This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Metalmark Innovations is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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Guest host Dimitry Gershenson sits down with Sissi Liu, CEO and Co-founder of Metalmark Innovations, to explore the intersection of air quality, health, and climate change. Learn how Metalmark drives innovation to combat wildfire smoke and reduce building emissions.

Sissi's background is shaped by her experiences growing up in China and later moving to Texas. Her early memories of air pollution in China left a lasting impression, fueling her desire to make a difference in the realm of environmental health. Over the past two decades, she has built a career that spans sustainability, entrepreneurship, and venture investing, ultimately leading her to co-found Metalmark in 2018.

Initially focused on outdoor air quality, Sissi and her team quickly recognized the critical link between outdoor pollution and indoor air health. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of air quality, shifting public perception and increasing awareness of airborne pathogens. This pivotal moment allowed Metalmark to pivot its focus toward developing technologies that enhance indoor air quality.

Metalmark Innovations has developed two key products that address the urgent need for improved air quality in commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals:

* Sierra Smoke Safe Filter: This cutting-edge filter features a specialized coating designed to effectively capture wildfire smoke particles, which are significantly smaller than those typically filtered by conventional HVAC systems. Traditional filters often fail to remove these hazardous particles, leaving indoor environments vulnerable. The Sierra Smoke Safe Filter not only enhances air quality but does so without increasing the pressure on the HVAC system, making it a practical solution for building owners.

* Tatama Air Cleaners: These self-renewing air cleaning systems provide comprehensive air purification tailored for commercial spaces. Designed for easy retrofitting, the Tatama Air Cleaners are ideal for schools and hospitals, where air quality is paramount. They offer hassle-free operation and come equipped with data tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor their effectiveness in real time.

Sissi candidly discusses the challenges faced by hardware startups, particularly in scaling innovative materials. The journey is often fraught with obstacles, including the realization that initial technologies may not perform as expected. Metalmark encountered significant hurdles during its development, but through collaboration and decisive leadership, the team was able to pivot and focus on solutions that truly meet market needs.

For those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys, Sissi offers valuable insights. She stresses the importance of listening to diverse perspectives while maintaining the confidence to make tough decisions. Building consensus can be difficult, but ultimately, the responsibility for the company’s direction rests with the CEO. By grounding decisions in data and evidence, leaders can effectively communicate their vision and rally their teams around it.

As air quality continues to be a pressing global issue, innovations like the Sierra Smoke Safe Filter and Tatama Air Cleaners represent significant advancements toward creating healthier indoor environments.

For more insights into Metalmark Innovations, visit https://www.metalmark.xyz/.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Birch Biosciences is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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Catch our newest CC Pod episode where host Kirthika chats with Birch Biosciences co-founders Johan Kers and Emily Duncan. Hear how Birch Biosciences is driving solutions for plastic waste with advanced enzyme technology. 

Plastic pollution is pervasive, harming ecosystems and human health alike. The traditional recycling process is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the poor economics of recycling plastics. Many plastics can only be recycled a few times before degrading in quality, leading to a linear system where materials are used once and discarded. This inefficiency not only contributes to the growing plastic waste crisis but also perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production, which is responsible for a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions.

Birch Biosciences is tackling these issues head-on with a mission to close the loop in plastic recycling. Their technology centers around the use of enzymes—biological catalysts that can break down plastic into its fundamental chemical building blocks. This process allows for the creation of 100% recycled plastic products that match the quality of virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels.

Johan and Emily describe their enzymes as "molecular scissors" that effectively sever the chemical bonds within plastic polymers. By doing so, they can recover the essential building blocks needed to re-polymerize these materials into new, high-quality plastic products. This infinite closed-loop process not only enhances recycling rates but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with plastic production.

Since its inception in 2021, Birch Biosciences has achieved several key milestones, including securing funding through SBIR grants and acceptance into Y Combinator. They have garnered significant interest from major plastic manufacturers, receiving letters of intent summing $80 million, indicating a strong market demand for their innovative solutions.

Looking ahead, Birch is focused on scaling their technology through the establishment of a pilot plant that will allow them to demonstrate their process on a commercial scale. Their current emphasis is on recycling PET plastics, commonly found in beverage bottles and food containers. However, they are also exploring the potential of breaking down other types of plastics, such as polyurethanes, which are prevalent in durable goods and textiles.

As the episode concluded, both Johan and Emily emphasized the importance of hope and collaboration in the fight against plastic pollution. They encourage listeners to remain engaged in sustainability efforts, whether by recycling, supporting innovative companies like Birch Biosciences, or simply staying informed about the challenges and solutions in the space.

In a world where plastic waste continues to grow, Birch Biosciences stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. Their commitment to creating a sustainable future through enzyme technology not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste but also inspires a collective movement towards a circular economy. As we look to the future, the advancements made by Birch and similar companies could very well redefine our relationship with plastic and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

For more insights into Birch Biosciences, visit https://www.birchbiosciences.com/.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, SparkMeter is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Joris, works as a Partner.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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In the latest CC Pod, Joris van Mens talks with Dan Schnitzer, CEO of SparkMeter, about how low-cost metering solutions are transforming energy access across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. SparkMeter is helping underserved communities unlock growth through reliable electricity.

For more insights into SparkMeter, visit https://www.sparkmeter.io/.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Loa Carbon is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Katie Durham works as a Principal of Climate Capital Syndicate.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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This week on the CC Pod, host Katie chats with Ryan Shearman, the CEO and co-founder of Loa Carbon. Beyond Aether Diamonds, Loa Carbon is focused on transforming industries by decarbonizing energy and chemical sectors with innovative solutions. Tune in to hear how Loa Carbon revolutionizes climate tech, from diamonds to methane!

Ryan shares his journey into the climate tech space, which began after he read the book "Drawdown" in 2018. This book introduced him to the concept of direct air capture (DAC) and sparked his interest in finding economically viable ways to utilize captured CO2. While many companies at the time were focused on mineralizing CO2 or selling carbon credits, Ryan envisioned a different approach: using captured CO2 to create valuable products.

Initially, Loa Carbon concentrated on producing synthetic diamonds from atmospheric carbon, leveraging the chemistry of the Sabatier reaction, which converts CO2 into methane. This unique angle not only provided a compelling story that captured public interest but also served as a launchpad for the company. The initial focus on diamonds allowed Loa Carbon to gain traction and visibility, culminating in significant media coverage, including recognition as one of Time magazine's top inventions of the year in 2022.

However, Ryan emphasizes that while diamonds are a high-value product, they alone cannot significantly impact atmospheric carbon levels. Therefore, Loa Carbon has expanded its vision to address broader industrial applications. The company aims to decarbonize the energy and chemical sectors by creating high-purity methane gas that can serve as a drop-in replacement for fossil fuels. This approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in industries that have historically relied on hydrocarbons.

Loa Carbon's technology allows for the efficient conversion of CO2 into methane, with a focus on maintaining high purity levels. This efficiency not only reduces costs but also positions the company to explore various applications, including the production of graphene—a material with vast potential in multiple industries. Ryan believes that by synthesizing carbon-based products that permanently sequester carbon, such as diamonds and graphene, Loa Carbon can contribute to a circular economy and help mitigate climate change.

Throughout the conversation, Ryan highlights the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and creating products that seamlessly integrate into current systems. By doing so, Loa Carbon aims to provide solutions that are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable, making it easier for industries to adopt sustainable practices.

For more insights into Loa Carbon, visit https://loacarbon.com/.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Impossible Metals is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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In the latest CC Pod, host Kirthika chats with Oliver Gunasekara, CEO and Co-founder of Impossible Metals. Learn how they're transforming seabed mining through robotics, enabling the sustainable extraction of battery metals while protecting marine ecosystems.

Oliver founded Impossible Metals after recognizing the urgent need for sustainable mining practices. With over $12 million in seed funding secured, the company is on a mission to revolutionize the way we extract essential minerals from the ocean floor, particularly those needed for clean energy technologies like batteries.

Deep sea mining has become a focal point of environmental discussions, especially following a recent segment by John Oliver that highlighted the potential dangers associated with this practice. However, Oliver emphasizes that mining is fundamental to civilization and that the minerals extracted from the ocean are crucial for the transition to renewable energy. As land-based resources become increasingly scarce and environmentally damaging, the ocean presents a viable alternative.

What sets Impossible Metals apart is its commitment to using cutting-edge technology to minimize environmental impact. The company has developed autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. These vehicles, named Eureka One and Eureka Two, are designed to operate at depths exceeding one mile while preserving the delicate marine ecosystem.

Oliver explains that the technology enables the extraction of minerals without the destructive practices commonly associated with traditional mining. Instead of dredging the seabed, which can devastate habitats, Impossible Metals’ autonomous vehicles can selectively gather resources, ensuring that the surrounding environment remains intact. This approach not only mitigates ecological damage but also positions the company as a leader in sustainable mining practices.

The journey of Impossible Metals has been marked by significant milestones. After successfully developing their robotic systems, the company is now focused on scaling its operations and refining its technology. Oliver shares that they are currently fundraising to build a full-sized version of their autonomous vehicle, which will enhance their capabilities and allow for larger-scale operations.

In addition to technological advancements, Oliver highlights the importance of partnerships in their go-to-market strategy. By collaborating with other companies in the industry, Impossible Metals aims to accelerate the adoption of its innovative solutions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Oliver discusses the challenges of public perception in the climate tech space. He acknowledges that as a small company, it can be difficult to influence public opinion, especially on complex topics like deep sea mining. However, he believes that educating the public about the intricacies of the issue is crucial for fostering understanding and support for sustainable practices.

As the world grapples with the urgent need for clean energy solutions, companies like Impossible Metals are at the forefront of creating a balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship.

For more insights into Impossible Metals, visit https://impossiblemetals.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.youtube.com/@impossiblemetals

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, SparkMeter is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Joris, works as a Partner.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!

In the latest CC Pod, Joris van Mens talks with Dan Schnitzer, CEO of SparkMeter, about how low-cost metering solutions are transforming energy access across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. SparkMeter is helping underserved communities unlock growth through reliable electricity.

For more insights into SparkMeter, visit https://www.sparkmeter.io/.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, EcoSafi is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Katie Durham works as a Principal of Climate Capital Syndicate.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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Excited to have Tom Price, CEO and Founder of EcoSafi, on the CC Pod with our host Katie Durham!  EcoSafi is transforming cooking in the developing world by providing clean, affordable biomass stoves that protect health and the environment.

EcoSafi is tackling the environmental and health issues associated with traditional cooking methods that rely on charcoal and other polluting fuels. Price explains that many families, even those living in urban settings with modern amenities, still resort to lighting charcoal fires multiple times a day for cooking. Recognizing the need for a better alternative, EcoSafi has developed a cutting-edge biomass stove equipped with a computer brain and fans to control the flame, providing a cleaner and more efficient cooking solution.

The company's business model is reminiscent of the "printers and ink" approach, where EcoSafi provides families with the advanced stove at no upfront cost and generates revenue through the sale of clean cooking fuel. This model not only makes clean cooking accessible but also creates carbon credits that help fund the business, aligning economic viability with environmental sustainability.

Price emphasizes the importance of actively listening to team members and fostering a positive workplace culture, which he believes is crucial for driving innovation and impact in the climate tech sector. With recent traction and a vertically integrated approach that has reduced costs, EcoSafi is poised to make significant strides in the clean cooking market.

For more insights into EcoSafi, visit https://ecosafi.com/.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Copper is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Katie Durham works as a Principal of Climate Capital Syndicate.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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In today’s CC Pod episode, host Katie Durham interviews Sam Calisch, Founder and CEO of Copper! Sam discusses how to make residential electrification accessible and highlights Copper's innovative battery-enabled appliances. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Sam co-founded Rewiring America, a nonprofit focused on promoting electrification across the U.S.

Founded initially as Channing Street Copper Co., Copper was born out of a crucial realization during the early discussions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Despite the availability of groundbreaking technologies like solar panels, batteries, and induction stoves, their deployment was not happening at the necessary pace to achieve climate goals. This gap inspired Sam and his team to create Copper, a company focused on accelerating the adoption of electrification technologies.

The initial funding came from a grant from the Department of Energy, which enabled the team to refine their product concept through rigorous customer discovery and prototyping. Their flagship product is a 30-inch freestanding induction range, designed not only to replace traditional gas stoves but also to enhance the cooking experience with added benefits. This appliance integrates battery storage, simplifying the electrification process and supporting the clean grid.

The transition from fossil fuel-based appliances to electric ones often involves high costs and complexity. Copper tackles this challenge by offering appliances with integrated batteries, providing a two-in-one solution. This approach not only streamlines the electrification process but also contributes to grid stability by offering additional battery storage.

Their induction range exemplifies this innovative spirit. With intuitive knob-based controls and high precision, the product delivers a seamless user experience. The aesthetic design, featuring California walnut knobs, merges modern technology with a touch of heritage, making the appliance a perfect fit for any kitchen.

Copper has recently reopened orders for their flagship product, marking a significant milestone in their journey. As they scale their operations, Sam Calisch envisions a future where transitioning from fossil fuels to electric machines is effortless for more people. By empowering consumers to have greater control over their energy use, Copper aims to drive decarbonization and support a sustainable energy transition.

For more information, visit https://copperhome.com/!

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.

Disclaimer: For full disclosure, General Galactic is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Joris works as a Partner.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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New episode of the CC Pod, features an insightful conversation between host Joris van Mens and guests Halen Mattison, CEO and Co-founder, and Luke Neise, Co-founder of General Galactic, about their groundbreaking carbon capture technology turning CO2 into clean fuels.

Halen and Luke are no strangers to tackling complex problems. Their journey began as grad students at Stanford, where they worked on projects aimed at Mars exploration. This unique background in space technology laid the foundation for their pivot to Earth-focused solutions. Their combined expertise in hardware and control systems, honed through experiences at institutions like the Department of Defense (DoD) and Varda, has been critical in shaping General Galactic's innovative approach.

At the heart of General Galactic's mission is the development of synthetic fuels. The genesis of their technology lies in adapting proven, scalable processes initially designed for space exploration and repurposing them for terrestrial applications. This adaptation is not just a theoretical exercise; it is a practical, hands-on endeavor that addresses the real-world needs of industries striving to decarbonize.

One of the key challenges identified by Halen and Luke is the disconnect between the ambitious goals of the decarbonization journey and the ground reality faced by industries. While discussions about hydrogen and mass electrification are prevalent, the implementation often lags. General Galactic aims to bridge this gap by developing technology that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

Their synthetic fuel technology is designed to be compatible with current industrial systems, making the transition to cleaner fuels more feasible and less disruptive. This pragmatic approach ensures that industries can adopt sustainable practices without overhauling their entire operational framework.

The development of General Galactic's technology has been a hands-on, iterative process. For the first nine months, Halen and Luke operated out of a garage, physically building hardware and refining their solution based on customer feedback. This blend of practical hardware development and constant interaction with potential end-users has been instrumental in shaping a product that meets real-world demands.

The journey of innovation is rarely smooth, and Halen and Luke have faced their share of challenges. From balancing hardware development with business growth to overcoming the initial skepticism about synthetic fuels, their path has been fraught with obstacles. However, their resilience and unwavering belief in their vision have been key to their progress.

As General Galactic continues to evolve, their focus remains on scaling their synthetic fuel technology to make a significant impact on global carbon emissions.

For more information, visit https://gengalactic.com!

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Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Lightship is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Rama Myers, is a Co-founder & COO of Aerofuse, which is one of our portcos.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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Catch the latest CC Pod with host, Rama Myers, and guest, Ben Parker, Co-founder and CPO of Lightship.  Ben is driving change with Lightship's fully electric, aerodynamic travel trailer, making RVing greener than ever.

The idea for Lightship took root during Ben's tenure at Tesla, where he noticed the potential for electrifying RVs. Alongside his co-founder, Toby, Ben embarked on a soul-searching journey across the U.S. in a motorhome during the summer of COVID-19. This trip wasn't just an adventure; it was a critical period of customer discovery and market validation. Inspired by their experiences and conversations with fellow RV enthusiasts, Ben and Toby decided to dive headfirst into the electrification of RVs.

Starting with just a pitch deck and a vision, Ben and Toby raised initial funding and began assembling a talented team to tackle the complex challenge of creating an electric, self-propelling, solar-enabled trailer. They focused on user experience, design, and the practicalities of towing range and charging infrastructure. The result was the Lightship L1, a next-generation RV that promises to revolutionize the industry.

The journey hasn't been without its hurdles. From the initial concept to prototype development and road testing, Ben and his team have faced numerous technical and logistical challenges. Yet, their passion and dedication have propelled them forward. The recent launch at South by Southwest (SXSW) marked a significant milestone, showcasing Lightship's innovative approach to a wider audience.

As Lightship gears up for production, Ben and Toby are excited about the future. They anticipate the first camping trip in a fully productized Lightship towards the end of this year. Despite the ongoing challenges, their commitment to creating a seamless, sustainable RV experience remains unwavering.

For more information, visit http://lightshiprv.com!