Conversations in Cleantech

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our hosts Michael Axe and Alexa Mangeant are joined by Carla Glassl, Co-Founder and CTO of Ucaneo Biotech, to dive into the cutting-edge world of direct air capture technology.

Curious about what it takes to revolutionise CO2 removal from the atmosphere? Carla shares her journey from academia to the startup world, detailing how Ucaneo Biotech is creating modular, cost-effective, and upgradable technologies to address one of the most pressing climate challenges, and how their innovative approach aims to transform CO2 into valuable resources while contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.

Carla opens up about the hurdles of launching a groundbreaking cleantech startup, emphasising the importance of collaboration and resilience in navigating industry challenges. She also shares her broader vision for a thriving planet and the practical steps required to achieve it.

Join us for a compelling discussion on the future of CO2 removal technology and the impact of innovative thinking in the fight against climate change.

01:13 - Introduction to Carla

Connect with your hosts Michael Axe and Alexa Mangeant on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Carla Glassl on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our hosts Nick McCullough and Olivia Morgan sit down with Will Tope, the visionary CEO of LiNa Energy, to explore the rapidly evolving world of energy storage systems.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to move from the traditional oil industry to the forefront of cleantech innovation? Will shares his personal journey and the pivotal moments that led him to help reshape energy storage.

LiNa Energy is pioneering a safer, more cost-effective battery technology using sodium instead of lithium. But what does that mean for the future of energy storage? Will discusses the challenges of disrupting an established market and the opportunities that come with innovation - especially in emerging markets like India, where the demand for sustainable solutions is skyrocketing.

How do you balance ambition with resilience in a rapidly evolving industry? Will offers candid advice on navigating the ups and downs of the cleantech sector, building investor relationships, and staying true to your mission. He also provides invaluable tips for those entering the space, reminding us that making an impact means more than just chasing titles.

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the power of innovative thinking and the vital role energy storage plays in driving global decarbonisation efforts.

00:59 - Introduction to Will

01:24 - Would you like to share a bit about your story and journey?

06:30 - What is your role at LiNa Energy, and what is the company currently working on?

08:14 - How does LiNa Energy fit into the broader battery and energy storage ecosystem?

12:30 - What have been your biggest achievements so far in LiNA?

14:00 - What are some of the biggest challenges you've had to deal with along the way to get to where you are today? 

16:12 - Do you have a specific coping mechanism for dealing with difficult days?

17:06 - What inspired your transition from oil and gas to clean energy and green technology?

19:00 - What lessons have you learned along the way that you can share to anyone shaping a journey in the cleantech space? 

23:12 - What are your thoughts on the current trends and observations regarding investment in the clean energy sector?

25:55 - How do you see the investment landscape changing for the clean energy sector in the coming years?

30:00 - Based on your personal experience seeking investment, what advice would you give to other companies in the industry?

31:47 - What is your outlook on the future of the battery market, including its challenges and opportunities?

35:00 - Please tell us more about LiNa's presence in India and your vision for its future.

40:00 - What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the clean tech industry?

Connect with your hosts Nick McCullough and Olivia Morgan on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Will Tope on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this special bonus episode of Conversations in Cleantech, we’re thrilled to have Michele Clark, our Senior Consultant from the Austin office, stepping in as host. Michele chats with Kevin Damoa, the innovative Founder & CEO of Glīd Technologies.

Ever wondered how autonomous technology can revolutionise logistics? Kevin reveals how his innovative road-to-rail solutions are tackling inefficiencies in the first mile of transportation and boosting safety with cutting-edge tech.

Drawing from his military experience and commitment to sustainability, Kevin discusses how Glīd Technologies is transforming wasteful practices into eco-friendly innovations. Glīd are building a future where logistics are seamlessly streamlined and risks are minimised through cutting-edge autonomous systems.

Kevin also shares the challenges of fundraising, industry resistance, and leading a climate tech startup with integrity. Tackling key questions such as how to overcome barriers in introducing new technology to a traditional sector, Kevin provides valuable insights into navigating these hurdles while driving innovation forward.

Join Michelle and Kevin as they explore how Glīd Technologies is setting new standards for sustainable logistics and inspiring future innovations.

00:49 - Introduction to Kevin

01:29 - Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and what initially sparked your interest in the aerospace and transportation industry?

02:34 - What were the most significant milestones in your career, spanning your time in the military and your subsequent work at SpaceX and other startups?

04:03 - Can you elaborate on Glīd Technologies' origins, its current business model, and the specific technologies being developed?

07:08 - How will your technology's impact on the initial supply chain influence broader market adoption and potential for subsequent innovations?

09:52 - How do you plan to leverage your technology to create a significant impact in traditionally underserved communities, both domestically and globally?

11:20 - How can your gliders contribute to improving quality of life and reducing carbon emissions?

13:41 - What core values have been essential to Glīd Technologies' success?

14:37 - What are the primary challenges facing the transportation market, and how is Glīd Technologies addressing them?

17:41 - Can you share some insight on some of the recent achievements at Glīd Technologies?

19:10 - What key learnings have you gained from launching Glīd Technologies that could be beneficial to other startups in the industry?

22:16 - What challenges and opportunities have you encountered raising funds for Glīd Technologies within the current investment landscape?

25:01 - How do you envision collaboration within the industry to address shared challenges and what is Glīd Technologies' financial outlook for the remainder of the year?

26:32 - How do you envision Glīd Technologies evolving and impacting the broader transportation industry?

28:46 - Given your aerospace background and vision for autonomous operations, are there plans to extend your technology into space?

30:32 - What are your key goals and milestones for Glīd Technologies in the coming year?

32:30 - How do you plan to leverage your leadership experience to build a high-performing team and achieve your career goals?

33:44 - How does it feel to be making a lasting impact on future generations through your work?

34:57 - Do your gliders have names?

35:40 - What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and sustainability professionals?

Connect with your host Michelle Clark on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Kevin Damoa on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this captivating episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our host Carmen Davis sits down with the trailblazing Dr. Roxanna Delima, Director of Electrolyzer R&D at Travertine.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn environmental passion into groundbreaking innovation? Dr. Delima takes us on her journey into electrochemical engineering, sharing how her work could transform chemical manufacturing and help decarbonise entire industries.

Discover how waste from mining operations can be reimagined into innovative, sustainable solutions. Dr. Delima reveals Travertine’s innovative process of creating valuable resources like fertilisers and critical elements from waste, contributing to a sustainable future.

But innovation isn't without challenges. How do we overcome hurdles in the CO2 electrolysis market and shift away from a consumption-driven economy? Dr. Delima shares insights on the systemic changes needed and the role of diverse, empathetic workplace cultures in driving sustainability.

Join us for an inspiring dialogue on harmonising technology and infrastructure to create a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

00:50 - Introduction to Roxanna

02:13 - What initially sparked your interest in electrochemical engineering and the field of electrolysis?

05:25 - What have been the most significant milestones in your career this far?

10:24 - How have your academic and industry experiences shaped your problem-solving approach within your role?

11:45 - How does Travertine's carbon dioxide removal process differentiate itself from other technologies in the market?

15:00 - Can you elaborate on the key innovations and milestones achieved in your electrolyzer technology, particularly within the high-carbon emitting industries you serve?

17:30 - How do you approach building a cohesive team that aligns with company values?

21:28 - How does the CO2 electrolysis market fit into the broader carbon capture and utilisation landscape?

24:09 - What are some of the major challenges facing the CO2 technology market today?

25:28 - What is Travertine's scale-up strategy to transition from lab-scale operations to gigaton-scale carbon capture facilities?

27:38 - What key advancements or breakthroughs do you anticipate for the field of electrolysis and decarbonisation?

30:41 - How do your personal environmental values intersect with your professional goals at Travertine, and how does this influence your vision for the future?

Connect with your host Carmen Davis on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Roxanna Delima on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech our host, Ben Sparks chats with Carey Kling, director at CleanCapital, a 20-year cleantech veteran with a fascinating background that blends geology, environmentalism, and economics.

Imagine a world where former industrial sites become beacons of clean energy. This episode explores that very idea, delving into the potential of brownfield sites to become the next generation of solar and storage facilities.

Carey, with her unique perspective, sheds light on the exciting possibilities of brownfield redevelopment. She'll discuss the key advantages these sites offer - existing infrastructure, zoning perks, and minimal environmental disruption – making them prime candidates for clean energy investment.  

But it's not all sunshine and solar panels. The conversation will also tackle the challenges of brownfield development, from navigating environmental concerns to ensuring project profitability in a fluctuating financial landscape.

Join Ben and Carey for an insightful discussion that explores the potential of brownfields to accelerate the clean energy transition.  Learn how these overlooked spaces can be transformed into sustainable powerhouses, paving the way for a greener future.

00:49 - Introduction to Carey

01:32 - Can you tell us about your journey to CleanCapital, including your background and the key experiences that shaped your career in cleantech?

04:28 - What does living your purpose look like for you?

04:56 - Can you explain what brownfield sites are and why they're becoming key players in the clean energy transition?

06:04 - Can you elaborate on CleanCapital's current focus on brownfield acquisitions and their competitive edge in this space?

06:54 - Looking back, what criteria have you used to identify organisations with strong purpose, culture, and the right team, ensuring a good fit for you?

07:34 - You mentioned your love for the outdoors. How did that passion lead you to a career in renewable energy?

08:20 - What are the biggest tailwinds and headwinds you see for investing in brownfield projects?

10:08 - Beyond financing, what are the main differences between brownfield and traditional utility-scale solar projects, and why do you think utility-scale dominates the US market currently?

11:37 - For someone interested in developing brownfield sites but lacking a hydrogeological background, what key challenges might they face, and what advice would you offer to overcome them?

13:36 - Is outright acquisition becoming a more common strategy for developers compared to leasing these sites?

14:32 - As we look towards the future of the US renewable energy sector, how do you see brownfield development playing a role, and what's your overall outlook on the financial health of renewables?

15:20 - While investor interest in renewables remains strong, there are signs of increased competition for funding. How do you see this shift in the investment landscape impacting project financing?

16:35 - Beyond brownfield development, which other areas of the renewable energy sector do you find particularly exciting?

Connect with your host Ben Sparks on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Carey Kling on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our hosts Alexa Mangeant and Hetty Lowther chat with Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures, about the dynamic world of cleantech investing.

Andrew's journey began with founding his first solar company back in 2002, a time when cleantech was still emerging. He witnessed solar panel costs drop from $10/watt to an astonishing $0.15/watt, a change that surpassed all expectations.

At Obvious Ventures, the focus is on companies that transform industries with a "well positive" approach. They’re backing innovations in electric vehicles, energy storage, carbon markets, and aviation. Notably, Senken, a platform facilitating the world's first public sale of carbon forward tokens, is among the impactful companies supported by Obvious Ventures.

For those aspiring to enter the cleantech field, Andrew shares his insights, emphasising the growth potential when purpose meets profit.

Join us for a captivating conversation, rich with insights from an experienced investor and operator, showcasing how Obvious Ventures is helping to shape a sustainable future. 

02:17 - Introduction to Andrew

02:56 - Can you tell us a bit about you and your journey into the VC route?

07:03 - Are you good at spotting the big trends that are about to kick off?

07:35 - What initially drew you to solar technology?

11:18 - For those who may not be familiar with Obvious Ventures, can you share more about your mission as a business?

15:50 - What specific qualities or attributes do you look for in a company that make you believe it has significant potential?

18:41 - What are some of the key technologies or innovations in the cleantech sector that you're currently focusing on?

22:52 - Could you elaborate on the opportunities you see in the carbon market, considering its dynamic nature and the diverse range of players involved?

27:22 - What advice or wisdom would you offer to someone starting a career similar to yours?

29:13 - Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share with listeners passionate about sustainability and cleantech, who are eager to step into this space?

Connect with your hosts Alexa Mangeant and Hetty Lowther on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Andrew Beebe on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this episode, our host Nick sits down with Martin Beaumont, CEO at Electric Green, to discuss cleantech investing and the electric vehicle industry.

Imagine a world where charging your EV is as simple as pulling into your driveway. Electric Green's innovative wireless charging technology aims to make that a reality.

In this episode, we explore how wireless charging can be the game-changer for EVs, making charging effortless and accessible for all. 

But the road to clean isn't always smooth. Martin dives into the real-world challenges faced by cleantech companies, like securing funding and keeping up with rapid technological advancements. He also sheds light on the current investment landscape, highlighting the importance of strong business models to attract vital funding in the green sector.

Discover why Martin believes wireless charging is the missing piece to unlock mass adoption of EVs and accelerate the transition to a cleaner future.

00:49 - Introduction to Martin

03:23 - Can you tell us more about your role at Electric Green and the company's innovative work in wireless charging?

10:32 - What challenges has Electric Green faced and had to deal with?

13:23 - What inspired you to work in the fast-paced cleantech sector?

15:00 - What valuable lessons have you learned at Electric Green that would be helpful for aspiring clean tech professionals?

16:48 - Given the current investment climate, what are your thoughts on how the investment in the sector looks at the moment?

18:52 - How do you see cleantech investment changing in the coming years?

20:50 - Given the limited funding available in the cleantech sector at the moment, what has your experience been like when seeking investment for Electric Green?

22:12 - What advice can you give to anyone listening who is currently seeking investment for themselves?

24:01 - Looking beyond investment, what are your predictions for the competitive landscape in the EV market?

27:25 - How do you see key challenges facing EV adoption evolving in the next few years, and what role will Electric Green play in navigating these challenges?

31:00 - What advice can you offer for people looking to enter the cleantech industry?

Connect with your host, Nick McCullough on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Martin Beaumont on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

In this episode our host Carmen Davis chats with Roxana Bekemohammadi about navigating the exciting yet challenging world of clean technology, specifically focusing on the hydrogen industry.

For over 14 years, Roxana's journey has taken her from the technical trenches of fuel cell engineering to the forefront of hydrogen policy. Driven by a deep-seated desire to be an environmental steward, she has become a leading voice in this critical field.

This episode offers a candid exploration of both the excitement and challenges inherent to clean technology. Roxana shares her insights, balancing passionate advocacy for hydrogen's potential with a clear-eyed view of deployment hurdles. Together, they delve into the complexities of market development and the ongoing evolution of the US hydrogen landscape.

Beyond the technical advancements, the conversation also tackles critical issues like workforce development and the hydrogen industry's role in driving economic growth.

00:40 - Introduction to Roxana

01:23 - Could you please tell us a little bit more about your career journey?

05:00 - Tell us a little bit more about what being an environmental steward means to you?

07:28 - How do you navigate that balance between advocating for hydrogen technology, while still cautioning about the challenges within the deployment?

12:00 - Can you tell us a little bit more about your role?

17:17 - How have role models, particularly female leaders, influenced your career journey?

21:00 - Can you share your thoughts on the current hydrogen market landscape, especially considering the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and ongoing political factors?

28:41 - Can you elaborate on your advocacy work with Manacor Partners?

29:41 - Beyond the technical advancements, where do you see the hydrogen industry fueling job creation, economic growth, and workforce development?

39:26 - For aspiring individuals considering or already in the hydrogen industry, especially those concerned about current challenges, what advice can you offer to navigate their careers?

Connect with your host, Carmen Davis on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Roxana Bekemohammad on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

This episode dives deep into the challenges and strategies for scaling cleantech startups, featuring Raj Patel, CFO of Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS), alongside host Ben Sparks.

After success in traditional finance, Raj was drawn to the impact potential of climate solutions. His current role as CFO at EVCS, a company building essential charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, allows him to directly contribute to the clean energy transition.

The cleantech revolution is here, but scaling a startup in this exciting space comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode, Raj explores strategies for navigating these hurdles and achieving sustainable growth, as well as focusing on building a strong, communicative team and understanding the industry's unique language.

This episode is packed with insights – from navigating the EV charging ecosystem to aligning with investors. Tune in and supercharge your cleantech journey!

00:48 - Introduction to Raj

03:30 - Can you elaborate on how your current role at EVCS allows you to fulfil your purpose?

05:48 - Did you have any concerns when leaving finance and coming into the cleantech sector? 

06:55 - Is there something specific about EVCS approach that contributes significantly to a more sustainable energy future?

08:26 - What sets EVCS apart and makes a real difference in that world?

09:14 - Is focus on uptime a recent shift you've observed in the industry, or has it always been a critical factor?

10:03 - As you look back over your career, what have been some of the stretch moments where you've really made the jump?

13:15 - Thinking about your own career moves, has finding a strong team to navigate challenges been a significant factor in your decision-making process?

17:19 - What are some key qualities you look for in team members who can thrive in this dynamic environment and contribute effectively when urgent situations arise?

19:00 - As more individuals transition from traditional sectors, what key areas of coaching would you recommend for a first-time CFO?

28:01 - What key actions can first-time cleantech founders take to stand out and become attractive investment opportunities?

28:25 - What excites you most about the future of EVCS and the EV charging market?

Connect with your host, Ben Sparks on LinkedIn.

Find your guest Raj Patel on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech! 

From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.

Hosted by Carmen Davis, in this episode, we hear from Linda Thrasher, who is blazing a trail in sustainable agriculture and clean tech.

Linda Thrasher's journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional: from the hallowed halls of law school to the gritty frontlines of male-dominated industries, she has shattered glass ceilings with her unwavering determination and visionary leadership.

In this episode, Linda takes us through her career journey, from her Founding Executive role at agriculture giants like Mosaic to her groundbreaking co-founding of Greenfield Nitrogen. Brace yourself as she pulls back the curtain on the challenges she faced as a woman in a man's world, and how she overcame them with grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in the power of diversity.

From the vast potential of green ammonia in agriculture, shipping, and beyond, to the details of risk tolerance, policy pieces and investor timelines, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and forging a greener future for us all.

00:50 - Introduction to Linda

01:27 - Can we start with a bit more about your career journey from starting out in law school on Capitol Hill, to becoming the Founding Executive at the Mosaic Company and then eventually co-founding Greenfield Nitrogen?

03:24 - How have you navigated the twists and turns of your career?

05:20 - As a female entrepreneur in the clean tech sector, what challenges have you faced and overcome throughout your career? And how have these experiences shaped your approach to business and leadership?

07:08 - Could tell us more about Greenfield Nitrogen and its mission? 

11:56 - How do you think you integrate community involvement and promoting education for girls and women into the work at Greenfield Nitrogen? 

14:40 - I'd love for you to touch upon your experience navigating Capitol Hill and the policy piece, and how that interplays with your role now?

18:53 - How is this world expanding, and what do you think the future might hold for this sector?

21:57 - What are your thoughts around investment in clean tech and what part it plays?

26:07 - Could you share some insights around the market dynamics and potential opportunities for low-carbon ammonia?

30:10 - What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to enter this sector? Or pursue entrepreneurship, especially coming from the backgrounds of law and policy?

Find your guest Linda Thrasher on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.

This is a Loaded Hype production.