Can a smart geyser help fix Africa’s power grid?In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Jon Kornik and Kailas Nair from Plentify, a climate-tech startup rethinking how everyday devices like geysers can stabilize energy supply across Africa.From load shedding challenges to global partnerships, Plentify is on a mission to use AI, behavioral science, and demand management to transform how we power our homes. Jon and Kailas open up about the complexity of building hardware and software solutions in emerging markets, and what it takes to make climate impact commercially viable.We dive into:• How smart geysers are solving energy demand chaos• Making demand response sexy (and useful)• Building hardware in a software-first world• Partnering with utilities, governments & energy providers• Creating real impact in climate-vulnerable marketsThis episode is packed with insights on product innovation, market timing, and building tech that truly matters.---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-callThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts🔗 Connect with Jon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-kornik-66b9b410/🔗 Connect with Kailas:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailasnairbio/🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/----------00:00 Introduction04:02 Fixing the broken energy system05:49 How Plentify’s tech actually works10:04 Scaling smarter: Where Plentify is today16:22 Understanding the core of Plentify’s business model20:53 What exactly is a virtual power plant?29:09 Behind the scenes: Founding Plentify-part 136:40 Plentify’s vision: Powering a sustainable future42:34 Behind the scenes: Founding Plentify-part 251:58 The product journey and fund raising: Developing Plentify’s tech55:55 Lessons learned: Mistakes that shaped Plentify01:07:46 Managing high-stakes decisions as a founder01:12:06 Navigating today’s fundraising challenges01:14:43 The dynamics of a remote co-founder relationship01:17:07 Key insights gained from past experiences01:19:55 Charting the future: What’s next for Plentify?01:25:21 The Founder Files question