CEOs as they navigate their go to marketMineSense's funding to date and how the business plans to capitalize moving forwardGet connected: Cody SimmsJeff More / MineSenseMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on March 20, 2023.

Today's guest is Trevor Best, CEO and Co-founder at Syzygy Plasmonics. Syzygy is rethinking how chemicals are produced and pioneering a new technology that energizes chemical reactions via light. Their photocatalyst technology came out of the lab at Rice University. Toward the end of 2022, the company announced a $76 million Series C financing led by Carbon Direct Capital and a number of significant strategies in the energy, oil and gas, and automotive sectors.During the episode, Trevor and Cody delve into various topics, including Trevor's background, traditional petrochemical methods of chemical production, and the fortuitous discovery that led him and his co-founder to commercialize their cutting-edge technology at Syzygy. The discussion also covers the various chemical pathways that Syzygy is currently pursuing, such as zero-emissions hydrogen, low-emissions hydrogen, syngas, and methanol.In this episode, we cover: [2:46] Trevor's background and Syzygy's origin story [7:37] The relationship between fossil fuels and the chemical industry [9:48] Other emerging alternatives in the space[11:39] Origins of Syzygy's photochemistry technology and its implications [20:59] Syzygy's decision to focus on hydrogen pathways [24:32] An overview of dry reforming [27:40] The company's business model [30:14] Sygyzy's scale-up progress and plans for the future[36:47] How Syzygy balances adding new capabilities to its reactors [42:09] Trevor's thoughts on the future and where Syzygy needs helpGet connected: Cody SimmsTrevor Best / SyzygyMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on March 6, 2023. 

Today's guest on the My Climate Journey Startup Series is Jack Morrison, Co-founder and CEO at Scythe. Scythe recently announced a $42M Series B round of financing led by Energy Impact Partners to grow and scale their product line of autonomous electric commercial lawnmowers. When discussing the need to electrify everything, we tend to focus on electric vehicles and home efficiency. But over the next 5-10 years most of us will be surprised by just how many things in our daily lives will move from loud, smelly, gasoline-powered engines to quiet, odorless electric motors. This podcast has featured electric solutions for pleasure craft boating, motorcycles, passenger buses, semi trucks, and even cargo shipping. And in most cases, the business models of the electric versions of these things are innovative in some way or another too.The Scythe team is pioneering a new usage-based model for their mowers and the company believes it offers a more sustainable way for landscaping companies to manage their cashflows and help their employees get the job done. In this episode, we cover: [2:00] Jack's background in programming and robots [4:00] His transition from 3D scanning to landscaping [6:48] Climate impact of the landscaping business and Scythe's role in helping curb the emissions footprint[11:03] Scythe's M.52 mower product [13:17] Why Scythe chose an electric and autonomous solution [18:16] The safety side of the company's tech[22:36] Impacts on landscapers' day to day [27:45] Technology barriers for incumbent mowing companies [30:18] Scythe's early traction, progress to date, and market shareGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInJack Morrison / ScytheMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on March 7, 2023.

Today's guest is Heidi Kujawa, founder and CEO at ByFusion. ByFusion is solving the global plastic waste crisis by turning unrecyclable plastics into building materials.Plastics are lightweight, durable, strong, low-cost, and built to last. Those qualities are fantastic in reducing the cost and weight of shipping and packaging items. And those qualities are equally terrible when it comes to waste. Not to mention, virgin plastics come from fossil fuels and are providing an increasing amount of the value of a barrel of oil. ByFusion is looking to take advantage of plastic's positives while obviating its negatives by turning waste plastic into durable building blocks.Heidi and Cody have a great conversation about her background, the different types of plastics, and what's recyclable and what's not (side note: we can all probably do better when it comes to recycling). They also talk about how ByFusion works with municipalities and waste management companies to source materials, what the company's ByBlocks look like, who is building with ByFusion and what they are building, the evolution of plastic waste credits (which are similar to carbon credits) and how Heidi is financing the company and its product development. This is a jam-packed episode and we hope you enjoy it! In this episode, we cover: [2:09] Heidi's background and how it fed her experience building ByFusion [4:31] How she decided to focus on plastic waste[6:58] An overview of ByFusion and the company's ByBlock product [9:44] Recyclable vs non-recyclable plastics [13:34] Different use cases for ByFusion's construction materials [17:14] ByFusion's municipalities customers, unit economics, and who's paying [21:36] The company's business model [23:51] The plastic diversion/credit market [25:43] ByFusion's upcoming projects [28:34] State and country-wide policies around plastic and their implications [30:50] The company's financing to date [34:37] Where ByFusion needs help todayGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInHeidi Kujawa / ByFusionMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on January 18, 2023

Today's guest is Megan O'Connor, CEO and Co-Founder of Nth Cycle. Nth Cycle uses a metals processing technology that allows battery manufacturers to convert lower-grade critical metals into EV-battery grade on-site. The company's approach obviates large portions of cumbersome and dirty metal supply chains for crucial EV battery metals like nickel. Megan claims that Nth Cycle's technology can be applied to existing batteries just as it can be to newly mined ore, thus accelerating circularity for the lithium-ion battery and battery recycling.One significant component of the Inflation Reduction Act is the formalization of US EV tax credits, and a qualification requirement that automakers must source at least 40% of their EV battery components - by value - in the United States or countries with which the US has a free trade agreement starting this year, with escalation to 100% by 2029.With this change in the backdrop, Megan and Cody have a great conversation about the state of EV battery metal supply chains and battery recycling today, how Megan started working on this problem in the first place, how Nth Cycle works, and what her plans are for the company. We have focused quite a bit recently on EV batteries and the underlying metals that power them on the podcast. If you want to learn more about the topic, check out past episodes with Simon Moores, Jigar Shah and Ajay Kochhar, and Impossible Metals. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:18] How a molecule of metal turns into a battery [7:18] The embodied carbon in an EV [10:03] Different refining mechanisms, their limitations and environmental justice concerns[17:55] The origin of Nth Cycle [23:21] How Megan gained the confidence to change her PhD and focus on battery metals[27:23] Megan's entrepreneurial journey as a grad student [29:36] An overview of Nth Cycle's solution [33:12] A description of the company's system [35:20] How the Inflation Reduction Act is changing the supply chain for nickel and where Nth Cycle fits in [37:35] How the technology can be applied to all critical metals [41:56] The company's capital history [43:40] Job opportunities with Nth Cycle [46:14] Megan's predictions for the futureGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMegan O'Connor / Nth CycleMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on January 23, 2023.

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today is Zach Gallant, Head of Maritime Operations at Fleetzero. Zach grew up in Maine and attended the Maine Maritime Academy after high school. He spent 15 years on board ships of all types and sizes. His career started on freighters carrying bulk cargo such as iron ore in the Great Lakes. Then Zach worked at Transocean, the world's largest offshore drilling contractor, for over a decade. He recently transitioned to Fleetzero, a startup building a fleet of electric ships to help address and reduce the carbon emissions from the shipping industry, which accounts for about 3% of total global emissions. As investors in Fleetzero via the MCJ Collective venture funds, we've also spoken to co-founders, Steven Hendersen and Mike Carter, in a previous Startup Series episode (listen here).  In this episode, we cover: [2:00] Zach's background and experience as a marine engineer[7:42] A career working on the deck side of ships vs the engineering side [11:13] Different types of maritime ships and propulsion systems [15:33] Zach's firsthand experience witnessing the impacts of climate change[18:41] The process of setting up an exploratory drill well [24:33] Zach's decision to transition out of oil and gas into a climate tech maritime company [27:51] Technological shifts in the maritime industry[30:05] Shortage of maritime workers and how to encourage more people to get involved[32:23] What keeps Zach optimistic Get connected: Yin Twitter / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on December 21, 2022. 

Today's guest is Harry Tannenbaum, Co-founder and President at Mill. Mill developed a household bin that not only collects uneaten food but also shrinks and deodorizes it. The company's solution aims to keep food in the system and prevent it from ending up in landfills or waste systems, which would otherwise generate significant emissions. Mill recently exited stealth and we're proud to be multi-time backers of the company through our MCJ Collective venture funds alongside other leading climate tech funds such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Lower Carbon Capital, Prelude Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, and John Doerr. In this episode, Cody and Harry delve into the issue of food waste and what inspired him to tackle it. They discuss the qualities of a successful consumer product and how Harry and his co-founder, Matt Rogers, applied the lessons they learned at Nest to their work at Mill. Additionally, they examine Mill's product and logistics framework, and the intersection between consumer behavior change and systems change. They also explore the network effect that Mill hopes to create between the two. Finally, the conversation covers the pros and cons of building a company in stealth, as Mill did during the product development process.In this episode, we cover: [2:42] An overview of the food waste problem[6:04] The life cycle of food waste and the role of city municipalities[11:15] Harry's journey and experience with Nest[14:13] How he met his co-founder and decided to focus on waste[20:00] The genesis for Mill's hardware solution and how it evolved[25:28] Critical team members and how the company's final produce came to be[29:47] Mill as a systems change company[30:35] An overview of the Mill bin and membership experience[37:07] Where chickens fit in[45:19] The theoretical debate of systems change vs. personal responsibility[54:00] The company's partnership with the city of Tacoma, Washington[57:27] Where the company is looking to hire talent[59:06] Pros and cons of building in stealthGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInHarry Tannenbaum / MillMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on February 10, 2023.

Today, we have two guests, Sonia Kastner, Founder and CEO at Pano, and Bill Clerico, Founder and Managing Partner at Convective Capital. Both Sonia and Bill are keynotes in the emerging category of fire tech and in the subcategory of climate tech that's referred to as adaptation solutions, technologies that can help deliver resiliency in the face of an increasingly unstable planet. At Pano, Sonia is developing technology that creates actionable intelligence for wildfire management. They're deploying a network of high-definition cameras across our forests to help generate faster and more informed fire response.At Convective Capital, Bill is investing in technology startups that are solving the problem of extreme wildfires, including Pano. Cody, Sonia, and Bill dive into the issue of wildfires, how and why they've grown in severity, the traditional response mechanisms that fire agencies have used and how that's changing, what types of technologies are being developed to support their efforts, and of course, some details about Pano's product offering. We also touch on the talent that's flowing into fire tech and how critical it is for us to continue to fund and develop new ways to adapt to a changing planet, try as we might in parallel to reign in the emissions and trapped heat that are causing climate change. In this episode, we cover: [3:00] Sonia's background and catalyst for working in climate adaptation at Pano [5:05] Bill's background in FinTech and inspiration to start Convective Capital [7:33] The mega wildfire crisis today and trends over the last two decades [11:54] Universal factors contributing to wildfires across different geographies [14:28] Solutions to wildfires including Pano's technology[16:49] An overview of firefighting today, early detection, and rapid initial attack [21:09] How suppression efforts could change based on fire characteristics and the need for collaboration [24:58] Challenges of building a tech company in the wilderness[27:37] How Pano is leveraging Starlink to create solutions for their customers[29:14] An overview of the company's physical product and buyers [31:52] How Convective Capital approaches companies like Pano who sell primarily to fire agencies [34:27] How organizations like CAL FIRE are changing their approach to work with tech companies [36:19] Skills needed and where talent is coming from [38:40] What's next for Pano and Convective CapitalGet connected:Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInSonia Kastner / PanoBill Clerico / Convective CapitalMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on January 12, 2023. 

Today's guest is Carlos Araque, co-founder and CEO of Quaise Energy. Quaise is seeking to unlock the power of geothermal energy by drilling into deeper and hotter parts of the earth than ever, using microwave-based technology rather than traditional mechanical drill bits.Carlos has a fascinating background; he grew up in Medellin, Colombia, during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, matriculated to MIT, and then found himself working in oil and gas for a while before transitioning to geothermal and Quaise. In this episode, Carlos walks us through how geothermal energy is harnessed today and what has held it back from a scale perspective. He also offers a unique futurist point of view that there are only three forms of energy that have the potential to offer abundant clean energy to humanity at scale on a multi-decade or century-scale timeframe: fission, fusion, and deep geothermal. From his perspective, the energy density profiles of wind and solar relative to their land use requirements will eventually cause them to hit limitations.If you're curious about geothermal but need a primer on how it works, this one eases into the topic by going into the state of geothermal today, then spending some time on Quaise's tech solution and business model. We conclude by getting Carlos' take on the future of energy. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:50] Carlos' background and serendipitous path to starting Quaise[9:22] How Carlos became interested in geothermal and his thoughts on the three solutions for deploying clean energy at scale[14:25] An overview of geothermal[18:04] Different use cases and geothermal's potential[21:37] Tthe different types of geothermal, including hydrothermal and EGS systems[23:32] What's holding geothermal back today[25:40] Quaise's approach[29:55] How Quaise repurposes oil and gas capabilities to deploy their different technology[35:28] Core assumptions the company is working towards in the lab[38:37] Challenges associated with scaling[40:58] The role of regulation[45:37] Quaise's business model[48:37] How Carlos evaluates risks associated with his business[52:44] Geographic footprint required for other forms of renewable energy[55:01] Where new skills are needed from a talent perspective[57:01] What's next for Quaise and where they need helpGet connected:Cody Twitter / LinkedInCarlos LinkedIn / QuaiseMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on January 6, 2023. 

Today's guest is Oliver Gunasekara, co-founder and CEO at Impossible Metals. If we're to electrify everything, we need an order of magnitude more batteries and wiring. All of this requires metals including nickel, cobalt, lithium, manganese, and copper. More metals mean… you guessed it, more mining. Today's land-based mining practices are fraught with externalities that vary by material, but often include deforestation and land degradation, incredible amounts of water use, pollution via mine tailings, giant diesel trucks, and in some cases even child labor. And what's more, the supply chains for many of these resources often flow to China, which has made massive investments in securing access for China-based battery companies. And yet, in certain expanses of our deep ocean, there are seabeds full of golf ball-sized nodules of metal like nickel and cobalt that have naturally formed over millennia. Impossible Metals is helping us realize an electrified future by developing underwater autonomous robots that mine metals for EV batteries in the deep sea. The company is developing an audacious moonshot-like technology to sustainably harvest trillions of dollars of undersea metals and disrupt the EV battery supply chain in the process. Buckle up, this discussion is rich and complex. In this episode, we cover:The state of mining todayAn overview of key battery metals, including nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), cobalt, manganese, and lithiumShortfalls in fulfilling the supply chainOliver's journey in startups and how he transitioned to climate techAn overview of deep sea minerals and their significanceThe process for mining materials including regulationsWhere we are today in terms of commercial mining of deep-sea mineralsScientific exploration required to do the workA description of Impossible Metals' autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)How robotics help the AUV search for metals while minimizing the impact on sea lifeWhere the company is today and its goals for reducing the need for new minesCosts associated with Impossible Metals' solution compared to dredging and new minesImpacts on the supply chain for batteriesRole of the Inflation Reduction Act in funding manufacturing and productionFinal steps for refining and manufacturing materials into batteriesHow Oliver approaches company formulation with the mission of doing goodWhere the company is today and why the work is importantGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInOliver Gunasekara / LinkedInImpossible Metals / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on January 10, 2023.