Brought to you by:D-CRBN - a Belgian startup turning industrial CO₂ emissions into valuable feedstock using cutting-edge plasma technology. If you want to learn more, reach out directly to David Ziegler or Gill Scheltjens.***This week on New Wave Weekly: 👉 $45M for Genomines: Plants vs MinesThe French startup growing nickel from plants just raised $45M, one of the largest Series A in Europe for climate-tech companies. We’ve looked at all the details and are sharing key insights. 👉 CVCs Are Taking OverHyundai, Microsoft, Siemens… corporate VCs are writing bigger checks and locking in as customers. Are they the future of climate capital?👉 Is Climate Tech Dead?Media says “dual-use is hot, climate is not.” But is this the death of climate VC, or just the cleansing fire we needed to kill bad ideas and sharpen the next generation of winners?***References:Sifted: Genomines raises $45M Series AForbion Co-lead Release (PDF)DT Capital Partners Press ReleaseMicrosoft doubles down on green steelmaker StegraPwC Report: Climate Tech & Corporate VCSifted: Climate tech out, dual-use inImpact Loop: Lubomila Jordanova warns of greenwashing***Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:26) $45M for Genomines(21:46) CVCs are taking over(36:09) Long Live Climate-Tech! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Brought to you by:D-CRBN - a Belgian startup turning industrial CO₂ emissions into valuable feedstock using cutting-edge plasma technology. If you want to learn more, reach out directly to David Ziegler or Gill Scheltjens.***This week on New Wave Weekly: change is no longer a scientific forecast.👉 Fusion Energy: Is It Around The Corner?Proxima Fusion raises $200M, U.S. players pull in mega-rounds up to $900M… and suddenly everyone’s bullish. But is fusion coming in 2030, or 2100? Game-changing tech or just another beautiful mirage?👉 The capital stack goes creativeGrants, debt, PPAs, infra equity, climate finance is finally evolving beyond pure VC. But who’s funding $100M FOAK projects? And where are all the climate-native CFOs?👉 OpenAI x Oracle, $300B and 4.5 GWOne AI deal = 4 nuclear reactors. As data centers suck up grid capacity, could the compute boom drag climate tech into the fast lane?***References:FT: Europe’s fusion race heats up with billions in fundingTechCrunch: CFS books $1B power deal for its future reactorTechCrunch: Google inks its first fusion power deal with CFSLinkedIn: Proxima Fusion extends its Series ACTVC: Fusion roundup — big rounds, big dealsCFS: CFS raises $863M Series B2 to accelerate commercializationSifted: SunSave raises $113M to expand solar subscriptionsWSJ: OpenAI and Oracle sign $300B computing deal***Wave Makers:Hampus Jakobsson - Pale Blue DotMatthew Blain - Voyager Ventures***Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:12) Is Fusion Happening?(28:31) The Creative Capital Stack(42:20) A Deal That Needs 4.5GW***Leave a review✨Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
ESG is under fire. Some say it’s “good for the brand” but not foundational to the strategy. Others call it flat-out fraud.So I wanted to find out:Is ESG in venture capital just a PR exercise, or can it actually create value?To unpack this complex topic, I invited Damien Didier, Head of ESG at Daphni, a French VC firm with over €500M AUM and one of the funds that truly walks the talk.And I’ll be honest: I used to see ESG as a box-ticking exercise.But after this conversation, I left convinced that when done right, ESG can improve startup performance, strengthen returns, and unlock real impact.We covered:What ESG really means in VC (and why most people get it wrong)Their framework to assess ESG in early-stage startupsWhy asking for too much ESG data too early is a mistakeHow ESG ties into margins, exit premiums, and long-term value…and more!***References:Daphni - https://www.daphni.com/Damien Didier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-didier/ESG Toolbox - The ESG Toolbox by daphniTime4 - A New Fund to Change the Game!Les Déterminés - https://www.lesdetermines.fr/Live4Good - https://www.live-for-good.org/HEC IncubatorsIncluded VC - https://www.included.vc/***In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction(00:41) ESG in Venture?(10:24) Is ESG relevant at pre-seed?(13:14) The S of ESG(23:04) Implementing ESG(28:55) The Future of ESG in VC(31:50) Fire Questions 🔥***What’s next?👀This was the last episode before we launch a new format and brand. Stay tuned! 👋***Leave a review✨Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Sir Ronald Cohen is not your average climate investor. In 1972, he co-founded one of Europe’s first VC funds, which became Apax Partners, now with €80B+ deployed in private equity and venture capital.At 60, he had a realization:“I didn’t want my epitaph to read: ‘He delivered a 30% annual return.’ I had always known that life should have a greater purpose.”Since then, he’s spent two decades reimagining what finance can be, and asking what it should become. And so I asked him: Is venture capital the right instrument to solve climate change?***In this conversation:Why risk–return–impact outperforms traditional investingHow impact accounting could reshape global portfoliosWhy public markets are shrinking (and what that means for climate exits)How to measure impact in dollars, not just KPIs…and much moreWhether you’re an investor, founder, or just curious about the future of finance, this is one you won’t want to miss.***Links:Sir Ronald CohenImpact (Sir Ronald’s Book)***Episode guide:(00:00) Introduction(01:23) The case for impact VC(09:23) Fund structures and patient capital(16:40) What makes a company truly impactful?(24:04) Portfolio rotation is coming(33:28) This will change all of finance(35:12) Closing: Are you optimistic? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Brought to you by:Accelerating Impact - an independent non-profit advancing impact finance by mobilizing capital toward sustainable development and running free accelerator programs for emerging fund managers (ICFA, ISFA). Join for expert coaching, training, financial support, and a strong peer community. Contact them here.***Climate change is no longer a scientific forecast. It's a daily reality for many people in the Global South.Crops are failing, cities are flooding, and wildfires are becoming the norm.Yet, only a fraction of climate finance goes toward climate adaptation solutions.Why does adaptation remain so drastically underfunded?And what does it take to invest in adaptation?To unpack this complex topic, today we are joined by Timothy Rann, Managing Partner at Mercy Corps Ventures. Timothy has led over 70 investments in emerging markets with one goal: to build real climate resilience where it matters most.***What we discussed:Adaptation vs mitigation: why we need bothWhy adaptation finance lags despite a $300B funding gapThe missed opportunities for global investorsInvestment case studies with Pula and MeridiaThe role of governments, regulations, and public goods… and more!***References:Mercy Corps VenturesLinkedIn - Timothy RannPula (agricultural insurance)Meridia (farm data & traceability)Wasoko (supply chain resilience)***In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction & Sponsor(01:57) Adaptation vs. Mitigation(11:39) The Case for Adaptation(18:20) Investment Strategies in Adaptation(25:57) The Social Mission of VC?(34:49) Investing in Adaptation(47:31) Can You Make Money in Climate?(49:52) Fire Questions 🔥***Who’s next?👀Next week, I’ll be joined by the Head of Sustainability at Daphni to unpack the role of ESG in venture capital. Too often dismissed as box-ticking, ESG can actually be a powerful framework for building resilient, future-proof startups. Stay tuned to learn more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Can circularity deliver on both carbon reduction and financial performance?Today, we’re joined by Nic Gorini, Managing Partner at Spin Ventures, a fund dedicated to the circular and regenerative economy. In this episode, Nic reframes circularity as a path to business efficiency, not just environmental good. Forget the “waste = trash” mindset. Circularity is about designing smarter systems that cut costs, increase profit, and reduce environmental impact. As Nic puts it: “Less carbon, more profit.”Still have doubts? Vinted, Back Market, Vestiaire Collective are all worth $1B+. If you’re a founder building with efficiency in mind or a VC looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights.***Where to find Nic & Spin:Spin Ventures: Spin Ventures Ltd.House of Circularity: The House of CircularityLinkedIn: Nic Gorini***In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction(01:20) Less Carbon, More Profit(07:23) The Three Pillars of Circularity(17:38) VC Guide to Circularity(24:04) Are Consumers Ready?(28:33) Can Generalists Play?(31:26) Deep Tech + Circularity?(34:51) Fire Questions 🔥***Who’s next?👀Next week, I’ll be speaking with someone who has backed 60+ founders in emerging markets, where climate resilience isn’t optional, it’s survival. We explore why VCs often overlook adaptation, and why that’s a missed opportunity for impact and returns. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Artificial Intelligence is seen as a critical tool for solving climate change. We talk about optimizing grids, accelerating material discovery, and predicting extreme weather.But can AI really help us solve the climate crisis faster than it contributes to it?Today I’m joined by three sharp thinkers in the world of climate:- Hampus Jakobsson: founding partner at Pale Blue Dot and a bullish believer in AI for climate- Pippa Gawley: founding partner at Zero Carbon Capital and a cautious observer of the AI hype- Matteo Turchetta: co-founder and CTO at KoraLabs and PhD in AI for sustainable agriculture from ETH ZürichTogether, we answer the question: Is AI a good thing for the climate?***We talk about: Why adding “AI” to your pitch won’t save a climate startupHow smaller, smarter models could reduce emissionsWhether climate data is good enough to train real solutionsWhen AI crosses the line from helpful to harmfulHow small AI wins might unlock massive physical world impactWhen regulation makes sense, and when it stifles innovation… and more!***Where to find Hampus, Pippa & Matteo:Hampus | Pale Blue Dot | The DropPippa | Zero Carbon CapitalMatteo | KoraLabs***Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction (01:30) AI Solution Categories (03:57) Investor Skepticism (06:54) Practical Use Cases (12:30) Data Quality Matters (17:17) Environmental Impact of AI (23:05) Solving Real Problems (33:57) Accelerating Dirty Industries (40:05) Responsible Use of AI (46:06) Key Takeaways***Other episodes you might like: - How Climate Startups Get Their FIRST Investor***Sign up for my free newsletter: - VCo2 | The Climate Investing Podcast | Hugo Rauch | Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Batteries are the backbone of the energy transition. From grid-scale storage to next-gen chemistries, the world is racing to shape a trillion-dollar industry.But what are the fundamental differences between battery types? And which are actually game-changers?To explore the battery market, I’m joined by Dave Borlace, the voice behind Just Have a Think, a YouTube channel trusted by 600,000+ people for its break down of complex climate and energy topics into compelling narratives.***What we discussed:Why battery tech is essential for the future of the gridA breakdown of 6 battery types (from lithium-ion to aluminium-ion)How China took the lead in battery manufacturingWhat metrics matter: energy density, cycle life, cost, safety, and weight… and more!***Where to find Dave Borlace:YouTube: Just Have a ThinkLinkedIn: Dave Borlace***(00:00) Introduction(01:33) Batteries and the Energy Transition(10:45) Lithium-Ion Dominance(24:49) Exploring Lithium-Sulfur(31:04) Is Sodium-Ion Viable?(35:07) The Promise of Solid-State Batteries(38:53) Incumbents vs. Innovators(42:07) What’s Up with Flow Batteries?(47:06) The Potential of Aluminum Batteries(49:58) Rapid Fire Questions 🔥***This episode is a bit different from our usual format. Typically, I sit down with climate investors, angels, VCs, and PEs. But this time, I wanted to try something new.It's summer, and I thought it was the perfect moment to invite Dave Borlace, creator of Just Have a Think and one of the clearest voices on climate technology, to break down the battery landscape for us.He's not an investor, but he’s a brilliant educator. I hope you enjoy this special episode as much as I did.***Leave a review:Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
How do you secure that first yes from a climate investor?And how do you build the conviction needed to write the first check?***Co-hosted by Climate Drift and VCo2, this brutally honest conversation features three of the sharpest minds in early-stage investing, Hampus Jakobsson (Pale Blue Dot), Jonny Everett (Marble), and Andreas Klinger (Prototype Capital), to lift the curtain on how decisions are made when there’s barely a product, let alone traction.You’ll learn:→ Why traction isn’t what gets deals done→ What “founder-problem fit” really means→ The checklists behind venture decisions→ How to cut through the noise and get noticed→ … and more!This conversation is gold if you’re raising a first round, backing pre-seed startups, or trying to figure out how to stand out in a crowded fundraising market.***⌛TIMESTAMPS00.00 Introduction01:28 What Hampus Looks For02:31 Investors Can Be Fast04:11 Checklist to Build A Startup06:25 An Investor's Checklist17:27 Matching People and Ideas22:50 Market Shifts 202535:19 Getting Investor Attention40:48 Planning for Returns42:19 What is a Good Investor?47:38 Planning Future Rounds52:35 The Dynamics of Fundraising56:02 Honesty in Rejections1:02:04 Engineering Momentum1:05:09 Seek a No1:10:06 Building Real Relationships1:13:35 Getting Noticed by Marble1:16:22 The Upside of Failure1:17:52 Closing Thoughts***Pale Blue Dot: https://paleblue.vc/ The Drop: https://thedropconf.com/ Prototype: https://www.prototypecap.com/contact/ Andreas' Channel: @prototypecap Marble: https://marble.studio/about Climate Drift: https://www.climatedrift.com/ VCo2: https://climateventuresvco2.substack.com/***📚 STARTER PACKWe have prepared this Starter Pack as your crash course in early-stage climate investing, the people doing it, the psychology behind it, and the playbook that gets the first check over the line. Enjoy!***💚 LEAVE A REVIEWApple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
This week, we sit down with Tove Larsson, General Partner at Norrsken VC, one of the largest climate VCs in Europe with already 3 unicorns in their portfolio and built on top of Norrsken Foundation, launched by Niklas Adalberth (founder of Klarna).We discuss why the geopolitical landscape is creating new opportunities, how Europe’s startup ecosystem is maturing, and what VCs need to change about their approach to impact investing.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Europe is a more attractive climate tech market than ever beforeHow the European policy landscape (Green Deal, CBAM, etc.) is shaping startupsThe sectors with the strongest unicorn potential in climateExamples of booming sectors from Norrsken’s portfolioHow to support startups during and after failureWhat LPs really think about impact funds, and why that’s changing… and more!***Thank you to DealMaker for sponsoring this episode. 💚 Big raises. No gatekeepers. DealMaker helps cleantech companies bypass traditional funding barriers and raise millions on their own terms, by going directly to investors online. Ready to fuel your vision? Visit DealMaker.tech to learn more.***⌛TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction & Europe's Investment Boom04:49 Norssken & Klarna's Story06:44 Key Sectors in Climate09:28 AI For Climate?16:09 European Policy Landscape20:05 It's Time for Climate Unicorns 26:37 We Need More LPs In Climate31:10 Embracing Risk & Failure 38:41 Rapid Fire Questions 🔥***💚 LEAVE A REVIEWApple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
This week, we sit down with Helena Wasserman, the co-founder of Investors for Climate, a global network of over 400 climate-focused investors across 24 cities. In this episode, we dive into the engine behind that momentum: a community that connects capital with founders at seed stage, and creates deep relationships between VCs, angels, and family offices worldwide.***Thank you to DealMaker for sponsoring this episode. 💚 Big raises. No gatekeepers. DealMaker helps cleantech companies bypass traditional funding barriers and raise millions on their own terms, by going directly to investors online. Ready to fuel your vision? Visit DealMaker.tech to learn more.***⌛TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Investors For Climate04:16 How the Community Started06:43 The Community Playbook09:58 Why Community Matters14:28 Investor Preferences17:56 City Expansion Strategy19:18 Notable Investment Examples20:36 You Need Strict Rules 21:45 Fire Questions***💚 LEAVE A REVIEWApple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
As industrial greentech scales, it faces hypertransformation: disrupting value chains, deploying new tech, demanding huge capital, and struggling with rapid growth. This is a stage at which traditional startup playbooks can’t keep up.So, how do founders and investors survive, and thrive, through this chaos?Laurits Bach Sørensen, Co-Founder of Nordic Alpha, shares a powerful new framework: Hypertransformation. This is how Nordic Alpha sold Spirii to Edenred for €175M and Wiferion to Tesla for €80M+.In this conversation, we cover:- Why green tech needs more than capital to win- The $215 trillion reindustrialization opportunity- How U.S. and China outplay Europe on policy- The 4 forces of hypertransformation- Why Northvolt failed, and how it could’ve been saved- … and more!⌛TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction02:13 Introduction to Nordic Alpha5:24 The Need for Re-Industrialization11:42 Skepticism in Climate Tech15:18 Understanding Hyper Transformation19:01 Four Forces of Hyper Transformation27:54 Capital Expenditure in Hypergrowth36:48 Managing Hypergrowth39:20 Northvolt Case Study49:50 Free Tools You Can Use53:34 Rapid Fire Questions 🔥📚 STARTUPS AND FRAMEWORKSHyper-Transformation FrameworkBCSA - Better, Cheaper, Simpler, AvailableHyper-Replication ModelAuto-Projections & BTM ModelSpirii – sold to Edenred for €175MWiferion – sold to Tesla for €82MNorthvolt – Swedish EV battery companySTABL – Nordic Alpha portfolio company using second-life batteries💚 LEAVE A REVIEWApple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
This week, we sit down with Desirée Petterson, Head of Impact at Satgana, to dive deep into climate investing in Africa, a region often overlooked by mainstream VC but holding the key to many climate challenges.***Thank you to DealMaker for sponsoring this episode. 💚 Big raises. No gatekeepers. DealMaker helps cleantech companies bypass traditional funding barriers and raise millions on their own terms, by going directly to investors online. Ready to fuel your vision? Visit DealMaker.tech to learn more.***⌛TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction3:12 Journey to Satgana 7:54 Climate Realities in Kenya 9:56 Africa’s Venture Capital Landscape 18:14 Leveraging Africa’s Unique Strengths 21:32 Rethinking VC: A New Playbook 27:41 Why Bottom-Up Investments Work in Africa 32:04 Not Investing in Africa Is the Bigger Risk 34:24 Rapid Fire Round ***📚 STARTUPS AND FUNDSRevivo - Refurbished electronics marketplace in KenyaKubik - Turning hard-to-recycle plastics into low-carbon building materialsSirona - Direct air capture startup utilizing Kenya’s geothermal energySatgana - Climate and frontier market-focused VC fundGrounded Investment Company - Fund innovating in agri-value chains***💚 LEAVE A REVIEW Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
In this episode, we dive into one of Europe’s greatest climate venture studios: Marble.Ben Tincq, founding partner at Marble, joins us to discuss how they build companies from scratch that aim to solve the hardest climate problems.Here’s what we cover:- Finding hard climate problems and solutions- Recruiting great deep tech founders- Going from “minus one to one”- Trading market risk for technical risk… and more!Watch the full conversation on YouTube 👇***Thank you to DealMaker for sponsoring this episode. 💚 Big raises. No gatekeepers. DealMaker helps cleantech companies bypass traditional funding barriers and raise millions on their own terms, by going directly to investors online. Ready to fuel your vision? Visit DealMaker.tech to learn more.***⌛TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction02:09 The Genesis of Marble07:54 Building the Right Team11:41 Picking Climate Problems17:51 Creating Startups Systematically23:22 Balancing Ambition and Returns26:42 Clean Energy Abundance30:33 Traits of Great Founders37:43 Rapid Fire Questions📚 STARTUPS MENTIONEDRenaissance Fusion: Fusion energy startupVema: Geologic HydrogenStealth methane-reduction company from Marble🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCASTFill in this form: Become a sponsor of the podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEWApple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
From COVID-19 to the war in Ukraine, recent shocks have exposed a hard truth, Europe isn’t resilient yet. With the climate crisis accelerating, can we upgrade our infrastructure, economy, and innovation systems in time? To explore this topic, today we’re joined by Craig Douglas, founding partner at World Fund, one of Europe’s largest climate-tech VC. ⌛TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction1:05 Craig’s VC Path 4:17 What Is Resilience? 10:20 Europe’s Weak Spots 19:19 VC Lens on Resilience 24:40 Case Study: Cylib 31:06 The European Bottleneck 39:52 Predictions for Europe's Resilience 42:14 Fast Fire Round 📚 REFERENCESSTARTUPSCylib – battery recyclingInstaGrids – portable power unitsFUNDSWorld FundScottish Equity PartnersSet VenturesNATO Innovation FundEIB (European Investment Bank)PROGRAMS AND POLICIESEuropean Commission energy policyIRA (Inflation Reduction Act) – U.S.SFDR Article 9Germany’s “Debt Brake” removalDOE Loan Program (US)🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCASTFill in this form: Become a sponsor of the podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEW Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
From improving food security to decarbonizing heavy industries and even transforming human health, microbes are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.But could they also be the next multi-billion-dollar opportunity? And can generalist VCs understand the space well enough to back the right teams?In this episode, I’m joined by Olivier Mougenot, partner at Wind, a French deep-tech climate VC firm. Olivier is not a scientist. He’s not a biologist either. But he’s convinced that microorganisms will reshape our industries for the better and that biotech is now a business-first game where traditional VCs can support startups.We discuss:- What VCs can learn from SaaS to back the next generation of biotech startups- How to evaluate microorganisms projects (hint: performance, price, scale)- What AI can’t do yet in synthetic biology (but might soon)- How the best biotech startups de-risk their business- … and more!⌛TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction2:59 Wind: A Deep Tech VC Firm6:34 Microorganisms & Sustainability12:37 Biotech Beyond Scientists16:46 Ethics of Microorganisms21:23 Why Impact Funds Fit Biotech27:00 Wind’s Investment Thesis34:27 AI in Biotech37:45 Biotech Predictions41:54 Advice for Founders & VCs🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCASTFill in this form: Become a sponsor of the podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEWApple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcgSpotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.In this episode, I’m joined by Lauri Reuter, founding partner at Nordic FoodTech VC. We go deep into the mechanics of food tech. Not the kind you see on supermarket shelves, but the kind powering the supply chain, transforming ingredients, and reshaping global agriculture.We talk about:* Investing when consumers don’t care about sustainability* The underestimated complexity of food innovation* Case studies in ingredient and input replacement* How biotech is redesigning egg whites, chocolate, and aroma compounds* The food tech trends to ignore, and the ones to back* … and more!Watch this episode on YouTube. 👇⌛TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Introduction* 01:35 Why Food Tech?* 05:22 Understanding the Food Tech Opportunity* 09:51 Investing When There's No Appetite for Sustainability* 15:59 Building Conviction in Food Tech* 25:20 Investing in Deep Tech Startups* 33:28 Nordic Innovation in Food Tech* 37:15 Rapid Fire Questions with Lauri Reuter📚 REFERENCES* Endless Food (cocoa alternative)* Evodia (aroma from engineered yeast)* Chromologics (natural food colors through fermentation)* Onego Bio (egg white via fermentation)🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCAST* Fill in this form: Become a sponsor of the podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEW * Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg * Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.From underwater data cables to aging transformers, the infrastructure powering our world is under pressure, and increasingly, under threat. But could national security, not just decarbonization, be the force that finally accelerates the energy transition?In this episode, I’m joined by Austin Wood, Investment Manager at SET Ventures, to unpack why security is becoming a central force behind the energy transition and how their latest investment in OPTICS11 plays at the intersection of deeptech, defense, and critical infrastructure.We explore:* Why energy systems are now national security issues* The mechanics and strategy behind their investments in OPTICS11* How fiber optic sensing can detect failures before they happen* The overlap between climate, security, and infrastructure* The economics of partial discharge monitoring (and why you should care)* … and more!Watch this episode on YouTube. 👇⌛TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 Introduction to the episode* 02:00 Austin's Story* 03:10 SET Ventures Investment Strategy* 08:05 Optics 11: Security as a Driver of the Energy Transition* 17:20 Explaining Partial Discharge* 19:50 What Convinced SET to Invest?* 28:09 Investment Mechanics* 30:01 Security as a New Driver for Energy Transition* 36:50 LP Appetite for Climate-Tech* 38:51 Rapid Fire Questions📚 REFERENCES* Optics 11 – Fiber optic sensing for infrastructure and subsea monitoring* Wallbox Chargers – EV chargers and energy management software* Partial Discharge Monitoring – Detecting early failure signs in transformers* Royal Smitt – Transformer OEM + servicing partner* Dutch Navy – Early adopter and signal of defense relevance* SET Ventures – Digital energy VC based in Amsterdam* Join Capital – Dual-use and defense-focused VC syndicate partner🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCAST* Fill in this form: Become a sponsor of the podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEW * Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg * Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Thank you to BioEsol for sponsoring this episode. 💚BioEsol is an AI-powered energy company bringing Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) to industrial and SME clients, enabling energy autonomy, cost savings, and sustainability - with no upfront investment. In April, the company will open its Series A round to accelerate its expansion in France & Europe.This week, we’re joined by Andrew Shebbeare, co-founder of Counteract, to unpack the state of carbon removal in 2025, what's broken, what's working, and what needs to change. From LP dynamics to resilient startup models, we cover it all. In this episode, we discuss:* Why raising capital for CDR is harder in 2025* The shift from hype to fundamentals in CDR* Carbon credits vs. carbon-negative business models* Advice for both investors and founders in the carbon space* Why MRV and ecosystem enablers matter more than ever* … and more! Watch this episode on YouTube. 👇⌛TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 Introduction to the episode* 03:45 A sci-fi take on the current political/economic moment* 08:30 What founders are experiencing on the ground in 2025* 11:09 The carbon credit myth: what startups really sell* 14:35 Business models from the Counteract portfolio* 21:00 Has the hype died? What Hello Tomorrow 2025 revealed* 25:19 Headwinds vs tailwinds for carbon removal* 29:52 How much CO₂ has Counteract catalyzed so far?* 33:40 What LPs are now looking for in climate funds* 39:03 How to identify resilient carbon removal startups* 42:24 The role (and limits) of storytelling in CDR* 45:11 🔥 Fire Questions📚 STARTUPS MENTIONED* Chloris Geospatial (trees from space)* Seqana (soil MRV)* AgriCarbon (robotic soil sampling)* Adaptavate (carbon-negative wallboards)* Concrete4Change (CO₂ in concrete)* Crew Carbon (alkaline wastewater)🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCAST* Fill in this form: Become a sponsor of the VCo2 Podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEW * Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg * Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Thank you to BioEsol for sponsoring this episode. 💚BioEsol is an AI-powered energy company bringing Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) to industrial and SME clients, enabling energy autonomy, cost savings, and sustainability - with no upfront investment. In April, the company will open its Series A round to accelerate its expansion in France & Europe.This week, we’re joined by Dr. Hendrik Brandis, co-founder and partner at Earlybird Venture Capital, to explore the surprising role space technology can play in fighting climate change.We discuss:* How satellite imagery helps monitor earth activities* Why space-based solar farms could be a game-changer * The economic & environmental impact of launching satellites* The opportunities and risks of "sun shields" to combat global warming* Why venture capital needs to think bigger about climate tech scalability.* … and more! If you’re passionate about climate innovation and frontier technologies, this episode is for you. 👇⌛TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 Introduction to the episode* 02:06 The Role of Space Technology in Climate Solutions * 09:47 The Debate on Space Pollution * 14:47 Personal Motivation Behind Climate Action * 19:21 Investment Opportunities in Space Technology * 25:01 Net Zero Space Launch * 26:31 Investment opportunities in space tech * 33:14 Investment Strategies in Deep Tech * 40:46 Synergies Between Space Tech and Climate Tech * 43:13 Rapid Fire Questions ▶️ CONNECT WITH HENDRIK* Dr. Hendrik Brandis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbrandis/🤝 SPONSOR THIS PODCAST* Fill in this form: Become a sponsor of VCo2 Podcast💚 LEAVE A REVIEW * Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg * Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com