📺 Watch on YouTube

Hey everyone! Today we’ve got a great episode with Tommy Leep from VC, Jetstream. Some of his PortCos include David Energy, Pachama, Rhizome, and past pod guests Pathways & Glacier. 

He’s been on the show in the past with some great advice on fundraising. Check it out — episode 85. 

#85 How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC

Recently there have been a bunch of people shifting their focus or branding to be more inclusive and not always sound ‘pure climate tech’ — Tommy is one of those people. He recently claimed “ClimateTech is Mainstream now.” Because of it, he’s broadening his fund thesis. 

This is the first of at least two conversations on this exact topic (stay tuned for next week’s episode with Grace and Adam from Equal Ventures). 

Topics 

• 00:00 The Shift in Climate Tech Perspectives
• 10:06 Mainstreaming Climate Tech
• 20:03 Investing in Health, Wealth, and Resilience
• 30:08 The Future of Education and Community Building

Links

• Tommy Leep | Jetstream
• Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn
• Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn
• This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

Support the show

If you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less.

• 70+ Placements
• 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech)
• The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary)
• 90-day placement guarantee

It's really hard to say no to that.

Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company.

We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank.

Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. [email protected]

In this episode:

* How Rebecca Hu is using AI-powered robotics to revolutionize recycling and fix inefficiencies in waste sorting

* Why proprietary physical data is the key to building a defensible AI business in climate tech

* How new regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are reshaping the recycling industry—and how Glacier is helping brands adapt

Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?

Rebecca Hu Thrams, co-founder of Glacier, is on a mission to transform recycling using AI-powered robotics and proprietary physical data to fix one of the biggest inefficiencies in waste management.

Glacier isn’t just another AI company—it’s tackling the physical world problem of waste sorting, giving recyclers and major brands unprecedented visibility into where materials actually go. By deploying intelligent sorting robots, Glacier is not only increasing efficiency but also building a defensible data moat, positioning itself as the source of truth for the circular economy.

With growing consumer demand for sustainability and new regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on the horizon, companies are scrambling for solutions. Glacier’s technology is bridging the gap between recyclers and producers—helping brands measure, track, and improve their sustainability efforts with real, actionable data.

Get the full episode today to hear:

✅ How AI and robotics are unlocking new efficiencies in recycling✅ Why proprietary physical data is the key to an enduring AI-powered business✅ How Glacier is helping major brands and recyclers prepare for new regulations✅ Rebecca’s journey from reluctant founder to leading a climate-tech startup✅ What the future of circular supply chains could look like with AI-driven insights

Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out.

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel

📝 Show Notes:

Topics

* 02:04 Founding Glacier

* 05:54 Understanding Glacier's Role in Recycling

* 14:12 Identifying Opportunities for Disruption in Recycling

* 18:07 The Future of Recycling Efficiency

* 22:08 Challenges in the Recycling Industry

* 23:07 Navigating Risk Aversion in Robotics Investment

* 24:43 Finding Early Adopters in the MRF Industry

* 29:07 Advancements in AI and Robotics

* 35:07 The Future of Connectivity in Recycling

* 37:30 Collaborating with Industry Giants

* 42:44 Scaling Glacier

Links

* Rebecca Hu Thrams | Glacier

* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn

* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn

* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

In This Episode:

* Why critical minerals are at the heart of national security, energy transition, and AI-driven infrastructure.

* A deep dive into the U.S. critical mineral supply chain—where we lost ground and how we can regain self-sufficiency.

* The biggest entrepreneurial opportunities in the critical mineral space—from waste-to-value startups to reshoring production.

* How capital markets are evolving to support mineral projects outside of China and the key factors investors look for.

* The impact of tariffs, trade policy, and geopolitical tensions on mineral supply and innovation.

Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?

We’re doing something a bit different…🤔

We’re exploring the urgent and evolving landscape of critical minerals with Nicholaus Rohleder from Climate Commodities. Nick, an investor and expert in the field, breaks down how the U.S. went from a leader in mineral production to heavy reliance on foreign sources—and why the time is now for entrepreneurs to help rebuild domestic supply chains.

Key Topics Covered:

* The Rise and Fall of U.S. Mineral Production: A historical perspective on how the U.S. lost its dominance in the metals and mining industry and why environmental regulations, labor costs, and capital market shifts played a major role.

* Why Critical Minerals Matter More Than Ever: The convergence of three mega-trends—energy transition, national defense, and AI infrastructure—is driving unprecedented demand for minerals like nickel, tungsten, gallium, lithium, and fluorospar.

* Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Where to build in the value chain, why waste-to-value startups have a major advantage, and how to navigate project financing in the critical mineral space.

* The Capital Market Shift: Why Western investors are finally paying attention to mineral security, the barriers to financing mining projects, and how startups can position themselves for success.

* U.S. Trade Policy and Tariffs: How the Trump administration’s focus on national security and reshoring could impact domestic production and investment in minerals.

* The Future of Clean Minerals: Will other countries buy cleaner, more expensive minerals from the U.S., or will cost pressures drive continued reliance on China?

* Mistakes Founders Make: The biggest pitfalls in critical mineral startups—from failing to understand financing structures to relying on speculative price spikes.

Nick teaches a class on this at UPenn, so this is serious value ($$$) — if you’re a investor, policymaker, or entrepreneur looking to understand the critical minerals space, this is for you.

Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out.

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel

📝 Show Notes:

Topics

* 01:23 Landscape of Critical Minerals

* 05:06 Historical Context of U.S. Mineral Production

* 09:53 Talent and Knowledge Gaps in the Industry

* 12:10 The Need for Domestic Production

* 20:30 The Key Minerals

* 28:51 Opportunities in the Critical Minerals Value Chain

* 34:32 Technological Innovations and Local Production

* 43:05 Cost Dynamics

[Paywall Begins]

* 44:04 Building Successful Companies in Critical Minerals

* 46:52 Common Mistakes in the Critical Minerals Sector

* 51:52 Current Trends in Capital Investment

* 55:42 Investment Opportunities

* 56:00 Advice for Start-ups in the Sector

* 57:06 Government Involvement and Policy Implications

Links

* Nicholaus Rohleder | Climate Commodities

* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn

* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn

* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

🚀 We’re back with another special episode of the CleanTechies Podcast—recorded live in Houston!

In this issue:

* Todd’s background and what he’s working on today (the deal tracker of carbon capture projects)

* What it takes to successfully develop a carbon capture project (all the parts)

* Why oil & gas is taking a continued interest in carbon capture

* Why he thinks the 45Q tax credit is here to stay even under Trump

Listen Time: Full Show 57:38 (unless you listen sped up 😉)

Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?

This week, we’re joined by Todd Bush, an expert in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), with decades of experience supporting oil and gas companies in their decarbonization efforts. Todd has founded and sold multiple companies and is now leading decarbonfuse, a daily newsletter tracking deal activity in carbon capture and industrial decarbonization.

This conversation covers the current state of carbon capture, where the momentum is strongest, the biggest barriers to scaling CCUS, and how policy and investment shifts are shaping the industry. If you’re curious about where the carbon capture market is headed and how it intersects with industries like ethanol, hydrogen, and steel production, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🔍 Topics Covered in This Episode

* The first movers in carbon capture: ethanol, ammonia, and natural gas

* The difference between Class 2 vs. Class 6 wells and why it matters

* How carbon capture projects get financed and what returns investors expect

* The role of policy (45Q tax credits, permitting hurdles, and regulatory uncertainty)

* Utilization of CO2—who’s buying it and why

* Why Houston and the Gulf Coast are primed to be the epicenter of CCUS

* What’s needed for carbon capture to reach private equity scale

Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out.

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel

🎙 Guest: Todd Bush

Todd is a veteran in the energy and industrial decarbonization space, having built and exited multiple companies in energy analytics and decarbonization tracking. His current venture, Decarbon Fuse, provides real-time deal tracking for the carbon capture industry. He brings deep insights into how CCUS projects are developing, the hurdles they face, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

📝 Show Notes & Links

* 🔗 decarbonfuse Newsletter – Visit Here

* 🔗 Energy Tech Nexus & Digital Wildcatters – Visit Here

* 🔗 PRIMER: 45Q TAX CREDIT FOR CARBON CAPTURE PROJECTS – Read More

* 🔗 More on Class 6 vs. Class 2 Wells – EPA Guide

* Participate in the CleanTechies Listener Survey: Take Survey.

* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn

* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn

* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

Timestamps:

* 0:00 Introduction to Carbon Capture

* 3:50 The Journey into Carbon Capture Solutions

* 6:55 Decarbonization Trends and Industry Perspectives

* 10:01 Carbon Capture Technologies and Their Applications

* 12:54 Regulatory Frameworks and Project Development

* 15:55 Community Engagement and Project Success Factors

* 19:41 Momentum in Carbon Capture and Community Engagement

* 22:57 Technological Bottlenecks and Adoption Rates

* 27:25 Talent Pool and Industry Transition

* 32:03 Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook

* 40:14 Infrastructure and Project Viability

* 40:58 Carbon Utilization and Demand Areas

* 42:26 Scaling Carbon Projects

* 43:27 Challenges in CO2 Storage and Utilization

* 45:17 Gulf of Mexico Assets and Storage Solutions

* 46:37 Monitoring and Materials in CO2 Projects

* 47:37 Cost Structures and Financial Viability

* 51:32 Point Source Collection and Future Utilization

* 52:53 Tax Credits and Financial Incentives

* 54:47 Impact of Global Conflicts on Clean Energy Investment

💡 Favorite Quote from the Episode

"The real challenge isn’t just capturing CO2—it’s securing long-term agreements, navigating permitting, and building the financial case. The projects that solve for those will be the ones that scale." – Todd Bush

Support the Podcast

Want to help us grow? Here’s how:

* Subscribe: Never miss an episode.

* Share: Send this episode to a friend in climate tech.

* Rate & Review: It helps more people discover the show.

In this episode:

* How Yuval Bachar is transforming the data center industry with hydrogen-powered, off-grid facilities

* A deep dive into the future of AI-driven infrastructure and why power constraints are the biggest bottleneck

* The key lessons from building data centers at LinkedIn, Facebook, and Cisco—and how they shaped ECL’s groundbreaking model

Listen Time: Full Show 43:02 (no ads) | Free Preview 30:39

Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?

Yuval Bachar, Founder and CEO of Edge CloudLink (ECL), is on a mission to revolutionize data centers with hydrogen-powered, off-grid solutions.

His journey spans decades, with leadership roles at Cisco, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where he built critical infrastructure for some of the biggest names in tech. Now, he’s pioneering a new wave of sustainable data centers, delivering AI-ready capacity in just nine months—compared to the industry average of three to four years.

Here’s the game-changer: ECL’s modular approach eliminates reliance on traditional power grids, slashes emissions to zero, and generates its own cooling water, making it a groundbreaking solution for the energy-hungry AI revolution.

With data center demand soaring and grid power in short supply, Yuval’s vision could be the key to unlocking the next generation of computing.

Get the full episode today to hear:

* Why traditional data centers are struggling to keep up with AI growth—and how ECL is changing the game

* The secret behind delivering AI data centers in 9 months instead of 3+ years

* How Yuval secured $18M in funding and is now raising $1.2B for large-scale deployments

* The surprising benefits of hydrogen for both cost and sustainability

* Key lessons from scaling world-class infrastructure at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Cisco

Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out.

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel

📝 Show Notes:

Topics

* 02:46 Hydrogen-Powered Data Centers

* 10:40 Modular and Rapid Deployment

* 14:01 The Hydrogen Supply Chain

* 26:30 Innovation in Data Centers

* 28:54 Supportive Boardroom Culture

* 32:15 Building Trust and Transparency

* 34:40 Fostering a Culture of Innovation

* 41:13 A Journey Through a Tech Career

* 49:28 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

* 54:57 Vision for the Future

Links

* Yuval Bachar | EdgeCloudLink

* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn

* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn

* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

PLEASE NOTE: The Hydrogen Forum has been rescheduled to May but we are still planning to be in Houston the 12th and 13th of Feb — hit us up if you’re in town.

In this issue:

* Houston’s role in the energy transition and the unique things about Houston’s ecosystem

* How could nuclear get a jump start because of the Trump administration

* Will carbon capture companies see a tailwind these next 4 years

Listen Time: Full Show 58:42 (unless you listen sped up 😉)

Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?

In This Episode

We are speaking with Nada Ahmed and Jason Ethier, two of the founding partners at Energy Tech Nexus. Energy Tech Nexus is a Houston-based hub designed to connect EnergyTech startups with the resources they need to grow. This includes access to capital, corporate partners, direct access to pilot opportunities, as well as a community of other founders doing the same thing.

In this episode, we dive into

* how they're building an innovation powerhouse in the heart of the U.S. energy industry,

* the evolving role of oil majors in clean tech,

* and how to navigate the new regulatory landscape of the Trump administration

Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out.

Sponsor Message: Every ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽

Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com  (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel

📝 Show Notes:

Topics

(today’s show is all public)

* 00:00 Intro to Nada & Jason

* 01:51 Building the Energy Tech Nexus Community

* 10:16 Funding & Supporting Clean Tech Startups in Houston

* 14:30 Innovating in Green Chemicals and Advanced Materials

* 20:57 Navigating the New Administration's Energy Policies

* 29:46 Flaring and Methane Emissions

* 32:05 How to Market Climate Tech Under Trump

* 36:37 How to Jump Start Nuclear Energy

* 46:47 Carbon Capture and the Future Role of Oil Majors

Links

* Nada Ahmed | Jason Ethier

* Energy Tech Nexus

* Check out the Energy Tech Startups Podcast

* Participate in the CleanTechies Listener Survey: Take Survey.

* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn

* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn

* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

Highlights

*

Share Your Thoughts

Enjoyed this episode? Let us know what you think and who you’d like to hear from next. Email us at [email protected].

Support the Podcast

Want to help us grow? Here’s how:

* Subscribe: Never miss an episode.

* Share: Send this episode to a friend in climate tech.

* Rate & Review: It helps more people discover the show.

In This Episode
We are speaking with Nada Ahmed and Jason Ethier, two of the founding partners at Energy Tech Nexus. Energy Tech Nexus is a Houston-based hub designed to connect EnergyTech startups with the resources they need to grow. This includes access to capital, corporate partners, direct access to pilot opportunities, as well as a community of other founders doing the same thing. 

In this episode, we dive into
**how they're building an innovation powerhouse in the heart of the U.S. energy industry, 
**the evolving role of oil majors in clean tech, 
**and how to navigate the new regulatory landscape of the Trump administration 

---
🌎 Want the full Pod? Become a paid sub today (cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe)
---
 📺 Watch on YouTube

Topics:
(today’s show is all public)
**00:00 Intro to Nada & Jason
**01:51 Building the Energy Tech Nexus Community
**10:16 Funding & Supporting Clean Tech Startups in Houston
**14:30 Innovating in Green Chemicals and Advanced Materials
**20:57 Navigating the New Administration's Energy Policies
**29:46 Flaring and Methane Emissions
**32:05 How to Market Climate Tech Under Trump
**36:37 T36:37 How to Jump Start Nuclear Energy
**46:47 Carbon Capture and the Future Role of Oil Majors

Links:
**Nada Ahmed | Jason Ethier
**Energy Tech Nexus
**Check out the Energy Tech Startups Podcast
**Participate in the CleanTechies Listener Survey: Take Survey.
**Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn
**Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn
**This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

Support the show

If you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less.

• 70+ Placements
• 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech)
• The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary)
• 90-day placement guarantee

It's really hard to say no to that.

Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company.

We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank.

Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. [email protected]

In this issue:

* How Holocene Landed Google as a Carbon Removal Customer: Discover how this startup secured a groundbreaking deal at $100/ton and what it means for the future of carbon credits.

* The Secret Behind Continuous Carbon Capture: Learn how Holocene’s liquid-based DAC technology is rewriting the rules with low energy costs and round-the-clock efficiency.

* From Climeworks to Holocene: Anca Timofte shares insider lessons from 12+ years in carbon capture and why she left a leading startup to build something even bigger.

Listen Time: Full Show 49:30 (no ads) | Free Preview 33:50

Have you filled out our Subscriber Survey yet? We’ve put in thousands of hours to create this project — won’t you spare 5 min to help us make the show even better?

In This Episode

In today’s episode of CleanTechies, we’re joined by Anca Timofte, the CEO and Founder of Holocene, a direct air capture (DAC) company revolutionizing carbon removal through a continuous-loop liquid system. With over a decade of experience in carbon capture—including being one of the first employees at Climeworks—Anca offers unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities of building climate solutions.

Anca walks us through:

* How Holocene’s novel organic chemistry enables a continuous carbon capture process that operates at low temperatures, drastically reducing energy costs.

* The differences between solid and liquid-based DAC technologies and why Holocene's system is a game-changer for scaling carbon removal.

* Holocene’s impressive milestones, including securing Google as a major customer and advancing pilot and demonstration projects.

* The lessons Anca has learned about building a startup, from co-founder alignment to hiring a mission-driven team in Knoxville, Tennessee.

* Why direct air capture is crucial, even in a decarbonized world, and how this industry can impact both legacy and ongoing emissions.

Don’t miss a moment! If you want to get the full discussion, become a paid subscriber today or redeem your trial upgrade to test it out.

Sponsor Message: Every ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽

Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com  (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify | 🗣️ Join the Slack Channel

📝 Show Notes:

Topics

(time stamps are accurate for the full episode and approximate for the free preview)

* 00:00 Intro

* 02:51 Understanding Direct Air Capture

* 05:54 Business Model and Customer Segments

* 08:54 Partnerships and Market Dynamics

* 11:48 Scaling and Project Deployment

* 15:06 Founding Story and Entrepreneurial Journey

* 24:52 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics

* 25:48 Adapting to Political Changes

* 27:09 Embracing Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship

* 28:30 Bipartisan Support for Carbon Capture

—(Free Version ends here)—

* 30:19 Public Perception of Carbon Capture

* 32:15 Survival vs. Success in Carbon Capture

* 34:01 Building a Team in Knoxville

* 39:30 Engaging with the Local Community

* 41:07 Hiring Lessons Learned

* 43:20 Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

* 45:13 Unexpected Challenges in the Startup Journey

* 46:31 Valuing Team Dynamics

* 47:26 Resources for Climate Tech Founders

* 48:36 Encouragement for Carbon Capture Startups

Links

* Learn more about Holocene and their mission to scale carbon removal.

* Read the DOE report on direct air capture technologies here.

* Participate in the CleanTechies Listener Survey: Take Survey.

* Follow Anca Timofte on LinkedIn.

* Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn

* Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn

* Recommended Book: Horizon by Barry Lopez – A lyrical exploration of travel, nature, and climate.

* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

Highlights

* Continuous Carbon Capture: Holocene’s liquid-based system eliminates the interruptions seen in cartridge-based systems, allowing for seamless operation akin to a chemical production plant.

* Energy Efficiency: Operating at temperatures as low as 70°C, Holocene can tap into waste heat from industrial sources and data centers to power its systems.

* Partnership with Google: Holocene secured a landmark deal with Google outside of the Frontier Fund, selling carbon removal credits at the competitive price of $100/ton.

* Scaling Through Demonstration Projects: Following successful pilots, Holocene is engineering a 200-500x scale demonstration facility, aiming to advance toward full commercial operations.

Share Your Thoughts

Enjoyed this episode? Let us know what you think and who you’d like to hear from next. Email us at [email protected].

Support the Podcast

Want to help us grow? Here’s how:

* Subscribe: Never miss an episode.

* Share: Send this episode to a friend in climate tech.

* Rate & Review: It helps more people discover the show.

In This Episode
In today’s episode of CleanTechies, we’re joined by Anca Timofte, the CEO and Founder of Holocene, a direct air capture (DAC) company revolutionizing carbon removal through a continuous-loop liquid system. With over a decade of experience in carbon capture—including being one of the first employees at Climeworks—Anca offers unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities of building climate solutions.

Anca walks us through:

**How Holocene's low-temp carbon capture slashes energy costs with novel organic chemistry.

**Solid vs. liquid DAC: Why Holocene’s approach is a game-changer for scaling carbon removal.

**Holocene's milestones: Securing Google as a customer and advancing major projects.

**Startup lessons: Co-founder alignment, mission-driven hiring, and thriving in Knoxville.

**Why DAC matters: Tackling legacy and ongoing emissions in a decarbonized world.

---
🌎 Want the full Pod? Become a paid sub today (cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe)
---
 📺 Watch on YouTube

Topics:
(time stamps are accurate for the full episode and approximate for the free preview)
**00:00 Intro
**02:51 Understanding Direct Air Capture
**05:54 Business Model and Customer Segments
**08:54 Partnerships and Market Dynamics
**11:48 Scaling and Project Deployment
**15:06 Founding Story and Entrepreneurial Journey
**24:52 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics
**25:48 Adapting to Political Changes
**27:09 Embracing Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship
**28:30 Bipartisan Support for Carbon Capture
—(Free Version ends here)—
**30:19 Public Perception of Carbon Capture
**32:15 Survival vs. Success in Carbon Capture
**34:01 Building a Team in Knoxville
**39:30 Engaging with the Local Community
**41:07 Hiring Lessons Learned
**43:20 Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship
**45:13 Unexpected Challenges in the Startup Journey
**46:31 Valuing Team Dynamics
**47:26 Resources for Climate Tech Founders
**48:36 Encouragement for Carbon Capture Startups

Links:
**Anca Timofte | Holocene
**Read the DOE report on direct air capture technologies here.
**Participate in the CleanTechies Listener Survey: Take Survey.
**Connect with Somil on LinkedIn |

Support the show

If you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less.

• 70+ Placements
• 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech)
• The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary)
• 90-day placement guarantee

It's really hard to say no to that.

Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company.

We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank.

Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. [email protected]

Today we went live with Ben Shwab Eidelson and Anay Shah about the launch of their recent podcast Stepchange.

We covered:

* the inspiration,

* how people have received it so far,

* what they hope to achieve,

* how much time it takes to create this,

* a sneak peek of the first episode (for those who have not heard),

* and how it’s changed their outlook on investing.

Watch/listen - and let us know if you’d like us to do more things like this with other podcasters.

Check out the show:

Connect with Ben and Anay

If you missed this one and want to join us next time, be sure to download the Substack app.