Green Add Venture

Dan Gipple is the founder of BetterPoints, a behaviour change technology company that provides a software platform which enables their clients to motivate people, focussing on sustainability, the environment and more. Put simply, their aim is to challenge people to do better.Highlights: How evidential, trackable change is effective in motivating people How BetterPoints created early traction by targeting the audience that needs your solution the most How finding a like minded, complimentary partner is more beneficial than working alone The importance of building a team to fit your culture, and how this is reflected in successful investment Useful links:BetterPointsGreen Angel SyndicateTime stamp:[01:09] An introduction to Dan Gipple and BetterPoints[02:55] The career path that lead him to BetterPoints[07:16] Educating people as an effective way of motivation[08:05] Creating a currency within BetterPoints[08:30] What makes BetterPoints different and more effective than other campaigns?[10:50] Dan’s moment of realisation when seeing results in the market[12:42] Advice on turning a vision into a successful campaign with traction[15:00] Approaching the investment market[16:30] Finding a complimentary partner and building a team[20:10] Making sacrifices in order to take a leap of faith and do good[23:28] Where does Dan see BetterPoints in 10 years?For more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or TwitterThis episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Ahmed Detta is the founder of Advanced Sustainable Development (ASD) a PET recycling facility with an aim to transform how plastics are recycled, creating a transparent and sustainable circular economy. Highlights: Ahmed’s early venture into mobile phone recycling in Dubai Studying sustainability in cambridge CISL  Why choosing to focus on PET The leap of faith moment after the research Getting Emotional Freedom Technique tapping  Mock presentations to get feedback from friends and executive coaches Being ambitious and realistic with investors Importance of getting a project manager and risk analyst Every ton of PET recycled reduces 4 tons of carbon dioxide  Useful link:Advanced Sustainable DevelopmentCambridge Institute of Sustainable LeadershipTime stamp:[01:35] What is Advanced Sustainable Development[03:30] Early career in sales and financial success[05:22] Studying sustainability in Cambridge [08:35] Early problem and solution[11:18] Choosing to focus on a PET plastics [13:25] What happens to the plastics [16:00] Deciding to quit, overcoming fear with EFT tapping[19:30] Getting traction and early feedback[21:30] Speaking to investors and knowing who is my real friend[23:40] Measuring the impact of ASD[26:00] Coolest piece of clean tech you’ve used? [28:30] Looking back from 2030For more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Paul Miller, founder and CEO of Bethnal Green Ventures. BGV are early stage investors focused on startups that use technology to radically improve people's lives for the future and solving difficult social and environmental challenges. In short, they're a pioneer in the tech for good space with early stage acceleration of startups such as Piclo (Open Utility) and Fairphone.Highlights: Paul’s career from student activist to organising hackathons that lead to BGV  How BGV got its name Impact are linked to business model Importance of backing diverse and balanced teams How community development leads to talent curation Piclo pioneering cleanweb move to bring digital tech to cleantech Fairphone’s crazy idea to actually create their own mobile phone Lettus Grow’s early stage aeroponics concept Mapping the BGV investments to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals  Paul’s vision of tech for good Useful link:Bethnal Green Ventures Time stamp:[1:45] How did BGV started? [6:00] BGV’s investment thesis[7:40] Investing in diverse teams [10:30] How do you manage the risks of your portfolio? [12:35] How do you assess teams?[14:10] Tips on approaching investors[16:59] Piclo’s early idea to create a flexible energy market[19:30] When Fairphone approached us they were just campaigners[22:17] Lettus Grow’s approach to reducing emmisions in the food supply chain[24:10] Mapping the SDGs [26:24] BGV in 10 yearsFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Nick Goddard is the co-founder and commercial director of Spinetic Energy Ltd, a company devoted to developing an exciting clean tech solution through the use of the Wind Panel. Their automotive inspired approach allows mass production at a low cost, creating an effective small-scale wind energy solution.Highlights: The advantage of combining different personal skills when building a team Repurposing past experiences into new projects Creating mass production of components is driving cost down The benefits of financial stability when deciding to work full time for a start-up business Ensuring strong personal relationships with contacts you admire rather than making contacts purely to gain popularity How start-up businesses can benefit from a hierarchical structure over total democracy Useful links:Spinetic Energy Time Stamp:[01:38] Who is Nick Goddard? An introduction to Spinetic[03:15] Nick’s career journey leading up to Spinetic[05:48] The importance of human relationships and combining personal skills[09:35] Taking a fundamentally different approach to achieve success[12:55] How age and experience can reduce the risk of a ‘leap of faith moment’[14:45] How the opportunity of well-paid jobs affects the amount of entrepreneurial activity in the UK today[15:30] Nick’s tips on how to go full time and create interest[16:49] Using social media to raise your profile vs ensuring foundational engineering with substance[19:27] How to approach the investment market and build trust with potential investors[23:00] Building a team and the importance of personal connections[26:33] Nick’s personal mission[28:37] How will Spinetic impact the future and on what scale?[31:34] Where does Nick see himself 10 years from now? For more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Alex Pitt is the cofounder of Mustard Seed, an impact VC that providing support to start up businesses with social and environmental impact at the core of what they do. Focussing on the importance of a strong team and using lockstep business methods to track progress, Alex and cofounder Henry, are helping to create high impact growth amongst some of the most exciting up and coming companies today including Winnows, Olio and Switchee.Highlights: Why having a strong friendship with cofounder Henry Wigan became the foundation of their business Alex‘s best methods of finding new businesses to support and understanding which qualities to look for Using “Lockstep” relationships to manage social return with high impact How a strong personal and social mission is key for commercial success The importance of getting to know your team Useful links:Mustard Seed https://mustardseed.vc/ Winnow https://www.winnowsolutions.com/ McKinsey and Company https://www.mckinsey.com/ Good Club https://goodclub.co.uk/ Olio https://olioex.com/ Food Cloud https://food.cloud/ Time Stamp:[02:08] Alex’s personal journey and the beginning of Mustard Seed[05:40] Working with businesses at the very start of their development[06:10] Developing from entrepeneur to investor[07:20] Trusted referrals from current investors as leads to potential new businesses[09:05] What factors to consider when looking at new investments and the importance of getting to know the team[11:10] The correlation between personal/social drive and success[12:50] Using KPIs to track performance and success on a regular basis[17:04] Lockstep relationships allows commercial and social return to reinforce each other[18:45] What is the future for Mustard Seed?For more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedinor Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Agnes Czako is co-founder and managing director of Airex, an award winning cleantech company producing a smart ventilation control. Airex is the 2018 Cleantech Startup Of The Year for the Business Green Technology Awards and Agnes was awarded the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award in 2019.The Airex intelligent air brick with inbuilt sensors, to monitor conditions and regulate air flow aims to reduce fuel poverty in social housing and make an impact in climate action. Highlights: Importance of grant funding Inspired to reduce fuel poverty and climate change Balancing thermal efficiency and air exchange in a sustainable smart way Working with the most pioneering companies How was Airex founded and the support from being part of the Sustainable Ventures Getting the right type of investor The great benefits of the funding mechanisms in place in the UK today The importance of building a great team and the ability to learn as you go Useful links:Airex - https://www.airex.tech/ Sustainable Ventures - https://www.sustainableventures.co.uk/ Green Angel Syndicate - https://greenangelsyndicate.com/Agnes Czako's Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/agnes-czako-9476453b Time Stamp:[01:05] An introduction to Agnes Czako and her role[02:10] What inspired Agnes to get into sustainability?[03:10] The beginning of Airex and their funding journey[04:00] Recognising the problem with air bricks and working towards a solution[05:30] The features of the intelligent air brick[07:05] How creating traction can be challenging at the very early stages of business development[10:30] The benefits of investor experience and networking, not just financial support[11:00] The efficiency of events when pitching to investors[13:50] Having an inspiring team at the core of a business[16:25] Being motivated by sustainable and social issues[19:40] What Agnes would like Airex to achieve in the next 10 yearsFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Andrew Wordsworth is the founder of Sustainable Venture group of companies. Sustainable Venture’s mission is to create a more sustainable future world where climate change and resource scarcity is addressed by commercial solutions. They are a venture builder where they develop, invest in and provide workspaces for sustainable business. Sustainable Workspaces located in London is the largest community of colocated community of sustainable startups.Highlights: The genesis of the Sustainable Ventures, Sustainable Workspaces and Sustainable Accelerator  Proving the equity crowdfunding model when E-Car Club was sold to Europe Car Examples of Sustainable Accelerator portfolio companies How Sustainable Accelerator help startups grow their valuation and develop the business How to pitch to investors and benefits of wearing both hats of investor and investee Why understanding risk will help your pitch Andrew’s personal story and inspiration to move into sustainablity and startups Mapping startups impact and Sustainable Development Goals Useful links:Sustainable Ventures - https://www.sustainableventures.co.uk/ Sustainable Workspaces - https://www.sustainableworkspaces.co.uk/ Sustainable Accelerator - https://www.sustainableaccelerator.co.uk/ Better Futures - https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/better-futures/about-better-futures E-Car Club - https://ecarclub.co.uk/ Powervault - https://www.powervault.co.uk/ Rovco - https://www.rovco.com/ Petit Pli - https://shop.petitpli.com/ Airex - https://www.airex.tech/ Centrica - https://www.centrica.com/ Green Angel Syndicate - https://greenangelsyndicate.com/ Bethnal Green Ventures - https://bethnalgreenventures.com/ Carbon Trust - https://www.carbontrust.com/home/ Time stamp:[03:00] Andrew’s journey into podcasting[07:20] Sustainable Venture’s mission[10:30] Why crowdfund and why there was a need for an accelerator fund[15:00] Sustainable Accelerator Fund 1 and 2[17:30] Why Rovco is such an exciting business[23:00] Pitching to investors and being pitched[25:50] The best pitch Andrew heard[28:50] What inspired Andrew’s entrepreneurship journeyFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedinor Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

James Johnston is CEO and cofounder of Piclo, an exciting company working to globally change the way we use energy today. James and his team have developed a way to make our energy grids more flexible and sustainable with a cutting edge energy DSO marketplace. Highlights: Importance of understanding of the problem before working towards a solution Applying flexibility to utilise energy in a more efficient way How to build a team and how people form a company’s identity The power of ‘pivoting’ towards new ideas and adapting from failure How different investors are best suited for different stages of development  Useful links:Piclo -  https://piclo.energy/ Bethnal Green Ventures - https://bethnalgreenventures.com/Bob Metcalfe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA811EPzwLI  Time Stamp:[01:35] Who is James Johnston?[02:05] Starting with a solution rather than a problem[03:45] Applying flexibility to make effective use of energy sources[05:00] Developing a market place to buy and sell flexibility services[06:25] James’ personal journey and gaining inspiration from Bob Metcalfe[08:25] Building a team with cofounders Andy and Alice[11:00] Learning from your failures and developing new business plans[14:25] How different investors are beneficial at different stages of development[17:45] Having a global mission[19:45] Methods of tracking progress[21:10] The future for PicloFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedinor Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes 

Liv Sibony is the Founder of SeedTribe, an impact investing platform focused on connecting entrepreneurs and investors focused on the UN SDGs. With the Angel Investment Network behind SeedTribe, they connect the biggest angel network with the most impactful startups trying to raise finance. Liv believes in using business as a force for good and she talks about her role with SeedTribe as Head of Impact Investment at SeedTribe.Highlights: How SeedTribe is supporting purpose and impactful startups Why it is important to focus on purpose driven business How collaboration is at the heart of scalable impact How to grab an investor’s attention with passion and emotion The future of SeedTribe Seedtribe -  https://www.seedtribe.com/ Liv Sibony’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviasibony/ GrubClub -  https://www.cityam.com/london-foodie-startup-grub-club-acquired-vizeat-and/ Time Stamp:[01:26] Olivia Sibony’s role at SeedTribe[03:03] Liv’s journey from Goldman Sachs to starting GrubClub[06:00] SeedTribe’s focus on purpose driven businesses[12:20] What investors are looking for[14:20] What does SeedTribe do?[18:59] The importance of emotional side of the pitch[20:00] Why it is an exciting time to work in the environmental space[22:30] The Golf Club Test[25:13] The challenge of measuring and reporting impact[27:16] SeedTribe as a collaboration platform For more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Matt Mclaren is the CEO and cofounder of Entomics, a company whose aim is to reduce the impact of food waste through insect bioconversion. Food waste is one of the biggest problems we face today, with one-third of all food being wasted globally. Their method of turning waste into useful, high-quality resources allows them to put waste back into the food chain in a natural and sustainable way.  Highlights: Using already natural processes to a more sustainable advantage How do you solve food waste with insects? Turning an exciting university project into a successful business Understanding your vision before thinking about investment The importance of the reduction of food waste for a more sustainable world Useful links:Entomics - https://www.entomics.com/ Shell Foundation - https://shellfoundation.org/ Green Angel Syndicate - https://greenangelsyndicate.com/ Time stamp:[02:46] What is Entomics?[03:25] Where did the idea for Entomics come from?[06:20] Using insects to reduce the impact of food waste[08:15] It's not just about the technology, its also safety[11:30] The idea of waste hierarchy[14:30] Working with the Shell Foundation[17:29] Advice to others starting out[22:20] How the team got together[25:50] Food waste: The bigger picture[29:30] Local feed solutions as a way of being more sustainableFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

JP Cerda is the Founder and CEO of Zeigo. Zeigo aims to build a marketplace for B2B renewable energy purchasing, recently closing its seed round, including investment from the Green Angel Syndicate.Highlights in this episode: How to market your vision to investors Why solving real problems is always a good starting point Importance of building a talented team, first hires and cofounders Why it is good to have healthy competition Why it is an exciting time to be working in the renewable energy market Note - Zeigo is the new trading name of Re-Search Energy, altered after this recording.Useful links:Zeigo https://zeigo.energy/ JP Cerda’s Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-pablo-cerda-59992915/ Time stamp:[01:32] What is Re-search.energy ?[04:15] What is the problem and solution you are working on?[08:10] From working with oil majors to being a first time founder[13:30] How software is accelerating the move towards renewable energy[20:00] Its good to have healthy competition[24:30] Vision and impact of Re-search[29:00] Getting advice as an early stage startup?For more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

Rodney Schwartz is CEO and Founder of ClearlySo, the leading impact investment bank. ClearlySo is working towards a world where the financial system is a powerful force for good and the impacts of businesses are considered in all investment decisions. It is their mission to bring impact as the third dimension into investing, where all investors consider risk, return and impact – creating an environment for entrepreneurs and businesses that make a difference to thrive.Highlights: Rodney’s personal journey from investment banking to running fintech VC firm Catalyst The motto of ClearlySo is to create 100 Just Givings Impact businesses are less risky Why a dream team beats having the best founders How JustGiving pivoted their way to finding their customers Examples of smart energy services and experimental companies tackling food waste Useful links:ClearlySo https://www.clearlyso.com/ Just Giving https://www.justgiving.com/ Project Drawdown https://www.drawdown.org/ Upside Energy https://upsideenergy.co.uk/ Bulb Energy https://bulb.co.uk/ Tonik Energy https://www.tonikenergy.com/ OddBox https://www.oddbox.co.uk/ Lettus Grow https://www.lettusgrow.com/ Time stamp:[01:30] Who is Rodney Schwartz and what is ClearlySo?[03:36] Why work in the social impact investing space?[09:30] Creating a 100 JustGivings[12:28] Where we get deal flows[18:08] Do they have a dream team?[22:21] JustGiving and their journey pivoting toward their real customers[24:30] Lettus Grow, OddBox and other examples[31:00] Paying for impact measurement[32:25] Future of ClearlySoFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes

In this trailer episode, Jake Woodhouse as the host of the podcast, gives a preview of what to expect in the upcoming series.Jake also shares his personal journey, from being an international freight market broker and shipping coal, to starting this journey of setting up Green Add Venture.Highlight: What this podcast is about Who are the guests on this show Jake’s personal story and how he ended up doing this Why is Jake making a podcast Links:Green Add Venture Podcast - https://greenaddventure.com/Jake Woodhouse Twitter - https://twitter.com/jakewoodhousJake Woodhouse Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jakewoodhouse Time Stamp:[01:00] How is this show delivered?[01:30] Entrepreneurship[01:50] Environmental sustainability[02:54] Venture Capital[03:45] The types of guests to expect[04:25] Jake’s personal story[08:00] Process of changing careers[09:00] Joining the Green Angel Syndicate and Entrepreneur First[10:00] Getting to net zero emissionsFor more information go to Green Add VentureThis episode is hosted by Jake Woodhouse - connect with Jake on Linkedin or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast PublishingDesigns are made by Joshua Barnes