January 12, 2024

#147 Scaling "Equity-Light" Climate Tech: Marketplace Solutions, Equity-Light vs. Software, and Electrification of Transportation w/ Russell Sprole (Virta Ventures)

1 hour 14 minutes

In this episode, we chat with Russell Sprole, founder and managing partner of Virta Ventures. Virta Ventures invests at the early stages focusing on “equity-light” companies.

We dive into the nuances of marketplace models, the potential of AI in climate tech, his journey with Full Harvest, and more.

This is a great episode for software enthusiasts interested in its place in the climate tech ecosystem.

As always, thanks so much for listening and enjoy the episode!

https://linktr.ee/cleantechies

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Topics

4:00 Starting Virta Ventures
10:22 Equity Light Solutions
13:50 Software Solutions in Antiquated Industries
17:07 Common Equity Light Business Models
22:55 Investing in Tiba
28:33 Investing in Crowded vs. Nascent Markets
34:41 Lessons from Full Harvest
47:46 Investing in Hydrogen Marketplaces
1:01:52 The Impact of AI on Climate Tech
1:06:54 Effective Practices of Portfolio Companies
1:08:33 Opportunities in the Electrification of Transportation
1:11:12 Fundraising Advice for Climate Tech Founders

Links

Russell Sprole | Virta Ventures
Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas
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By Silas & Somil

4.9

2020 ratings