CleanTechies Podcast

CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.(Generated via CoHostAI)Want to redefine sustainability in a truly impactful way? Alex Blum, the innovative founder, and CEO of Applied Bioplastics, shows us how in our latest episode. The conversation illuminates Alex's journey from being a seasoned salesman to a philanthropist, generously contributing half a million dollars to charity. We delve into his exciting project of constructing refugee shelters using biocomposite material, a venture that not only supports the environment but also provides job opportunities to those in need.This episode unravels the tale of Alex's transformative trip to Bangladesh, where he encountered Dr. Mubarak Khan and learned about his dedication to reinventing the use of jute. Alex envisions a promising multi-billion-dollar business if this material can be efficiently converted into a thermoplastic. He also discusses the urgent need for refugee housing, the alarming risk of disease spread in refugee camps, and the role governments must play in managing these temporary settlements.We explore Alex's business model, his approach to commercializing his innovative plastic chemistry, and the potential global effect of switching to eco-friendly plastic alternatives. Alex shares the challenges he faces when dealing with large corporations, and his strategy to navigate these hurdles, which includes understanding cultural nuances to secure successful sales. As he outlines his plans to license his technology and expand the agricultural waste aspect of his business, we discuss the implications of supply chains and the impact of tech on climate change. Tune in and be inspired by Alex's journey and his commitment to creating a sustainable future.In 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 should be sure to listen to the part about where to sell into the supply chain (around ~48 min into the show).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/mwkn8zk5 Enjoy the show? Please share to help us grow the following. It supports the work we are doing of providing resources to ClimateTech Founders. 🌎Topics: * 2:33 Intro* 4:59 Alex's Story* 13:10 Discovering the Tech* 21:08 Why Housing* 31:36 Tech Development Process* 39:11 The Biz Model* 49:45 How Others selling into the space should be done* 57:43 How their biz is split* 1:10:26 Don't be afraid to walk into the fire Links: * Blossoms from Ash Documentary: * Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexappliedbio/ * Applied Bioplastics Website: https://appliedbioplastics.com/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: The Future of the EU Climate VC Landscape, Transparency, & Challenges: Exploring Climate Tech Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)* Similar Topic: Utilizing Carbon in Everyday Products w/ Aaron Fitzgerald of Mars Materials* Something Totally Different: Hard Truths About VC, Raising Advice, & Small Fund Limitations w/ Susan Su (Toba Capital) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, Clean Tech enthusiasts, and welcome to an enlightening conversation with Heidi Lindvall, a pioneering spirit in the climate tech venture landscape and one of the founding partners at Pale Blue Dot. Buckle up as we delve into the highlights of their recent feat — closing a 93 million euro fund, and the roller-coaster ride of climate tech investment in Europe. Get ready to unravel the intricacies of the venture world and how transparency in term sheets can be a game-changer in attracting well-aligned portfolio companies.Now, imagine being early investors in a company, nurturing it, and watching it grow. Feels fulfilling, right? But, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine; Heidi gives us an honest account of the challenges that come with it. From founders lacking the experience to understand the term sheet to maintain relationships with the portfolio companies — it's a journey that requires perseverance, patience, and passion. Heidi’s commitment to her 30 portfolio companies is inspirational, and she shares how her team at Pale Blue Dot navigates the tumultuous waters of early-stage businesses.And it doesn’t stop there! We venture further into the world of climate tech investing, discussing the significance of making an impact essential to business models and connecting technical minds with business aficionados. Heidi unearths the current restrictions and regulations in private equity investing in Europe and the potential for crowdfunding platforms. Get ready for a captivating conversation that will leave you in awe of the exciting world of climate tech investing. Tune in now.(the above is provided courtesy of cohost.ai via buzzsprout.com)In 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 ensuring they only invest into startups that can get funding from generalist funds in the future. They want to ensure the future of their portfolio co's is not reliant on a strong ecosystem of CT VCs. A lot of really great insight was packed into a slightly shorter episode. 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/mwkn8zk5 Topics: * 1:42 Re-Intro* 4:25 State of CT VC in EU* 8:13 How the Ukraine War has affected the CT investments* 10:46 Making their term sheet public* 18:25 Supporting their founders closely* 21:10 How they look at fund size now* 25:05  Laying the tracks for their PortCo’s* 29:45 How to measure themselves* 32:37 Biggest challenge; the Market* 39:00 Getting R&D & Commercial together* 40:47  The mistakes startups make* 43:03 What she's interested in next Links: * Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidilindvall/* Pale Blue Dot: https://paleblue.vc/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner Other episodes you might enjoy: * Most Recent Episode: Redefining Waste through 3D Printed Clay Containers | Earth to Earth w/ Sanjeev Mankotia (GaeaStar)* Similar Topic: ClimateTech Investing w/ Valerie Shen (G2 Venture Partners)* Something Totally Different: Endings, Endineering, Circular Economy, & the Customer Experience w/ Joe Macleod* Last Episode with Heidi: ClimateTech VC Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

In 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: 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/mwkn8zk5Topics:* 2:02 Introduction* 6:26 What they do* 13:01 Financial feasibility of their product* 20:48 How to develop a 3D printed product co* 26:21 Refining their mfg process for a specific use case* 32:22 Where this tech can be used* 34:58 The evolution of the biz model* 39:47 The funding process* 53:52 Price in the future* 58:48 CloseoutLinks:* Sanjeev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeev-mankotia/* GaeaStar: https://gaeastar.com/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: From Coal to Climate, VC Channel Sales Partners, LP Sentiment & More w/ Albert Bielinko (Telstra Ventures)* Similar Topic: From Dust to Dust Masonry Products - Fusing Modern Science + Traditional Methods w/ Adital Ela (Criaterra)* Something Totally Different: The Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter Leyden This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

In 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! 🌎📺 👀 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/mwkn8zk5 Topics: * 2:07 Intro to Albert & Telstra Ventures* 4:49 TV's Remit* 7:59 How CT VC landscape has changed since 2014* 12:31 Raising funds* 18:29 Investment Thesis* 27:53  VCs w/ Sales Channels* 33:18 Investment Criteria* 35:45 How to determine TAM in new spaces* 39:51 LPs expectations for hardware vs software returns* 42:03 LP sentiment on CTVC* 45:29  Talent Landscape* 50:00 What's Next in CT* 53:07 Closing Links: * Albert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-bielinko-4070a729/ * Telstra Ventures: https://telstraventures.com/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: Sawdust to Chemicals; Building a BioChemical Startup w/ Julie Kring (Khepra)* Similar Topic: How Keyframe is Bridging the Gap from Pure VC to Pure PE Financing for Hard Tech COs w/ Ethan Goldsmith* Something Totally Different: Reducing Operating Costs & While Taking Higher Rents in Commercial Real Estate, the Green Building Effect w/ Edi Demaj (KODE Labs) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

In 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 Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5 Topics: * 2:56 Biochemicals & her background* 8:47 How to make chemicals / biofuels* 10:27 What they do at Khepra* 13:57 Supply Chain* 19:03 From R&D to Commercialization* 25:14 How to pair R&D teams with commercial applications* 30:20 Funding experience* 35:20 Process to build a chemical company* 41:18 Expectations to achieve profitability - reach a financial event* 43:30 Biggest challenge in the process of building the co* 47:08 How to rally your team* 50:21 What she's looking forward to in the future Links: * Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-k-70425689/ * Khepra Website: https://www.khepra.io/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: Planeteer News Reaction, Thought Leadership in CT, & Leveraging Reputation w/ Somil Aggarwal* Similar Topic: Utilizing Carbon in Everyday Products w/ Aaron Fitzgerald of Mars Materials* Something Totally Different: Re-Engineering the World because the Future is Decarbonized w/ Matt Ward (4Ward.VC) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Today Somil (@somil_agg) and Silas (@silasmahner) have a discussion reacting to the news about Planeteer Capital 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 episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: **Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5**Somil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somil-aggarwal/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahnerOther episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: Using Blockchain to Verify Carbon Offsets | Blockchain & Climate Are Compatible w/ Alan Ransil (Filecoin Green)**Similar Topic: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC**Something Totally Different: #53 - Incubating Early Stage CleanTech Companies - Jason Ethier of Greentown Labs This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

What 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 Ratzel 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 experience with satellite imaging for monitoring deforestation and how programmable money can be used to create NF Trees - a unique incentive for people on the ground to protect forest regions. We also dive into the importance of trust in ESG reporting and how Zero-Knowledge Proofs, a foundation of Filecoin, can enhance the transparency and efficiency of sustainability efforts.As we wrap up, we discuss the compatibility of blockchain technologies with sustainability goals, touching on the energy consumption of various blockchain algorithms and how Filecoin compares to Amazon Web Services. Alan emphasizes the need for regulation and shares Filecoin Green's efforts to reduce energy use and connect the network to renewable energy sources. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that delves into the potential of blockchain to transform sustainability and transparency in the fight against climate change.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/mwkn8zk5 ----- Topics: * 1:57 Intro* 5:50 What Protocol Labs Does* 6:22 IPFS* 9:52 How to Verify Actually* 23:08 Tracking Trust* 25:20 Financial Transparency* 28:36 Where is the line of transparency* 36:48 Energy intensity of blockchain* 45:52 Regulation* 51:09 How to get non-crypto bros to use this tech----- Links: * Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-ransil-53573873/ * Filecoin Green: https://www.fil.org/* Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/* HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:* Most Recent Episode: Dealing w/ Bandwagoning, The Value of Incubators, & Moats, with Alex Mitchell (Full Turn Capital) * Similar Topic: Carbon Offsets; an Investment not an Expense with Demian Klenk* Something Totally Different: Soap, Carbon Capture, Boilers, and PropTech w/ Jaeson Cardiff (Clean02) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Ever 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 pitches for venture capitalists and avoid the pitfalls of bandwagoning in the tech world. Alex also shares his insights on the value of incubators like Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator (LACI), where he serves as a senior advisor, and the spectrum of services they offer to help startups grow and succeed.Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about the CleanTech industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Join us as we explore the many facets of the CleanTech space with Alex Mitchell, and learn how investing in climate tech business models can make a quantifiable impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Don't miss out on this fascinating discussion!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/mwkn8zk5-----Topics: * 2:01 How he got into CT Investing* 13:08 Favorite Business Models* 20:51 Advice to Founders* 25:10 Moats* 29:05 Financing Your Company* 33:28 Deal Flow* 36:42 Key Components of a Pitch Deck* 41:58 Dealing with Bandwagoning* 49:22 Incubators* 56:51 When is an Incubator the most ValuableOther episodes you might enjoy:**Most Recent Episode: From Restaurants to ClimateTech: Building a Carbon Capture Concrete Company w/ Tim Sperry (Carbon Limit)**Similar Topic: Re-Engineering the World because the Future is Decarbonized w/ Matt Ward (4Ward.VC)**Something Totally Different: 3D Printed Buildings, Near Zero Waste, w/ Sam Ruben (Mighty Buildings) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

What 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 potential it holds for reducing air pollution. Tim gives us an in-depth look at the company's transition from manufacturing to an IP play, licensing their unique materials and formula. We also explore the unit economics of licensing technology and the potential of generating carbon credits.Learn from Tim's experience with Techstars, fundraising, and the importance of mentorship and maintaining relationships throughout his entrepreneurial journey. From strategic grants to creative financing, Tim's insights and advice are invaluable for anyone interested in the climate tech space. Don't miss this engaging conversation about Carbon Limit's mission to create and commercialize carbon capture technology for the built environment.📺 👀 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/mwkn8zk5Links:**Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-sperry-57b14aa/**Carbon Limit Website: https://www.carbonlimit.com/**Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/**HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner-----Other episodes you might enjoy:From 30% to 90% Li Recovery, Founding a ClimateTech Co, & Talent Moat w/ Teague Egan (EnergyX)Mineral Availability, Sustainable Mining, & ClimateTech Supply Chain Challenges w/ Nick RohlederEndings, Endineering, Circular Economy, & the Customer Experience w/ Joe MacleodThe Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter LeydenCleaning up Steel Production with Boston Metal's Adam Rauwerdink This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe

Ever 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 with sustainable packaging, recycling, and user experience. James emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in creating a successful reusable container program, and how ReUser leverages technology to incentivize students to return their containers. We discuss the financial and environmental benefits of reusable containers, highlighting the potential for cost savings and reduced emissions.As we wrap up, James shares insights into the billion-dollar market opportunity, ReUser's partnerships with reusable container companies, and their goal of becoming the operating system for reuse. We delve into the powerful role that gamification and customer loyalty play in promoting sustainable behavior, and how ReUser aims to expand its reach to other sectors such as hospitals and corporate campuses. Join us for this insightful conversation about an innovative solution to a pressing environmental challenge.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/mwkn8zk5 ----- Topics:0:00 - Cracking the Code on Reusable Containers6:14 - Solving the Problem of Sustainable Packaging16:03 - Improving Reusable Takeout Container Return Behavior24:58 - From Idea to MVP31:42 - Student Feedback for Business Model Improvement36:32 - Sustainable Reusable Packaging and Cost Savings42:32 - Online Incentives for Sustainable Behavior50:30 - Reusable Packaging's Billion-Dollar Market57:24 - Promoting Reusable Packaging Adoption----- Links: Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-3a832b88/ Check out reUser: https://www.reuser.app/Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/Join the Slack Channel:  https://cleantechies.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-pd2drz6d-N~9nURU5JlyMXv2ZiO5bAQ#/shared-invite/emailFollow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/ HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner----- Other episodes you might enjoy:* #16 Using all the CaCao Plant with Shannon Neumann from CaPao* #58 The Future of Clean Energy, Materials/Mfg, & the Circular Economy with Author, Peter Leyden* #57 Soap, Carbon Capture, Boilers, and PropTech w/ Jaeson Cardiff (Clean02)* #43 A Deep Dive Into the Grid, the Intermittency Problem, & Where do We go from Here w/ Bhaskar Ray (QCells) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe