Climate Cowboys

Climate Cowboys

By The founders and futurists building the hard-tech frontier.BusinessTechnologyInvesting
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Climate Cowboys episodes

  • #118 - Carbon Negative Cement, DeepTech Development Frameworks, Hiring a Founding Team, Pointers on an IP Business, & More w/ Cody Finke (Brimstone)

    (CoHost.AI Writeup)

    Ever wonder how a chemist turned into a green entrepreneur tackling the enormous environmental issue of cement production? Our latest episode of the CleanTechies podcast brings you the fascinating journey of Cody Finke, the brain behind Brimstone, a unique venture that's transforming cement production with a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative approach. From his days in graduate school to receiving the instrumental influence of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Cody takes us through his transition into a business founder, the challenges of securing initial funding, and the strategies that won over investors for his world-improving cause.

    CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    We delve into the heart of Brimstone's innovation - a groundbreaking method of creating Portland cement that passively sequesters CO2. Cody opens up about their plans for scaling this climate-friendly process and the hurdles they face in retrofitting cement plants. He emphasizes the importance of advanced market commitments in scaling their process. But it's not all about the technicalities; listen in as Cody shares his personal insights on the power of persistence, risk-taking, and maintaining focus as a deep tech founder.As we round off our discussion, Cody shares his experiences recruiting chemical engineers and navigating the construction of facilities. He highlights the crucial role of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in shaping Brimstone's distinctive approach. For anyone contemplating a dive into the deep-tech domain, Cody has pearls of wisdom on the necessity of risk-taking and staying focused. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation. Tune in for a peek behind the scenes of a climate-positive startup!

    If you enjoy this content, please share it with someone - do your part to help save the planet! 🌎

    Summary

    In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Cody Finke (@cody_finke), the Co-Founder of Brimstone discuss Cody's journey into climate and how they are revolutionizing the cement space.

    They have created a cement product that has just been approved as certified Portland Cement - This is the main cement used in the construction of buildings. The best part, it's carbon neutral in many cases negative (depending on the energy source used).

    This is a truly revolutionary technology and we can't wait to see it at commercial scale in the next few years.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    Topics:

    * 2:30 Intro & Climate Journey

    * 11:04 How he became an entrepreneur

    * 14:09 Experience closing his skills gap as a founder

    * 17:16 What brimstone is / How Cement is Made

    * 22:09 How they got C150 Certification

    * 27:36 The Supply Chain Problem

    * 30:11 Their Biz Model

    * 32:40 Building the Pilot Plant

    * 33:52 Fundraising

    * 41:54 Where the Rock is Found

    * 44:15 Corporate Partners

    * 45:20 Receptivity of the Industry

    * 46:35 DeepTech Development Framework

    * 50:18 Choosing Founding Team

    * 51:51 Funding Advice

    Start writing today. Use the button below to create your Substack and connect your publication with CleanTechies

    Links:

    * Connect with Cody: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-finke-ph-d-213b88ab

    * Brimstone Website: https://www.brimstone.com/

    * Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/

    * Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/

    * HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    * Most Recent Episode: Early Stage Hiring Decisions, Heeding the Lessons from CleanTech 1.0, Energize's $300m Growth Fund Close, & More w/ Eileen Waris (Energize Capital)

    * Similar Topic: From Restaurants to ClimateTech: Building a Carbon Capture Concrete Company w/ Tim Sperry (Carbon Limit)

    * Something Totally Different:Β Cutting Building Heat Loss Via Windows & Building a Platform for Glass Technology Firms w/ Anas Kassas (INOVUES)



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climatecowboys.substack.com/subscribe
    58 min
  • #118 Carbon Negative Cement, DeepTech Development Frameworks, Hiring a Founding Team, Pointers on an IP Business, & More w/ Cody Finke (Brimstone)

    In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Cody Finke (@cody_finke), the Co-Founder of Brimstone discuss Cody's journey into climate and how they are revolutionizing the cement space.

    They have created a cement product that has just been approved as certified Portland Cement - This is the main cement used in the construction of buildings. The best part, it's carbon neutral in many cases negative (depending on the energy source used).

    This is a truly revolutionary technology and we can't wait to see it at commercial scale in the next few years.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    -----
    Links:
    **Connect with Cody: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-finke-ph-d-213b88ab
    **Brimstone Website: https://www.brimstone.com/
    **Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/
    **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/
    **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    -----
    Other episodes you might enjoy:
    **Most Recent Episode: Early Stage Hiring Decisions, Heeding the Lessons from CleanTech 1.0, Energize's $300m Growth Fund Close, & More w/ Eileen Waris (Energize Capital)
    **Similar Topic: From Restaurants to ClimateTech: Building a Carbon Capture Concrete Company w/ Tim Sperry (Carbon Limit)**Something Totally Different: Cutting BuildingΒ 
    Heat Loss Via Windows & Building a Platform for Glass Technology Firms w/ Anas Kassas (INOVUES)

    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]

    57 min
  • #117 - Early Stage Hiring Decisions, Heeding the Lessons from CleanTech 1.0, Energize's $300m Growth Fund Close, & More w/ Eileen Waris (Energize Capital)

    CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    (CoHost.AI write-up)

    Ever wondered how a high school Spanish teacher can ignite a passion for sustainability that leads to a thriving career in venture capitalism? Our guest, Eileen Weiris from Energize Capital, shares this intriguing narrative and much more. We chat about the exciting growth of sustainability initiatives and the critical role that software and digital solutions play in the face of climate change. Eileen also takes us through her journey at Energize Capital, from their transition from Energize Ventures to their $300 million close of their second growth fund.

    The climate tech space is evolving rapidly, and with it comes a plethora of investment opportunities. Eileen provides us with a fascinating insight into Energize Capital's investment strategy, focusing on the importance of relationship building, networking, and the traits they look for in a company when investing. Also, we discuss Energize Capital's commitment to climate software and the different verticals they’re investing in, from renewable energy and electric vehicles to software solutions for carbon accounting and decarbonization.

    But the discussion doesn't stop there. Eileen imparts some practical advice for climate tech founders and VCs. She emphasizes the importance of clear and concise pitches to investors and shares her perspective on how resilience and adaptation are crucial in the current climate scenario. If you're an entrepreneur looking to make a mark in the climate tech space or an investor eager to invest in the sector, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and join us in this enlightening discussion about the intersection of climate tech and venture capitalism.

    Thank you for reading CleanTechies. Please feel free to share.

    In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Eileen Waris (@eileen_waris) have a conversation about her experience, what they are doing at Energize Capital (FKA Energize Ventures), the state of climate tech VC, advice to founders, and a lot more.

    We had the pleasure to speak with them on the day they changed their name and announced the close of their second growth fund ($300m)

    Reach out to Eileen: [email protected]

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    Links:

    * Electrifying Everything 2023: https://www.energizecap.com/news-insights/electrifying-everything-2023-edition-2

    * Connect with Eileen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-waris-98632564/

    * Energize Capital Website: https://www.energizecap.com/

    * Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/

    * Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/

    * HMU on Twitter: @Silasmahner

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    * Most Recent Episode: Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)

    * Similar Topic: The Future of the EU Climate VC Landscape, Transparency, & Challenges: Exploring Climate Tech Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)

    * Something Totally Different:Β Sawdust to Chemicals; Building a BioChemical Startup w/ Julie Kring (Khepra)



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climatecowboys.substack.com/subscribe
    51 min
  • #117 Early Stage Hiring Decisions, Heeding the Lessons from CleanTech 1.0, Energize's $300m Growth Fund Close, & More w/ Eileen Waris (Energize Capital)

    In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Eileen Waris (@eileen_waris) have a conversation about her experience, what they are doing at Energize Capital (FKA Energize Ventures), the state of climate tech VC, advice to founders, and a lot more.

    We had the pleasure to speak with them on the day they changed their name and announced the close of their second growth fund ($300m)

    Reach out to Eileen: [email protected]

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    -----
    Links:
    **Electrifying Everything 2023: https://www.energizecap.com/news-insights/electrifying-everything-2023-edition-2
    **Connect with Eileen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-waris-98632564/
    **Energize Capital Website: https://www.energizecap.com/
    **Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/
    **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/
    **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    -----
    Other episodes you might enjoy:
    **Most Recent Episode: Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)
    **Similar Topic: The Future of the EU Climate VC Landscape, Transparency, & Challenges: Exploring Climate Tech Investing w/ Heidi Lindvall (Pale Blue Dot)
    **Something Totally Different: Sawdust to Chemicals; Building a

    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]

    51 min
  • #116 - Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit climatecowboys.substack.com

    (CoHost.AI Summary)

    Imagine having a front-row seat to the evolution of climate tech, from the early 2000s to now. That's the fascinating journey we take with Rick Zulo, co-founder and GP at Equal Ventures, on our latest podcast episode. Rick candidly unravels his intriguing journey from earning a dual degree in leadership studies and economics to becoming a successful venture capitalist. His perspective on the creation and investment of startups designed to combat climate change is both insightful and thought-provoking.Β 

    Rick doesn't shy away from the challenges he faced during the cleantech backlash and the aftermath of the cleantech bubble burst. His unique point of view that venture capitalists are akin to sheep is certain to intrigue. He also illuminates his investment approach, which involves in-depth research before financial commitment, and discusses how the digital divide has impacted legacy industries. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as he discusses his belief that venture capital should be a consulting role with an equity stake.Β 

    In our chat, Zulo sheds light on the hurdles of raising capital for companies in legacy industries and how Equal Ventures is changing the game by offering similar opportunities as those in IT and consumer spaces. It's an eye-opening look into the future of venture capital and climate tech. We also explore his work with Climatech VC, where they have created a unique business model of giving away software for free and making money through working capital procurement. You'll surely leave this episode with a fresh perspective on climate tech and its future.

    Show Notes:

    In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs.

    This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connections and understanding so that they can actually help their PortCos succeed.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    * πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    * πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    * Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Topics:

    * 1:51 Intro to Rick

    * 8:10 How he got into Climate

    * 19:27 Equal Ventures

    * 23:45 VC is not Consultative Anymore

    * 35:45 Building in Public

    * 39:53 Their Remit

    * 42:38 H1 CTVC Funding Report Reaction

    --PAY WALL--

    * 45:58 Advice to Other Founders and VCs

    * 50:03 Speak the Language of Your Customers

    * 52:09 The Biggest Mistakes Founders Make

    Links:

    * Connect w/ Rick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickzullo/

    * Follow Rick on Twitter (X.com): https://twitter.com/Rick_Zullo

    * Equal VC Website: https://www.equal.vc/

    * Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/

    * Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/

    * HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    Thank you for reading CleanTechies. Feel free to share the post if you enjoy it.

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    * Most Recent Episode: How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler

    * Similar Topic: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC

    * Something Totally Different:Β How to build an MVP with a complex ClimateTech Startup - Andy Frank, Founder of Sealed

    48 min
  • πŸ”’ Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)

    Subscriber-only episode

    In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs.

    This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connections and understanding so that they can actually help their PortCos succeed.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    -----
    Topics:
    **1:51 Intro to Rick
    **8:10 How he got into Climate
    **19:27 Equal Ventures
    **23:45 VC is not Consultative Anymore
    **35:45 Building in Public
    **39:53 Their Remit
    **42:38 H1 CTVC Funding Report Reaction
    --PAY WALL--
    **45:58 Advice to Other Founders and VCs
    **50:03 Speak the Language of Your Customers
    **52:09 The Biggest Mistakes Founders Make

    -----
    Links:
    **Connect w/ Rick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickzullo/
    **Follow Rick on Twitter (X.com)
    **Equal VC Website: https://www.equal.vc/
    **Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/
    **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/
    **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    -----
    Other episodes you might enjoy:
    **Most Recent Episode: How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler
    **Similar Topic: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC
    **Something Totally Different: How to build an MVP with a complex ClimateTech Startup - Andy Frank,

    We are proud to continue working with NextWave as our official show sponsor for this podcast. NextWave and all of its staff are highly motivated to advance the ClimateTech revolution and are constantly innovating ways that they can help affect that transition. From experts in the talent space to ESG experts, NextWave is taking on Climate and Social responsibility head-on and helping companies build great cultures that not only make the world a better place but also increase workplace satisfaction. Reach out to NextWave Partners today to learn more about how we might partner with you today. https://www.next-wavepartners.com/ / [email protected]

    1 hr
  • #116 Consultative VC, Understanding Customers (as a VC), Developing Industry Networks for Your PortCos, & More w/ Rick Zullo (Equal Ventures)

    In this episode Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Rick Zullo (@Rick_Zullo) discuss, Rick's career trajectory to VC, the thesis behind Equal Ventures, his thoughts on the CTVC's H1 Funding report, and his advice to founders and VCs.

    This episode is densely packed with value as Rick has clearly thought a lot about these problems. Perhaps my favorite takeaways are 1) that he views VC as more Consulting with Equity than banking and 2) was how they develop industry connections and understanding so that they can actually help their PortCos succeed.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    -----
    Links:
    **Connect w/ Rick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickzullo/
    **Follow Rick on Twitter (X.com): https://twitter.com/Rick_Zullo **Equal VC Website: https://www.equal.vc/
    **Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/
    **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/

    **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    -----
    Other episodes you might enjoy:
    **Most Recent Episode: How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler
    **Similar Topic: How to Raise Money for your ClimateTech Startup w/ Tommy Leep, founder of Jetstream VC
    **Something Totally Different: How to build an MVP with a complex ClimateTech Startup - Andy Frank, Founder of Sealed

    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]

    1 hr
  • #115 - How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler

    CoHostAI Summary:

    Imagine harnessing the power of real-time data to create more energy-efficient buildings. That's precisely the intriguing journey our guest, Jeff Hendler, co-founder and CEO of Logical Buildings, takes us on in this episode. Leaving Wall Street behind for the utility sector, Jeff then ventured into creating his smart building company, successfully adding value through engineering services and bridging the gap between estimated and actual energy usage.The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the landscape of multi-family buildings, and this is where Jeff's innovative solutions come into play. He emphasizes the urgency of energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives, unearthing the potential of smart meters, IoT, and good connectivity. This episode guides us through the complexities within the multi-family space and how Logical Buildings navigates these, from establishing relationships with corporate entities to anticipating consumer needs like EV charging.This episode doesn't stop there, as Jeff reveals the talent and policies driving success in the climate tech space. He discusses the process of growing Logical Buildings from 15 to 40 employees within 18 months, underscoring the importance of passion, innovation, and proof of success. As we explore the challenges of creating a reliable power source in the face of increasing energy demand, tune in to understand the future power and energy landscape. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about energy efficiency and its role in our future.

    CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Jeff Hendler Co-Founder and CEO of Logical Buildings (@logicalbldgs) about his journey from Wall Street, to the Utility, to founding a Smart Building company.

    We also cover how their Grid Rewards program works, how a company like this can be competitive, and what he sees as the next big challenge to solve.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    Thank you for reading CleanTechies. If you enjoy, please share!

    Topics:

    * 5:26 How He Founded Logical Buildings

    * 16:39 What Grid Services Are

    * 29:26 How to Win in the Market

    * 36:43 Partner Relationships

    * 43:24 Advice on Talent

    * 48:51 Biggest Upcoming Challenges

    Links:

    * Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hendler-568b4210

    * Logical Buildings: https://logicalbuildings.com/

    * Grid Rewards: https://www.gridrewards.com/

    * Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/

    * Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/

    * HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    * Most Recent Episode: Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)

    * Similar Topic: CleanTechies, the Podcast #15 - Brian Turner (Buildings IoT)

    * Something Totally Different:Β Helping Utilities Utilize Wasted Data with Sean Murphy of PingThings



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climatecowboys.substack.com/subscribe
    59 min
  • How Logical Buildings Built the First Residential & C&I Energy Management Service w/ CEO, Jeff Hendler

    In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) speaks w/ Jeff Hendler Co-Founder and CEO of Logical Buildings (@logicalbldgs) about his journey from Wall Street, to the Utility, to founding a Smart Building company.

    We also cover how their Grid Rewards program works, how a company like this can be competitive, and what he sees as the next big challenge to solve.

    Enjoy the Episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    -----
    Topics:
    **5:26 How he Founded Logical Buildings
    **16:39 What Grid Services Are
    **29:26 How to Win in the Market
    **36:43 Partner Relationships
    **43:24 Advice on Talent
    **48:51 Biggest Upcoming Challenges

    -----
    Links:
    **Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hendler-568b4210
    **Logical Buildings: https://logicalbuildings.com/
    **Grid Rewards: https://www.gridrewards.com/
    **Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/
    **Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/
    **HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    -----
    Other episodes you might enjoy:
    **Most Recent Episode: Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)
    **Similar Topic: CleanTechies, the Podcast #15 - Brian Turner (Buildings IoT)
    **Something Totally Different: Helping Utilities Utilize Wasted Data with Sean Murphy of PingThings

    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]

    59 min
  • #114 - Reflecting on H1 2023 CT Funding & Discussing Transferable Tax Credits Along with the Opportunities they Present (Somil & Silas)

    (The following summary is courtesy of HostAI via the Buzzsprout Platform)

    Imagine navigating the complex landscape of Climate Tech, where the surge of corporate venture capital has doubled from 2021 to 2022. How do you determine whether your hardware company should raise venture scale or seek other financing options? In this episode, we tackle these critical questions and more, examining insights from the 2023 Climate Tech VC report. We also discuss the tantalizing prospects of transferable tax credits offered through the IRA bill and how they could stimulate growth in various sectors.

    We've all witnessed the surge in electric vehicles, but do we truly understand the potential growth within this space? Let's explore the financial models and infrastructure evolution in the commercial electric vehicle sector, and the possible impact of tax credits on the industry. We consider the implications of tax credit restrictions and the potential consequences of transferability on the electric vehicle marketplace. This discourse extends to the effect of tax credits on the production of critical minerals, recycling of metals, and foreign investment.

    CleanTechies is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    But how does all this translate into economic opportunities and development, particularly in regions like upstate New York? We delve into the potential of the CHIPS Act and My Cart investment, and their role in job creation and economic growth. We also weigh the implications of large-scale industrial investments in Climate Tech, considering the need for specialized talent and supportive infrastructure. Ultimately, we aim to unravel the complex intertwine of Climate Tech, venture capital, and policy, and examine the pivotal role they play in shaping our future. Share your thoughts and join the conversation on Twitter, LinkedIn or our Slack channel.

    In this episode, Silas Mahner (@silasmahner) and Somil Aggarwal (@Somil_Agg) have a discussion about two things.

    First, their thoughts and reaction to the H1, 2023 Funding Report by CTVC

    Second, a conversation around the transferable tax credits created by the IRA and what areas we think are the biggest areas for growth or opportunity because of those.

    Hope you enjoy this episode! 🌎

    πŸ“Ί πŸ‘€ Prefer to watch: subscribe on YouTube.

    πŸ“« Interested in written summaries and takeaways from the episode? Subscribe to the newsletter.

    Want to be part of the community and engage further? Check out the Slack Channel. https://tinyurl.com/mwkn8zk5

    Thank you for reading CleanTechies. This post is public so feel free to share it.

    Topics:

    * 0:00 Climate Tech Funding Challenges in 2023

    * 7:52 Challenges and Insights in Climate Tech

    * 13:52 Raising Venture Capital for Hardware Companies

    * 23:57 Opportunities and Challenges in Climate Financing

    * 32:10 Potential Growth in Electric Vehicles

    * 39:40 Funding and Economic Opportunities Concerns

    * 43:30 Challenges and Benefits of Economic Development and Climate Tech

    Links:

    Connect with Silas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silasmahner/

    Connect with Somil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somil-aggarwal/

    Check out our Sponsor, NextWave Partners: https://www.next-wavepartners.com/

    Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-techies/

    HMU on Twitter: @silasmahner

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    * Most Recent Episode: Incubating Climate Risk / Insurance Solutions as Traditional Insurers Pull Back w/ Stephen Brittain (Insurtech Gateway)

    * Similar Topic: Hard Truths About VC, Raising Advice, & Small Fund Limitations w/ Susan Su (Toba Capital)

    * Something Totally Different:Β How Microfinance Helps Unbanked & The Climate Vulnerable w/ Celyn & Kristen (ShareChange)



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climatecowboys.substack.com/subscribe
    47 min

About Climate Cowboys

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Climate Cowboys | The founders and futurists building the hard-tech frontier.

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