CleanTechies Podcast
295 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsWelcome to the CleanTechies Podcast where we interview ClimateTech Founders and VCs to share their advice and journeys with other Founders and VCs with the goal of helping others succeed.
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Support the show more directly via our Substack where we also publish writing on the episodes we record. https://cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe
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To get involved in the CleanTech revolution, suggest topics/guests, or discuss in more detail any of these topics, join our Slack Channel | https://tinyurl.com/ysb8fwu3
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Interested in Advertising: [email protected]
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Silas is a ClimateTech and ESG headhunter. He grew up in a very anti-climate-change part of the country in rural Wisconsin. When he got out on his own he realized the incredible benefits of climate technologies in addition to the realities of Climate Change. He then launched CleanTechies in 2021 to help raise awareness of the various benefits of climate technology.
Somil is a product manager at the Schmidt Futures Foundation. Born on Earth Day, he somehow got it into his head that he wanted to be a “ClimateTech VC” when he was 14. Since then, he has spent time running his own impact newsletter, investing at an early-stage VC firm, and founded an AgTech company called Agcess. He joined the CleanTechies podcast in 2023 as co-host to double down on its mission of spreading ClimateTech awareness in the world.
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Episodes
#133 Thought Leadership, Choosing the Right Board Members, Navigating Big Oil, & More w/ Illai Gescheit (Siemens Energy Ventures)
November 14, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBDescription In the increasingly competitive landscape of VCs and startups, there is a growing trend where founders and VCs engage in content creation to establish their legitimacy and thought leadership. Through podcasts, articles, and social media platforms, they share insights, experiences, and expertise, fostering a transparent and accessible platform for people to gain conviction in them. This content-driven approach not only enhances their personal and professional brands but also cont...
#132 The Role of Science in VC, Successfully Building in Hardware, and Calculating Decarbonization w/ Iris Ten Have (Extantia)
November 01, 2023 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this episode, Somil Aggarwal (@somilagg) interviews Iris Ten Have about her journey into VC from a science background, what ie means to be a Head of Science in VC, how to successfully build in hardware, and more. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8...
#131 Selling to Utilities, The Disruptor Mistake, Clean Your Camp, Carrot vs Stick Regs, & More w/ Michael Jung (ICF Climate Center)
October 26, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Mike Jung from the ICF Climate Center. Given Mike's work across a wide variety of clients currently + his experience in the utility space, we had a lot of interesting things to talk about. Of all the things, perhaps the most interesting, were his insights on selling to utilities. So, if you're selling to utilities, listen up this one is for you. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in wri...
#130 Financing Emerging Clean Technologies, The Incentive of Repeat Transactions, Hiring a Founding Team, & More w/ Kevin Kyer (Pyrpose.io)
October 20, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBWhy you should listen: Learn how to hire a founding team Find out the secret to properly structured incentives to achieve repeat transactions when working in emerging markets Learn how to communicate your offering to non-climate-nerds Not already a subscriber…subscribe today and support us either financially or through sharing the post. In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Kevin Kyer, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Pyrpose - a direct lending ...
#129 A Decade of Energy Investing, Impact Investment Hurdles, & Launching a 2nd Fund w/ Jason Blumberg (Earth Foundry)
October 15, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBWhy you should listen: **How to succeed in building your company from a seasoned ClimateTech and energy investor **How to successfully expand your thesis and launch a new fund **Learn the best ClimateTech industries of the future Show notes: In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Jason Blumberg from Earth Foundry. Earth Foundry came out of Energy Foundry, who after a successful decade of investing in energy technologies is expanding its scope t...
#128 Unraveling the Power of Branding in Climate Tech & Its Transformative Role in Startups w/ Anna Konstantinova
October 09, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Anna Konstantinova about her advice to climate tech companies in relation to marketing and branding. Really helpful episode for our listeners from someone who has spent a lot of time helping founders and climate brands make their work digestible to the correct target audience. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode...
#127 Scalable Carbon Capture, Building as a Non-Deeptech Founder, Creative Business Models, & Navigating Funding Challenges w/ Luke Shors (Capture6)
October 08, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBWhy you should listen: **Learn about a new breakthrough carbon capture model **How you can build a deep tech company as a non-deep-tech founder **How to raise from both public and private funding sources Show Notes: In this episode, Silas Mähner (@silasmahner) and Somil Aggarwal (@somilagg) interview Luke Shors, co-founder of Capture6. Capture6 is a direct air carbon capture company, applying its innovative technology and business model to revolutionize the way that carbon capture takes pl...
#126 Engaging w/ Big Corporates, The Rise of CVC, Advice to Aspiring VCs, Knowing Your Moat, & More w/ Grant Allet (SE Ventures)
October 01, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBWhy you should listen: Discover Corporate VC's role in climate change solutions with SC Ventures Learn about SE Ventures and its innovative climate tech investments Gain insights on collaboration with large companies and startup wisdom In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Grant Allen, General Partner at SE Ventures. They are a uniquely positioned Corporate VC that has autonomy from Schneider Electric as a whole, but can also leverage on S...
#126 Engaging w/ Big Corporates, The Rise of CVC, Advice to Aspiring VCs, Knowing Your Moat, & More w/ Grant Allen (SE Ventures)
October 01, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBWhy you should listen: Discover Corporate VC's role in climate change solutions with SE Ventures Learn about SE Ventures and its innovative climate tech investments Gain insights on collaboration with large companies and startup wisdom In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Grant Allen, General Partner at SE Ventures. They are a uniquely positioned Corporate VC that has autonomy from Schneider Electric as a whole, but can also leverage on S...
#126 The Value-add of Specialist VCs, Engaging with Corporate Partners, Advice to Founders & Aspiring VCs, Defending Your Moat, & More with Grant Allen (SE Ventures)
October 01, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWhy you should listen: Discover the role of Specialist VCs in climate change solutions with SE Ventures Learn about SE Ventures and its innovative climate and industrial tech investments Gain insights on collaboration with large companies and startup wisdom In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Grant Allen, General Partner at SE Ventures. They are a uniquely positioned Specialist VC with a single LP, Schneider Electric. They function like...
#125 Revolutionizing Heating and Cooling with Smart Radiators, Facing Rejection, & Building Hardware like Software w/ Marshall Cox (Kelvin)
September 27, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this episode, Somil Aggarwal (@somilagg) interviews Marshall Cox about his journey into being a climate tech founder, the impact of getting a Ph.D. on his journey, how he faced rejection, and how to build hardware like software. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.co...
#124 Timing, Team, & TAM, Removing the Friction of ESG Reporting and Data Tracking, Utilizing Your Investor Network, & More w/ Tee Ganbold (OpenESG)
September 24, 2023 13:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Tee Ganbold, the Co-Founder of OpenESG on what she's doing in the ESG tech space. They have created an incredible tool that operates like ChatGPT but is specifically designed and trained on corporate sustainability data. Instead of spending time researching a company's ESG data and commitments, you can simply ask OpenESG and you have detailed data at your fingertips, along the precise references to the underlying data. Tee has a gr...
#123 Driving Adoption in Hard-to-Abate Sectors, Why Not an IP Play, Fundraising for an R&D Shop, Partnering w/ Large Corporates, Hiring PhDs, & More w/ Jeff Erhardt (Mattiq)
September 17, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Jeff Erhardt from Mattiq. Jeff had a ton of insights and we are glad to share them with you today. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📆 Book a time w/ Silas during Climate Week in NYC (IRL): https://calendar.app.google/STXX7pMNmsWRsafd6 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and eng...
#122 Offset Skepticism, Regulation Driving Demand, Sustainable Supply Chains, Content GTM Strategy, Climate Business Opportunities, & More w/ Saif Hameed (Altruistiq)
September 14, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 46 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Saif Hameed, the CEO and Founder of Altruistiq, a leading Carbon Emissions accounting software. The conversation is full of insights because Saif has an incredible background, diverse career exposure, and a very good handle on the overall ESG & Sustainability space. Some of the key topics are, how ESG is an incorrect usage of terminology, how Scope 1,2,3 emissions were created as frameworks for governme...
#121 Size Matters...Fund Size, Re-industrializing the World, Hardware is NOT Hard, & More w/ Matt McGraw (Anthro Ventures)
September 08, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Matt McGraw (@mjm11), Co-Founder and GP of Anthro Ventures. In the ep we cover his story, their focus, why being a VC is a hard job, how ClimateTech is essentially re-industrializing the world & why that's a good thing, he offered his advice to founders, and we closed off by discussing the role of CT startups in the governance and ESG movement towards a more equitable future. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📆 Book a time w/ Silas during Climate Week in...
#120 - Serial Entrepreneur Fundraising, the IRA & Home Electrification, IRA-Dependent Business Models, & More w/ Jeff Chapin (Haven Energy)
September 06, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Jeff Chapin, the Co-Founder of Haven Energy. We heard how he raised the funding for Haven with 2 pitches. He taught us how the IRA aids home electrification. His thoughts on building IRA-dependent businesses. We finish up with his advice to founders. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📆 Book a time with Silas in NYC During Climate Week 🌱 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries a...
#120 Serial Entrepreneur Fundraising, the IRA & Home Electrification, IRA-Dependent Business Models, & More w/ Jeff Chapin (Haven Energy)
September 06, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) & Somil Aggarwal (@somil_agg) speak with Jeff Chapin, the Co-Founder of Haven Energy. We heard how he raised the funding for Haven with 2 pitches. He taught us how the IRA aids home electrification. His thoughts on building IRA-dependent businesses. We finish up with his advice to founders. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📆 Book a time with Silas in NYC During Climate Week 🌱 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries a...
#119 Partnering w/ Energy Majors in the Climate Revolution, Houston's Role in the Movement, Discovery Framework, & More w/ Eric Rubenstein (New Climate Ventures)
August 29, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) interviews Eric Rubenstein about his journey into climate tech, the importance of partnering with Energy Majors in the Climate Revolution, the role of Houston in that movement, Eric's discovery framework, and his ideal founder traits. Overall, a super good episode packed full of insights. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newslette...
Partnering w/ Energy Majors in the Climate Revolution, Houston's Role in the Movement, Discovery Framework, & More w/ Eric Rubenstein (New Climate Ventures)
August 29, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) interviews Eric Rubenstein about his journey into climate tech, the importance of partnering with Energy Majors in the Climate Revolution, the role of Houston in that movement, Eric's discovery framework, and his ideal founder traits. Overall, a super good episode packed full of insights. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newslette...
Carbon Negative Cement, DeepTech Development Frameworks, Hiring a Founding Team, Pointers on an IP Business, & More w/ Cody Finke (Brimstone)
August 22, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Cody Finke (@cody_finke), the Co-Founder of Brimstone discuss Cody's journey into climate and how they are revolutionizing the cement space. They have created a cement product that has just been approved as certified Portland Cement - This is the main cement used in the construction of buildings. The best part, it's carbon neutral in many cases negative (depending on the energy source used). This is a truly revolutionary technology and we ...
#118 Carbon Negative Cement, DeepTech Development Frameworks, Hiring a Founding Team, Pointers on an IP Business, & More w/ Cody Finke (Brimstone)
August 22, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Cody Finke (@cody_finke), the Co-Founder of Brimstone discuss Cody's journey into climate and how they are revolutionizing the cement space. They have created a cement product that has just been approved as certified Portland Cement - This is the main cement used in the construction of buildings. The best part, it's carbon neutral in many cases negative (depending on the energy source used). This is a truly revolutionary technology and we ...
Early Stage Hiring Decisions, Heeding the Lessons from CleanTech 1.0, Energize's $300m Growth Fund Close, & More w/ Eileen Waris (Energize Capital)
August 15, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Eileen Waris (@eileen_waris) have a conversation about her experience, what they are doing at Energize Capital (FKA Energize Ventures), the state of climate tech VC, advice to founders, and a lot more. We had the pleasure to speak with them on the day they changed their name and announced the close of their second growth fund ($300m) Reach out to Eileen: [email protected] Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube....
#117 Early Stage Hiring Decisions, Heeding the Lessons from CleanTech 1.0, Energize's $300m Growth Fund Close, & More w/ Eileen Waris (Energize Capital)
August 15, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Eileen Waris (@eileen_waris) have a conversation about her experience, what they are doing at Energize Capital (FKA Energize Ventures), the state of climate tech VC, advice to founders, and a lot more. We had the pleasure to speak with them on the day they changed their name and announced the close of their second growth fund ($300m) Reach out to Eileen: [email protected] Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube....
#116 Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)
August 08, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs. This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connections and understanding s...
Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)
August 08, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs. This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connections and understanding s...
🔒 Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)
August 08, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBSubscriber-only episode In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs. This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connec...
How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler
August 02, 2023 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Jeff Hendler Co-Founder and CEO of Logical Buildings (@logicalbldgs) about his journey from Wall Street, to the Utility, to founding a Smart Building company. We also cover how their Grid Rewards program works, how a company like this can be competitive, and what he sees as the next big challenge to solve. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episod...
Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)
July 27, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Somil Aggarwal (@Somil_Agg) have a discussion about two things. First, their thoughts and reaction to the H1, 2023 Funding Report by CTVC Second, a conversation around the transferable tax credits created by the IRA and what areas we think are the biggest areas for growth or opportunity because of those. Hope you enjoy this episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the e...
#114 - Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)
July 27, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Somil Aggarwal (@Somil_Agg) have a discussion about two things. First, their thoughts and reaction to the H1, 2023 Funding Report by CTVC Second, a conversation around the transferable tax credits created by the IRA and what areas we think are the biggest areas for growth or opportunity because of those. Hope you enjoy this episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the e...
Incubating Climate Risk / Insurance Solutions as Traditional Insurers Pull Back w/ Stephen Brittain (Insurtech Gateway)
July 26, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Stephen Brittain from Insurtech Gateway (@Ideas_Gateway). They are incubating Impact Risk Mitigation and Insurance Companies / Products. On the back end, they invest and connect these companies with partners in the insurance space and other VCs. Today's conversation is a bit high-level but has many great insights. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from th...
#113 Incubating Climate Risk / Insurance Solutions as Traditional Insurers Pull Back w/ Stephen Brittain (Insurtech Gateway)
July 26, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Stephen Brittain from Insurtech Gateway (@Ideas_Gateway). They are incubating Impact Risk Mitigation and Insurance Companies / Products. On the back end, they invest and connect these companies with partners in the insurance space and other VCs. Today's conversation is a bit high-level but has many great insights. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from th...
How to not be Another Failed Green Plastics Chemistry Company, Refugee shelters, & Selling to Producers, not Brands w/ Alex Blum (Applied Bioplastics)
July 23, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Alex Blum (@AlexBlum4Austin) Co-Founder and CEO of Applied Bioplastics (@abioplastics) about his journey into founding the company, their experience commercializing the tech, their business model, and his advice to other founders doing something similar. In addition to having some great stories and things to say, Alex is also quite funny so it's a triple whammy episode. If you're a founder creating alternative plastic chemistry, you sho...
The Future of the EU Climate VC Landscape, Transparency, & Challenges: Exploring Climate Tech Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)
July 19, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Heidi Lindvall (@HeidiLindvall) a founding partner of Pale Blue Dot (@PaleBlueDotVC). This is Heidi's second time on the show and in today's episode, we focus on what they are doing to level up. They are a 3-year-old fund now, and we cover what they are doing to continue maturing their network and processes. A lot of value in those parts of the conversation for new-ish CT VCs. Another really interesting thing is their perspective on ...
Redefining Waste through 3D Printed Clay Containers | Earth to Earth w/ Sanjeev Mankotia (GaeaStar)
July 16, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Sanjeev Mankotia, the Founder and CEO of GaeaStar. They are on their way to solving the issue of single-use plastic pollution with their 3D printed, clay-cup solution. You might think it sounds crazy, but once you hear the episode, you can understand how this is very much within reach. It's a fascinating episode with a lot of value for companies building hardware ClimateTech startups. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscr...
From Coal to Climate, VC Channel Sales Partners, LP Sentiment & More w/ Albert Bielinko (Telstra Ventures)
July 09, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Albert Bielinko (@bielinko) a Partner at Telstra Ventures. Albert leads their CT investments and speaks to us today about many things, from how he started in coal to end up in climate. How they have helped their portfolio companies generate over $450m USD in sales through their channel partnerships. What the LP sentiment on CTVC is and his thoughts on the talent landscape? This is full of quite a lot of value. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 ...
Sawdust to Chemicals; Building a BioChemical Startup w/ Julie Kring (Khepra)
July 02, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Julie Kring, (@KringJu) the founder of Khepra to discuss her journey into ClimateTech, how they are making biochemicals for AgriTech use cases out of sawdust, and her advice to founders doing similar things. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter. Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Sl...
Planeteer News Reaction, Thought Leadership in CT, & Leveraging Reputation w/ Somil Aggarwal
June 26, 2023 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBToday Somil (@somil_agg) and Silas (@silasmahner) have a discussion reacting to the news about Planeteer and more broadly on the topic of thought leaders and ClimateTech. We welcome Somil as a guest that you are likely to see more frequently as we intend to do more content like this. So, please let us know if you enjoy it. **Checkout Somil's Newsletter, SIP: https://sip.beehiiv.com/ **📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. **📫 Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the e...
Using Blockchain to Verify Carbon Offsets | Blockchain & Climate Are Compatible w/ Alan Ransil (Filecoin Green)
June 25, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBWhat if there was a way to revolutionize data storage for companies and organizations while also promoting sustainability and transparency? Join us as we chat with Alan Ransil from Filecoin Green, an initiative by Protocol Labs that aims to do just that by utilizing the power of blockchain technology. Throughout the episode, we explore how Filecoin Green creates verifiable carbon credits, tracks trust, and accelerates the flow of information in the decarbonization process. Alan shares his e...
Dealing w/ Bandwagoning, The Value of Incubators, & Moats, with Alex Mitchell (Full Turn Capital)
June 18, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBEver wondered how CleanTech investments and business models are shaping the industry? In this episode, we're joined by Alex Mitchell, founder of Full Turn Capital, to explore the ins and outs of investing in the climate tech space. From understanding the potential of pre-seed and seed stage businesses to creating long-term competitive advantages, we discuss it all with Alex. Dive into the challenges and opportunities of investing in early-stage startups, as well as how to craft compelling p...
From Restaurants to ClimateTech: Building a Carbon Capture Concrete Company w/ Tim Sperry (Carbon Limit)
June 11, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBWhat happens when a successful restaurateur decides to tackle climate change? Tim Sperry, CEO and founder of Carbon Limit, joins us to share his incredible journey from the restaurant business to creating a carbon capture technology company. With a mix of passion and business acumen, Tim offers valuable advice on finding the right investors, joining industry organizations, and navigating the regulatory space. Discover how Carbon Limit's innovative carbon-capturing concrete works and the pot...
Revolutionizing Takeout: Tackling Plastic Waste Crisis with Reusable Containers and Gamification w/ James Wilson (reUser)
June 04, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBEver wondered how we could tackle the global plastic waste crisis, especially with the increase in takeout packaging during the pandemic? Today, we're thrilled to have James Wilson, founder, and CEO of ReUser, join us to share his innovative solution that focuses on reusable containers for dining institutions. James opens up about his journey in discovering the issue of takeout packaging waste and how it led him to create ReUser. In our conversation, we explore the challenges associated wit...
From Harvard, to D.E. Shaw, to Obama Administration, to Refrigeration w/ Manik Suri (Therma)
May 28, 2023 21:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Manik Suri (@ManikVSuri) the Founder and CEO of Therma, an IoT device + software company that helps any organization using refrigeration to reduce cap ex and as a by-product, reduce the dirty energy assets on the grid. We cover his background, the problem, and the solution they are working on, and then go through building the business with a heavy focus on the work of raising money. Manik has a really interesting background having be...
Harvard --> D.E. Shaw --> Obama Administration --> Refrigeration w/ Manik Suri (GlacierGrid) (fkna Therma)
May 28, 2023 21:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Manik Suri (@ManikVSuri) the Founder and CEO of Therma, an IoT device + software company that helps any organization using refrigeration to reduce cap ex and as a by-product, reduce the dirty energy assets on the grid. We cover his background, the problem, and the solution they are working on, and then go through building the business with a heavy focus on the work of raising money. Manik has a really interesting background having be...
Building a Smart AC company to help Solve Climate Change w/ Ran Roth (Sensibo)
May 22, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBToday we speak with Ran Roth, the Co-Founder and CTO of Sensibo, an IoT device company that connects your AC units to various services to help you use your AC unit more efficiently. In today's conversation, we discuss how they got started, their experience raising funds back in the wake of the death of CleanTech 1.0, and the future of indoor climate control. Punchy episode with a lot of great content. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Interested in writ...
Extracting Precious Metals from Catalytic Converters to Solve Climate Change w/ Greg Pendura (Regenx)
May 17, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with the CEO of publicly traded, Regenx, Greg Pendura. Regenx is a metals recycling company recovering precious metals from catalytic converters and selling it on the market or providing the service directly to OEMs. Greg explains the problem they are solving, how they are solving it, the back story of the company, how they funded the project, and where he sees the future going. If you dream of a future where everything can be broken dow...
Capturing Methane to Power Data Centers in Remote Areas w/ Andreas Lehner (PowerBlocks)
May 12, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Andreas Lehner (@lehner_a) about what he's doing with his new company PowerBlocks to capture methane that is just being flared, using that energy to power data centers or bitcoin mining, how he got interested in Climate, how to build an MVP with a hardware business, a short discussion around AI and the energy grid, and how he stays focused on one thing at a time. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Inte...
#99 Capturing Methane to Power Data Centers in Remote Areas w/ Andreas Lehner (PowerBlocks)
May 12, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBIn this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Andreas Lehner (@lehner_a) about what he's doing with his new company PowerBlocks to capture methane that is just being flared, using that energy to power data centers or bitcoin mining, how he got interested in Climate, how to build an MVP with a hardware business, a short discussion around AI and the energy grid, and how he stays focused on one thing at a time. Enjoy the Episode! 🌎 📺 👀 Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube. 📫 Inte...
How to build an MVP with a complex ClimateTech Startup - Andy Frank, Founder of Sealed
May 03, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBToday we have a really energetic (no pun intended) conversation with Andy Frank, the founder of Sealed. They are an energy efficiency company that pays for home infrastructure upgrades and then gets paid back over time by their customer. The more efficiency they produce, the more they make which creates a great incentive structure. We discussed a lot but the best part for me was going through how he built the company from an idea, to an MVP, and eventually to a very robust and successful ...
Cutting Building Heat Loss Via Windows & Building a Platform for Glass Technology Firms w/ Anas Kassas (INOVUES)
May 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBIn this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks with Anas Al Kassas the founder and CEO of INOVUES where they are helping solve heat loss for buildings. Their tech is essentially a retrofit solution to single-pane glass that can be achieved at scale. They are also partnering with other companies such as solar glass and tinting services to act as a platform for them to sell their tech. The key things in this conversation are 1) how their tech works 2) how he got started and the proces...
Real Conversations about the Challenges, Insecurities, and Joys of Building a ClimateTech Startup w/ Alina Liu (Disco)
April 28, 2023 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBToday we had a really fun, but also impactful, and very transparent conversation, one that is slightly different than a lot of the guests we've had on. Someone who is a lot earlier in her journey of building her company. I wanted to have her on as an opportunity to showcase the life of someone deep in the grind of building their startup with the hope to one day make a massive impact on climate change. There are so many startup founders out there in the midst of building their projects. And...