CleanTechies Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cleantechies.substack.comToday’s episode dives into the nuanced world of climate finance and infrastructure with Brendan Bell, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Align Climate Capital. Unlike most investors who play in either venture or infrastructure, Align straddles both worlds—backing early-stage companies while also owning and operating clean energy assets.Brendan shares his unusual path from the Sierra Club to the U.S. Senate, the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, and now into the private sector. Along the way, he offers candid insights into what makes a strong infrastructure investment, how venture-backed technologies eventually scale into bankable assets, and why understanding both sides of the capital stack is critical to accelerating the clean energy transition.This is a masterclass on the interplay between policy, venture innovation, and hard infrastructure. If you’ve ever wondered how moonshot technologies meet the realities of capital markets and project finance, this conversation will give you the inside view.

CleanTech founder Conor Madigan (Aether Fuels) reveals sustainable fuel tech breakthroughs, smart hiring, & building resilient climate startups.Join us as Conor Madigan, Founder and CEO of Aether Fuels, shares how their innovative tech is set to decarbonize aviation and shipping by drastically cutting costs and boosting fuel yield from waste streams. A second-time founder, Conor also unpacks his proven strategies for building high-talent, low-ego teams and fostering constructive tension for optimal results.Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsMemorable Quotes:"The overall result of that is to cut the capex of a plant by about 50%." — Conor Madigan"Until you've built a big network of your own... it's pretty invaluable to have a top-notch recruiter." — Conor Madigan"If you compare an electrified system versus a fired system, you can boost the output by about 20%." — Conor Madigan"I… try to create a constructive sort of tension inside of an organization by pairing together certain personality traits." — Conor MadiganIn this episode, we discuss:00:53 - Introduction to Conor Madigan and Aether Fuels03:55 - Aether Fuels' core technology and market05:27 - The innovation: cutting CAPEX and boosting yield28:00 - The year-long "funnel" to choose the right climate problem30:59 - Conor's philosophy on team building: high talent, low ego32:00 - Creating constructive tension in R&D vs. Engineering38:35 - Why senior hires need to be "player-coaches" at startups40:30 - Transparent communication during challenging times46:00 - Policy trends and market drivers for SAF49:50 - Cost parity expectations for Aether Fuels' productLinksConor Madigan | Aether FuelsConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

JOIN US FOR THE HACK SUMMIT!The HackSummit returns to Newlab on December 10-11, bringing together 500 founders, funders, and industry leaders in Climate Deep Tech. Together we’ll explore abundance, alongside Founders and Investors at Andreessen Horowitz, Brimstone, Crux, DCVC, Durin, Earth AI, Endolith, Navier, Radical AI, Rainmaker, Voyager Ventures and SOSV. Sign up for 10% off here.Hey everyone, welcome back to CleanTechies!Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest non-dilutive funding opportunities out there: the EU Innovation Fund.We’re talking about €40 billion euros being deployed between now and 2030 to scale up the world’s most promising low-carbon technologies…and the crazy part? Only a fraction of it has been spent.To break it all down, I’m joined by Joel Armin-Hoiland, Founder and CEO of Climate Finance Solutions, and the go-to expert on non-dilutive funding.You might remember Joel from Episode 258, where we unpacked critical minerals funding from the DOE, and now he’s back to take us global.In this episode, Joel explains how the EU Innovation Fund is fueling deployment-ready tech (think steel, cement, hydrogen, CCUS, renewables, and energy storage) and how founders can actually win a slice of that €40 billion.We talked about several things such as the €5.5 billion call expected to drop this December and why the EU is favoring commercial-scale over early R&D. Plus Joel’s insider advice on how to phrase your applications because yes, reviewers are literally searching for keywordsSince 2020,CCUSJoel and his team have already helped raise over $1.6 billion with a 90% success rate, so if you’re serious about securing non-dilutive capital, this is a must-listen.Tune in today because this funding window is opening fast, and the founders who prepare well are the ones who’ll win big later. 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

JOIN US FOR THE HACK SUMMIT! The HackSummit returns to Newlab on December 10-11, bringing together 500 founders, funders, and industry leaders in Climate Deep Tech. Together we’ll explore abundance, alongside Founders and Investors at Andreessen Horowitz, Brimstone, Crux, DCVC, Durin, Earth AI, Endolith, Navier, Radical AI, Rainmaker, Voyager Ventures and SOSV. Sign up for 10% off here.Silas here! 👋 Before we jump into today’s episode, quick shoutout to Goodwin Law, CSC Leasing, and ErthTech Talent, the backbone behind our CleanTechies Live Podcast at Climate Week. (If you haven’t listened to that yet, check it out first — I’ll be referencing it a lot in this recap.)Quick plug: We also caught a bunch of raw takes from founders and investors between panels and events through candid man on the street interviews you’ll definitely want to see.I’ve finally had some time to process New York Climate Week. This solo episode is part recap, part reflection, but more importantly, it’s my honest take on where we are as a space and why I’m more bullish than ever on clean tech, and here are some of the things that stood out: I’ve never seen founders and investors this locked in. Everyone there was focused, sharp, and hungry. It honestly felt different this year, like the movement finally grew up.Let me walk you through it.Over the past year-ish, people have been asking:“Is the hype gone?”“Will funding drying up?”“Is the climate space cooling off?”What I saw at Climate Week says the exact opposite.Now is the best time to build if you’re a founder.In this episode, I break it down into a few key reasons, but before you dive in, chew on this:“When things get harder, only the best founders stay at the party.”The hype-cycle might be over, but that’s because we’re entering a much more mature version of the movement. So stick around for the mission.P.S. CleanTechies, we have some exciting news for you in the coming weeks/months, so be sure to stick around for that. Check Out Our Sponsor! ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups. Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more). Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out today and tell him you saw this ad. Get Started TodaySupport the show! Upgrade to paid today! It’s $10/month or $100/year. You probably spent that much on random amazon stuff last week. What’s stopping you from upgrading to paid? Upgrade to Paid📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel📝 Show Notes:Topics 00:00 – Intro and Sponsor Shoutouts02:35 – Energy Recap of Climate Week 2024Why this year felt “different” — investors and founders were laser-focused, no fluff, no tourists.04:55 – From Insecurity to CertaintyHow the climate space matured — no longer driven by hype, but grounded in conviction and real results.06:10 – Oil, Defense, and Climate Tech?A fascinating shift, former “outcasts” from oil and defense now welcome in clean tech spaces, blending worlds for impact.07:13 – Inside the Climate Capital SummitOne of my personal favorites event this year— a reunion of world-class founders and investors09:40 – Founders More Bullish Than EverThe main-character energy is real — the best founders are staying in the game and hungrier than ever.10:30 – Why Now Is the Best Time to Be a Climate Tech FounderWhere I break down the five powerful reasons driving opportunity right now.11:00 – Reason #1: A Mature Capital StackInvestors have learned, the ecosystem is organized, and strong capital flows continue despite a cooling market.11:50 – Reason #2: Energy Prices Fuel AdoptionHigh costs are pushing consumers and corporations toward electrification and renewables faster than ever.13:00 – Reason #3: Co-Motivating Factors Beyond ClimateNational security, insurance, supply chain, and convenience are all now aligned with climate tech solutions.14:44 – Reason #4: Ruthless Competition Breeds Excellence17:30 – “Climate Tech” Is Dead — Long Live the Chameleon EraThe term “climate tech” no longer fits. Founders are now building in energy, defense, materials, and national security , adapting like chameleons to each industry they serve.19:30 – The Challenge of FragmentationWith so many new labels, finding “your people” might get trickier, but the mission remains united.LinksConnect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

Below are the show notes for the audio RSS feed version of the episode.Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsEpisode Summary:With the massive increase in demand for electricity, having the capacity to flex the grid is more important than ever. To date, utility-scale energy storage uses lithium-ion technology, but there's a problem: lithium-ion needs perfect conditions to work.There is a solution, and that's what we're talking about today. Cameron Dales, co-founder of Peak Energy, is pioneering sodium-ion utility-scale battery storage to solve the needs of the grid. He discusses the economics of battery storage, the advantages of sodium-ion technology, and Peak Energy's strategy for scaling up.NY Climate Week Event: How to Win in the Anti-Climate EraJoin our panel during climate week with Augustus from Rainmaker, Liz from Endolith, Grant from 8090, and Joel from Climate Finance Solutions. Register TodayShout out to our sponsors: ErthTech Talent, Goodwin, and CSC Leasing.Sponsor:ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. ErthTech Talent is an affordable and specialized search firm that works ONLY with CleanTech startups. Reach out today and tell them you saw this ad.Support the show!Upgrade to paid today! It’s just $10/month or $100/year. Upgrade to PaidLinks:Cameron Dales: LinkedIn | Peak EnergyConnect with the hosts: Somil on LinkedIn | Silas on LinkedInFollow the podcast: CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

Episode Title: How to Win in the Anti-Climate Era (Live from NY Climate Week!)This week, we're sharing our live audience podcast from NY Climate Week: "How to Win in the Anti-Climate Era."We assembled a fantastic panel to discuss the strategies founders need to thrive in this new landscape:Augustus Doricko (Founder, Rainmaker)Liz Dennett (CEO, Endolith)Grant Brown (Partner, 8090 Industries)Joel Armin-Hoiland (Founder, Climate Finance Solutions)🔑 Key Discussion Topics Include:Strategies for Winning in the Anti-Climate EraAdapting to Talent & Hiring ChallengesNavigating Government Relations and Bipartisan IssuesCritical Minerals, National Security, and Public PerceptionThe Role of Tech and Innovation⚠️ Producer's Note on Audio Quality: Due to unexpected technical difficulties, the audio quality for this episode is below our usual standard, as we had to use a backup recording. We are confident the exceptional content will make up for the low audio. Thank you for your understanding!SPONSORS: This live event was supported by:Goodwin (goodwinlaw.com) — Legal partner for Climate Tech.CSC Leasing (CSCleasing.com) — Non-dilutive equipment financing.ErthTech Talent (ErthTechTalent.com) — Specialized climate tech recruiting.Mark Your Calendars! We're partnering with Climate Hack at HackSummit NYC (Dec 10-11) for founders & funders in Climate Deep Tech. Get 10% off your sign-up [link to sign-up for 10% off].Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsThis podcast is NOT investment advice. 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

Below are the show notes for the audio RSS feed version of the episode.Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsEpisode Summary:With the massive increase in demand for electricity, having the capacity to flex the grid is more important than ever. To date, utility-scale energy storage uses lithium-ion technology, but there's a problem: lithium-ion needs perfect conditions to work.There is a solution, and that's what we're talking about today. Cameron Dales, co-founder of Peak Energy, is pioneering sodium-ion utility-scale battery storage to solve the needs of the grid. He discusses the economics of battery storage, the advantages of sodium-ion technology, and Peak Energy's strategy for scaling up.NY Climate Week Event: How to Win in the Anti-Climate EraJoin our panel during climate week with Augustus from Rainmaker, Liz from Endolith, Grant from 8090, and Joel from Climate Finance Solutions. Register TodayShout out to our sponsors: ErthTech Talent, Goodwin, and CSC Leasing.Sponsor:ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. ErthTech Talent is an affordable and specialized search firm that works ONLY with CleanTech startups. Reach out today and tell them you saw this ad.Support the show!Upgrade to paid today! It’s just $10/month or $100/year. Upgrade to PaidLinks:Cameron Dales: LinkedIn | Peak EnergyConnect with the hosts: Somil on LinkedIn | Silas on LinkedInFollow the podcast: CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsHey folks! It’s that time of year again. Prepare for NY Climate Week 2025! Last year, one of our most popular episodes was our “Pre climate week podcast” on how to get the most out of climate week. We are back this year, but with two incredible (and popular) guests! Nick van Osdol — creator of the Keep Cool newsletter & podcast, and climate investor at Climate Capital. ANDSteven Zhang — creator of ClimateTechList.com and now his new project Interconnection.fyi We cover what we are looking forward to — what to avoid — what topics we want to see discussed — what events we are excited for — and much more! Don’t forget to sign up for the live podcast — “How to Win in the Anti-Climate Era”Register TodayShout Out To Our Sponsors! Goodwin For all your legal needs, turn to Goodwin. They were the first major practice to create a dedicated climate practice. We are big fans of their work. Goodwin.comErthTech TalentWhen it comes time to find top talent for your clean tech startup, reach out to ErthTech Talent. We’ll save you a fortune. ErthTechTalent.comLinksNick van Osdol:Keep Cool NewsletterKeep Cool PodcastClimate CapitalEvents: Climate Proof X Keep Cool Adaptation Happy HourClimate Adaptation: Moving to ActionSteven Zhang: Climate Tech List (job board of all public jobs in climate) Interconnection.FYI Climate Week DirectorySomil Aggarwal:Schmidt FuturesSilas Mähner:ErthTech Talent Events: Climate Capital SummitNew Climate FuturesThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

University Climate Incubators: Can They Really Drive the Next Wave of Innovation?Are universities just ivory towers—or can they actually launch climate startups that scale? At NYU’s Urban Future Lab, the answer is clear: yes.In this episode, we sit down with Austin Evarts, Director of the Acre Incubator, the longest-running cleantech incubator in New York. Austin has mentored hundreds of founders, raised billions in follow-on funding through UFL’s programs, and seen firsthand what separates the winners from the rest.He shares why adaptation startups are suddenly outpacing mitigation, how universities give founders an unfair advantage, and why “anti-hustle culture” might be the smartest path to scale.💥 Key TakeawaysAdaptation Rising: Year-over-year, adaptation startups in UFL’s pipeline grew 33%, and are showing 2× the revenue of mitigation peers.Founder First: Austin breaks down what traits he looks for most—coachability, passion, and commercial muscle.The Anti-Hustle Incubator: Why working smarter, not harder actually produces more resilient founders.NYU’s Edge: Access to labs, researchers, and grants gives climate startups non-dilutive R&D and real validation.NYC as the Testbed: Utilities, real estate giants, and state agencies make New York a launchpad for pilots.Listen to the full episode now to understand how universities can be the hidden powerhouse behind the next generation of climate tech.Episode Topics:(00:44) What the Acre Incubator Does(05:32) How Skiing Shaped Austin’s Entrepreneurial Mindset(09:37) Anti-Hustle Culture & Founder First Lessons(15:16) UFL’s Programs Beyond the Incubator(20:36) The Shift Toward Adaptation Startups(26:22) Novel Startups: Aquaria & Levitree(28:32) Mapping the Adaptation Landscape (Flood, Fire, Heat)(32:58) Common Misconceptions About Incubators(39:06) The Power of NYU Partnerships(43:40) Why New York Is Becoming the Climate Commercialization Capital(45:34) Skills for Program Managers & Future of UFLSPONSOR:ErthTech Talent: Fast, Accurate, and Affordable Headhunting for your CleanTech Startup.👉 Get Started TodayDisclosures: This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your own due diligence. 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

The Trump Administration's Critical Minerals Grant: What's the Real Story?Is the Trump administration really putting a billion dollars into critical minerals? Not exactly. Most of it is just a re-packaging of existing funds.But this isn't about politics—it's about opportunity.In this episode, we sit down with Joel Armin-Hoiland, founder of Climate Finance Solutions, who has secured over $1.6 billion in grants for climate tech companies. He's here to reveal where the real grant money is, how to get it, and what language you absolutely must avoid in your applications.💥 Key TakeawaysThe "Billion Dollar" Announcement: We break down what's really behind the headlines and where this funding is coming from.The Control-F Problem: Joel shares a shocking insight: grant applications are being rejected for using certain "trigger words." Find out what to avoid.Strategic Partnerships: Learn why a startup's best move might be to partner with an established company to unlock government funding.A-to-Z Funding: Discover a surprising list of energy and tech sectors the current administration is actively funding, from nuclear to AI.Meet Joel! He'll be at our NY Climate Week Event on Sep 23rd, 2-4:30 pm. Space is limited, so grab your spot now!➡️ Register for the NY Climate Week EventListen to the full episode now to get a competitive edge in securing your next grant!Episode Topics:(07:00) What Climate Finance Solutions Does(12:30) Overview of the Five Notices of Intent (NOIs)(23:30) The Rationale for US Onshoring Supply Chains(25:20) The Importance of Language in Grant Applications(29:40) The Likelihood of Funding Going Through(49:10) Future Funding Predictions and PrioritiesSPONSOR:ErthTech Talent: Fast, Accurate, and Affordable Headhunting for your CleanTech Startup. Get Started TodayConnect with Us:Connect with Silas on LinkedInConnect with Somil on LinkedInDisclosures: This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your own due diligence. 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

How can we fight climate change by focusing underground?It turns out one of the biggest untapped climate solutions isn’t in the air—or in the trees, it’s in the soil beneath our feet. Today’s guest has developed a game-changing way to measure and protect soil organic carbon, helping farmers, agribusinesses, and carbon markets work together for climate impact and economic resilience.Our guest is Chris Tolles, Founder & CEO of Yard Stick PBC.Some quotes to hook you:“Soils store way, way more carbon than all the trees and plants and animals combined.”“If you want to sell soil carbon credits, you’ve got to measure soil carbon—accurately and at scale.”“Healthy soils aren’t just about climate—they’re about keeping Cheerios on the shelves.”“Identify the application of your technology that helps someone make money or save money—that’s what all businesses do.”Check Out Our Sponsor!ErthTech Talent – Expert, Affordable CleanTech Search FirmGet the best CleanTech talent without paying absurdly high prices.Affordable: Search fee is 12–15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25–30%).Specialized: ONLY works with CleanTech startups.Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more).Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent.Plus, Silas runs it—so you already know him. Reach out and tell him you saw this ad.Show Notes: Topics05:50 – What Yardstick does and how the tech works08:07 – Why soil organic carbon matters for climate and food security09:31 – Is higher soil carbon concentration always better?09:31 – Yardstick’s two main revenue streams14:02 – Climate product or economic solution?17:21 – How big companies will make the change30:12 – Is framing as a “climate solution” a dead end?36:45 – Balancing production and soil health42:16 – Revisiting emissions per calorie in agriculture49:10 – Messaging Yardstick to different audiencesLinks- Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas- Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn- This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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 wonder how we are going to decarbonize heavy industry? Well, you won't have to wonder much longer. Today's guest has an incredible solution that is 1) drop in, 2) cost parity (or better), 3) has an existing supply chain, 4) overcomes any scarcity concerns, and 5) prevents users from changing anything they do. Our guest is Peter Godart, the Co-Founder of Found Energy. Some quotes to hook you:- "We've developed what we call the world's first rechargeable fuel."- "There's really no other technology that can store energy for this long and then be dispatched as easily."- "Aluminum is just one of the best materials we have available to actually burn something."- "If you don't have a green grid, actually exacerbates the issue. At least in the short term, makes things worse."Check Out Our Sponsor!ErthTech Talent: Expert, Affordable CleanTech Search FirmGet the best CleanTech talent without paying absurdly high prices. Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups.Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more).Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out and tell him you saw this ad.📝 Show Notes:Topics1:04 Core technology & how it works?4:58 Why is a new fuel source needed for industrial decarb?13:00 What is "rechargeable fuel"?19:08 Path to cost parity w/ fossil fuels20:56 You can use aluminum waste!? 26:24 Targe industries & markets34:36 How to handle the supply chain? 40:37 Energy density comparison to traditional fuels50:51 Next milestones for scaling the technology1:01:50 Timeline for commercial deploymentLinks- Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas- Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn- This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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, we're speaking with Cole Ashman, the CEO and founder of Pila Energy. Pila is democratizing access to battery backup systems through industrial-grade, consumer-priced batteries that are simply plug-and-play. No electricians, no permitting, just reliable power.Pila's innovative approach is disrupting the home energy market, from enabling demand response programs to making backup power accessible and affordable for everyone. Listen today to hear how they are reshaping energy reliability and demand response access. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsSelect Quotes From This Episode:"Controlling loads... shutting off your air condition, technically great, but who wants their AC shut off on the hottest day of the year?" "We're able to turn entire apartment complexes into batteries by coordinating up to hundreds of these distributed batteries." [Sponsor] ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people.Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups.Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more). Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out today and tell him you saw this ad.LinksCole Ashman | Pila EnergyConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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, we talk with Eric McShane, co-founder and CEO of Electroflow Technology (backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures). Eric is on a mission to revolutionize lithium production, a vital battery material.We discuss the "Big Beautiful Bill's" impact on the battery industry and how Electroflow Technology's innovative approach addresses the critical need for domestic lithium production, especially given that "99% of this crucial battery material [LFP] is made in China." Eric shares how their unique process transforms brine into LFP, helping the U.S. become competitive again by "building real stuff" and using abundant low-concentration lithium brine resources.Key Topics:BBB's Impact: The "Big Beautiful Bill's" role in boosting U.S. battery capacity and achieving self-sufficiency in materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP).Electroflow's Innovation: Details on Electroflow Technology's unique method for transforming brine into LFP and its benefits.Go-to-Market Strategy: Electroflow's plan for market entry and key differentiators.Climate Tech Perspective: Eric's insights on being a climate tech founder and the excitement of "building real stuff."Future Goals: Electroflow Technology's objectives and plans for utilizing U.S. lithium brine resources.Get Involved: How investors and engineers can connect with Electroflow Technology.Support the Show!Upgrade to paid today! It’s $10/month or $100/year. Your support helps us continue to bring you valuable CleanTech insights.Upgrade to Paid 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

Wow - 250 Episodes! Thank you all for being part of this journey so far. Stick with us as it’s only getting better.Quotes From This Episode:"Operating an electric vehicle in your fleet is insanely cheap..." - Tyler Phillipi"Level 3 chargers without utility upgrades... Think garden hose in, fire hose out." - Silas Mähner"Amazon and Walmart... are doing the same exact thing from every portion of their fleet because it makes financial sense." - Tyler PhillipiAnnouncement! We’re hosting a CleanTechies meetup in San Francisco!If you’re around on the 10th of July in San Francisco, join us for a friends of CleanTechies meetup! Register today as space is limited!In this episode, we speak with Tyler Phillipi, CEO of OptiGrid. OptiGrid revolutionizes EV charging with innovative, easy-to-install units that cut installation time from 18 months to as little as 4 weeks. Partnering with Orange EV, OptiGrid tackles the fleet electrification bottleneck with a "garden hose in, fire hose out" approach, bypassing power constraints. Learn why giants like Amazon and Walmart electrify fleets for financial benefits, and how OptiGrid makes EV charging "dumb easy," driving a quiet revolution.Topics00:00 Operating electric vehicles in fleets is cheap (Cold Open)00:28 Intro to OptiGrid04:57 OptiGrid's technology 07:52 Why fleets are electrifying despite challenges12:52 OptiGrid's installation process19:07 Advantages of working with Orange EV24:03 Economic drivers for EV adoption30:40 Corporate sustainability commitments and EV adoption32:23 Grid challenges and the role of utilities35:12 Supply chain and battery manufacturing37:38 Tyler's thesis on team building43:36 Getting the best out of people44:45 Future of OptiGridLinksTyler Phillipi | OptiGridConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

Matt Ellis (Measurabl): Building a Climate Tech EmpireJoin us with Matt Ellis, Founder & CEO of Measurabl, as he shares how they're transforming the green building industry. Discover how they're leveraging data and AI to drive sustainability, navigating policy, and helping building owners lower emissions. Matt dives into building a billion-dollar climate tech company, the importance of constant reinvention, and lessons in fostering a thriving company culture.In this episode:(01:23) Reinventing Measurabl(05:57) AI and Data's Impact on Measurabl(15:43) Advice for Climate Tech Founders(35:42) Lessons Learned in Talent & Team Building(48:41) Emerging Trends in Sustainability Data & Business ModelsConnect:Matt Ellis on LinkedIn | Measurabl WebsiteConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedIn-----This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsIn This Episode:How cities are still trying to hit their electrification goals without federal funding assistance What is really happening in the EV charging market How Tiya is building an A-Team What’s up, everyone! Today, we’re excited to have Tiya Gordon, founder of It’s Electric, back on the pod to discuss their progress since we last spoke in early 2024. She also gives us a big update on what’s happening in the curbside charging space across the US. With the federal funding support being pulled, a lot of cities are facing challenges in meeting their electrification goals. It’s Electric is thriving by helping them get curbside chargers in place with ZERO up-front costs. As if that wasn’t enough, they also help building owners earn extra revenue. A true win-win solution. Tune in for some golden nuggets on what the market is doing now and an absolute master class on how to build a high-performance team at an early-stage clean tech startup. 📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelWant to access all our content? Upgrade to paid today to support our work. Subscribe now[Sponsor] ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTiya is a huge proponent of getting superstars into her team. Do you care about talent the same way? If so let’s chat! ErthTech helps CleanTech startups hire top US-based talent. And we do it for ~half of what other firms charge. Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups. Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more). Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out today and tell him you saw this ad. Get Started Today📝 Show Notes:Topics 02:03 It's Electric Introduction03:39 Key Innovation in Public Charging05:52 Recent Milestones and Company Progress07:32 City Responses to Electrification Efforts09:14 EV Adoption Continues Amid Infrastructure Challenges11:16 Cities Maintaining Momentum on Electrification13:15 Early Traction and Market Response to Zero-Cost Solution15:24 Community Engagement and Innovative Financing Model20:41 Evolving City Strategies and Scaling Public Charging24:36 How Tiya is Building a Team of Superstars 39:25 Upcoming Goals and Roadmap for It's Electric41:05 Upcoming Bottlenecks LinksTiya Gordon | It’s ElectricListen to the first episode we did with Tiya - $167#167 Urban Charging, Electrifying Cities, Pilots & Partnerships, & More w/ Tiya Gordon (It's Electric)Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedIn to fill your feeds with educational content This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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:* Was this continued ClimateTech Vibe shift inevitable, or is it just Trump?* The intersection of ClimateTech Startups and InsuranceTech startups?* What role are insurance companies playing in the climate crisis?Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?What’s up, everyone!Today, we have a great episode with Grace Penders and Adam Chadroff from Equal Ventures. If you're not familiar with Equal, I recommend checking out episode 116 where we had on Rick Zullo, the Founder of Equal.Today, we’re continuing the conversation about the climate tech vibe shift. However, our conversation with Equal is a little bit different. Equal has, from the very beginning, had a thesis broader than just climate. One of those other areas is insurance. This is an area that is increasingly intersecting with climate. This is becoming especially acute given the rise in natural disasters and the catastrophic financial impacts that follow.Our conversation today focuses on these themes as well as what the insurance industry’s role is in helping solve the climate investing challenge. There are plenty of ways. This is playing into how governments engage.Overall, it's an amazing episode and we're really excited to share this with you.Sidenote, we recorded this in person in the equal offices during my recent visit to New York. So if you'd like to watch, check it out on YouTube. (Also, be sure to give us a follow on YouTube to help us grow the channel)If you're enjoying the content, consider upgrading to become paid subscriber today.Act fast! Because our annual subscription is going from $80 up to $100 as of May 1st.To upgrade, click the “upgrade” button on the top right of your screen here.📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel📝 Show Notes:Topics* 00:00 Cold Open & Intro* 03:00 The Climate Tech Vibe Shift* 05:58 The Intersection of Climate and Insurance* 09:01 Investment Trends in Climate Risk* 12:05 Quantifying and Mitigating Climate Risks* 15:03 Innovations in Climate Risk Management* 17:55 Preventative Measures and Market Impacts* 26:05 Understanding Market Compression and Its Impacts* 29:50 The Role of Insurance in Value Creation* 32:54 Government Involvement in Climate Risk* 35:00 Navigating Innovation in Insurance and Utilities* 40:18 Exit Opportunities in the Insurance Sector* 44:10 The Climate Capital Summit and Future TrendsLinks* Grace Penders | Adam Chadroff | Equal Ventures* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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:* Was this continued ClimateTech Vibe shift inevitable, or is it just Trump?* The intersection of ClimateTech Startups and InsuranceTech startups?* What role are insurance companies playing in the climate crisis?Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?What’s up, everyone!Today, we have a great episode with Grace Penders and Adam Chadroff from Equal Ventures. If you're not familiar with Equal, I recommend checking out episode 116 where we had on Rick Zullo, the Founder of Equal.Today, we’re continuing the conversation about the climate tech vibe shift. However, our conversation with Equal is a little bit different. Equal has, from the very beginning, had a thesis broader than just climate. One of those other areas is insurance. This is an area that is increasingly intersecting with climate. This is becoming especially acute given the rise in natural disasters and the catastrophic financial impacts that follow.Our conversation today focuses on these themes as well as what the insurance industry’s role is in helping solve the climate investing challenge. There are plenty of ways. This is playing into how governments engage.Overall, it's an amazing episode and we're really excited to share this with you.Sidenote, we recorded this in person in the equal offices during my recent visit to New York. So if you'd like to watch, check it out on YouTube. (Also, be sure to give us a follow on YouTube to help us grow the channel)If you're enjoying the content, consider upgrading to become paid subscriber today.Act fast! Because our annual subscription is going from $80 up to $100 as of May 1st.To upgrade, click the “upgrade” button on the top right of your screen here.📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel📝 Show Notes:Topics* 00:00 Cold Open & Intro* 03:00 The Climate Tech Vibe Shift* 05:58 The Intersection of Climate and Insurance* 09:01 Investment Trends in Climate Risk* 12:05 Quantifying and Mitigating Climate Risks* 15:03 Innovations in Climate Risk Management* 17:55 Preventative Measures and Market Impacts* 26:05 Understanding Market Compression and Its Impacts* 29:50 The Role of Insurance in Value Creation* 32:54 Government Involvement in Climate Risk* 35:00 Navigating Innovation in Insurance and Utilities* 40:18 Exit Opportunities in the Insurance Sector* 44:10 The Climate Capital Summit and Future TrendsLinks* Grace Penders | Adam Chadroff | Equal Ventures* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast. 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cleantechies.substack.comListen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsIn This Episode:* What is a Solid State Transformer * How Solid State Transformers are Reshaping the Energy Industry* How They Built a $1bn Pipeline Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better? Check Out Our Sponsors! Goodwin: The Law Firm of Choice for ClimateTech Entrepreneurs Every ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)-----ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups. Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more). _____Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out today and tell him you saw this ad. _____What’s up, everyone! Today, we have a great episode with Haroon Inam & Michael Wood III from DG Matrix. We’re talking about a simple technology that can fundamentally reshape the energy industry by transforming electricity more efficiently and with way less physical space, than what’s been done traditionally. Take an EV charger, for example. You need to get the exact electricity flow right. Usually, that would take a few parking spaces’ worth of transformers. With DG Matrix, you can do it with a simple power stand smaller than your refrigerator. This is still the case even if you’ve got solar, batteries, or other distributed resources all mixed in together. They can handle all the streams of electricity in and out. It’s clear the industry is loving this too. They have over $1bn of pipeline to date. We got Haroon and Michael, so it’s a great episode. _____Want to access all our content? Upgrade to paid today. Act fast! Annual subscriptions increase to $100 on May 1st (currently $80). 📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel_____📝 Show Notes:Topics Free Version:03:21 The Journey to DG Matrix05:51 Understanding Solid State Transformers09:11 Market Position and Economic Impact10:00 Goodwin AD12:06 Solid State Transformer Advantages13:26 Company AD17:14 Building a Strong Advisory Network18:51 Call to Action21:10 Overcoming Challenges in Clean Tech24:54 The Future of DG Matrix and Market Fit26:29 Building from the Ground Up27:51 Transforming Energy Markets30:55 Streamlining Manufacturing and Supply ChainLinks* Haroon Inam, Michael Wood III | DG Matrix* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Hey there! Thanks for being a paid sub! Means a lot - (code for, we like money) just kidding. For real though, as a paid subscriber, feel free to reach out to us with questions, if you’re looking for support, or if you have suggestions on future topics. If you’re not already in the group chat, let us know and we’ll get you in there. 😄