Apartments and EV chargers, why is it such a headache? That’s exactly what we’re tackling with David Aaronson, the real estate pro behind Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions. With EV adoption skyrocketing, renters are demanding charging options, but property owners are stuck figuring out how to make it work. David’s company is cutting through the red tape, bringing EV charging to 83 cities and counting, while making it painless (and profitable) for landlords. We’re talking infrastructure hurdles, ESG priorities, and how EV charging is shaping the future of multifamily living, because let’s be real, the days of hunting for an open charging spot are numbered.

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00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus
00:16 - Refuel EV Solutions
04:31 - EVs in Norway
05:54 - EVs in Houston
10:22 - Refuel’s Business Model
16:23 - Sizing an Installation
20:45 - Solar and Battery Integration
22:15 - Managing EV Charging Duration
26:59 - Geographic Differences in EV Charging
28:50 - Innovation vs. Invention in EVs
35:37 - David Aaronson's Background
40:14 - Starting Revs: Journey and Insights
49:25 - Impact of EV Tax Credit on Business
55:14 - Government Incentives for EV Charging
57:40 - Role of Utility Companies in EV Charging
59:58 - Aligning Revs' Interests with Customers
1:00:30 - How to Find ReFuel Energy Solutions

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Finding the right talent in energy is a headache, but EnergyGigs is flipping the script. CEO Jason Assir joins us to talk about how his platform is making it easier for companies to connect with consultants, freelancers, and even retirees without all the hiring red tape. We get into why traditional hiring doesn’t work for this industry, how AI is shaking things up, and why the future of energy work is looking more flexible than ever, think project-based roles, geothermal experts in demand, and a surge in hydrogen-focused gigs. Jason’s got a unique take on careers, too, challenging the idea that you have to stick to just one lane. If you’re in energy and tired of the same old hiring grind, this one’s for you.

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00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus
00:16 - EnergyGigs
05:47 - EnergyGigs vs Upwork and Fiverr
08:20 - Hiring Tips: Testing Candidates
09:58 - COVID's Impact on Work Culture
11:26 - Finding the Right Job Candidate
19:55 - EnergyGigs Monetization Strategies
21:41 - Future Plans for EnergyGigs
23:20 - Investor Sentiment in Energy Sector
24:53 - Leading the Decarbonization Charge
25:54 - Capital Deployment by Investors
28:04 - Fundraising Insights in Houston
31:11 - Bootstrapping Challenges
32:53 - The Mom Test Explained
35:55 - Achieving Product Market Fit
38:20 - Pivotal Moments in Business
39:34 - New Administration's Impact on Energy
41:36 - Positioning for the Next Four Years
44:43 - Importance of Mentorship
48:58 - Future Developments for EnergyGigs
51:00 - Contact Information

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Tackling the 40-gigaton CO2 problem isn’t for the faint of heart, but Yao Huang is all in, turning climate challenges into financial opportunities with some seriously cool tech. After two decades in the tech world, a pandemic epiphany sent her full speed into climate investing, and now she’s using algae photobioreactors (yes, algae!) to capture carbon at scale while creating useful byproducts like oils and fertilizers. She breaks down why traditional VC thinking doesn’t cut it in climate tech, how industries like coal and cement can actually profit from going green, and why collaboration—not competition, is the key to making real change happen. If you think climate solutions are all about sacrifice, Yao’s going to make you rethink everything.

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00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Climate Investing Journey
08:27 - Venture Capital in Climate Tech
13:57 - Role of Finance in Startups
18:00 - Energy Transition vs Climate Problem
24:22 - Carbon Clean Technology
32:46 - Carbon Optima Business Model
34:37 - Unique Aspects of Current Climate Tech
37:30 - Factors Behind Carbon Optima's Success
40:04 - Activating Support for Climate Initiatives
45:15 - Houston's Climate Tech Ecosystem Gaps
49:35 - Houston Startup Scene
51:03 - Wonder Women Networking Dinners
54:27 - Closing Remarks

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AI and sustainability—two buzzwords that actually make a lot of sense together, especially when you’ve got sharp minds like Robin Goswami and Sandeep Roy putting them to work. These guys built Planckton Data to crack one of the biggest challenges in energy and industrial markets: making carbon footprints actually measurable (instead of just a marketing buzzword). From filling in the massive data gaps in supply chains to helping companies navigate sustainability regulations without drowning in paperwork, they’re proving that AI isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer. Toss in some wild stories from their careers at Infosys, McKinsey, and even the BP oil spill response, and you’ve got an episode packed with insights, real-world impact, and a little startup chaos.

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00:00 - EnergyTechNexus Ad
00:17 - Introducing Plankton Data
02:41 - How Plankton Data’s Product Works
07:13 - Sustainability Labels and Compliance Regulations
11:02 - Building a Data Model for Sustainability
12:28 - Blockchain Technology in Energy
18:48 - Career Background Before Plankton Data
20:16 - Insights from Sandeep Roy
23:05 - AI's Role in IGen
28:35 - Transitioning to Start IGen
31:00 - Board Membership in Startups
35:35 - Identifying Your Customer Base
39:40 - Current Stage of Your Journey
41:17 - Fundraising Strategies
46:33 - Investor Perspectives on Climate Tech
49:20 - AI as Infrastructure in Energy
50:39 - Vision and Future of Plankton Data
52:59 - Outro

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Houston isn’t just the oil and gas capital—it’s shaping up to be the energy innovation hub of the future, and Nada Ahmed and Jason Ethier are right in the middle of it. As the brains behind EnergyTechNexus, they’re building a launchpad for startups tackling the energy trilemma: security, affordability, and sustainability. We’re talking everything from carbon capture to nuclear’s big comeback and how Houston’s industrial muscle makes it the perfect testing ground for game-changing tech. Plus, why they’re betting on “thunder lizards” instead of unicorns and what that means for the next wave of energy startups.

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00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus Ad
00:21 - Energy Trilemma
00:32 - Podcast Introduction
02:29 - Hosts' Check-in
07:23 - Goodwin Ad
08:17 - Overview of EnergyTech Nexus
14:26 - Greentown Labs Houston's Support for Startups
14:52 - Collaborations with Green Chemicals Companies
17:13 - Future Climate Juggernauts
22:18 - Impact of New Administration on Clean Energy
25:40 - US Oil Exporting and Price Effects
29:24 - Energy Tech Nexus Insights
29:40 - Fracking and Methane Capture Techniques
32:10 - Climate Tech Positioning Strategies
36:15 - Competing with China in Energy
38:30 - Energy Deprivation Challenges
41:29 - Episode Conclusion
42:05 - Nuclear Energy Trajectory Solutions
46:57 - Oil Majors' Role in Clean Tech Ecosystem
51:55 - Energy Transition and Corporate Investment Strategies
54:05 - Strategic Investment Criteria for Startups
57:49 - Podcast Outro

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Plastic doesn’t have to be the villain of the story anymore—Rheom Materials is flipping the script. From brewing kombucha to brewing up a whole new way of thinking about sustainable plastics, they’re proving that bio-based, biodegradable materials can hold their own against petrochemical giants. In this chat, you’ll hear about the wild ride from Zimri T. Hinshaw’s beginnings to Rheom’s breakthrough materials that work with existing manufacturing setups, why Houston’s energy hub is a hot spot for climate tech, and what it takes to scale a startup that’s shaking up an industry. If you’ve ever wondered how innovation meets practicality in the fight against plastic waste, this one’s for you.

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00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus Ad
00:16 - Intro
00:24 - Rio Materials
02:18 - Moving Away from Plastic
05:26 - Scaling with Existing Infrastructure
08:12 - Customer Collaboration at Rio Materials
16:15 - Keeping Costs Competitive
20:00 - Bio-based vs. Petrochemical Pricing
21:35 - Rebranding to Rheom Materials
27:15 - Differentiating Rheom Materials
30:45 - Insights from Customer Testing
33:09 - Why Choose Houston?
35:45 - Building Houston's Future
37:46 - Lessons for Investors in Hard Tech
43:29 - Tips for New Entrepreneurs
45:20 - Getting Involved in Startups
49:27 - Future Plans for Realm
51:03 - Future Plans for Cove

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Workplace safety just got a serious upgrade thanks to some cutting-edge AI tech that turns your regular ol’ CCTV cameras into safety superheroes. We’re talking about a system that spots hazards, flags unsafe behavior (without naming and shaming), and keeps things running smoothly in high-risk industries like oil and gas. The brains behind this innovation? A safety engineer-turned-entrepreneur who took his experience from Nigeria to Houston and built VisionTech —a game-changer for safety culture. With insights on balancing safety, HR, and management, plus a vision to tackle everything from oil rigs to home offices, this episode dives into the challenges, wins, and future of making workplaces safer with tech that’s as smart as it is practical.

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00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus - Transform Your Startup Journey
00:14 - Intro Stephen Ogidan, Founder & CEO of Vision Tech
05:14 - Vision Tech Safety Solutions - Improving Workplace Safety
09:30 - Employee Comfort with Surveillance - Overcoming Camera Hesitancy
11:29 - Product Readiness Timeline - When Will It Launch?
12:41 - Managing Alert Systems - Optimizing Safety Notifications
16:40 - Combining Safety and Technology - Stephen's Background
19:01 - Market Timing - Why Now is Critical for Vision Tech
22:31 - Customer Insights - Lessons from Potential Clients
26:48 - Future Challenges - Identifying Key Obstacles Ahead
31:21 - Networking in Energy Tech - Stephen's Connections
33:04 - The Power of Communication - "A Closed Mouth is a Closed Destiny"
36:40 - Fundraising Journey - Current Status and Strategy
40:00 - Building Investor Credibility - Strategies for Success
42:07 - Timing for Entrepreneurship - The Right Moment to Start
47:53 - Business Defensibility - Creating Competitive Advantages
55:43 - Navigating Regulatory Changes - Adapting to New Laws
58:41 - Fostering a Safety Culture - Importance in Business
59:38 - Wrapping Up - Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1:00:04 - Houston, the Energy Capital of the World - Industry Insights

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Energy tech startups face a unique maze of legal pitfalls, and we’re breaking it all down with tips and strategies that could save your company. From dodging toxic investment terms like full ratchets to navigating funding rounds without losing founder control, we’ll unpack what works (and what doesn’t) in this high-stakes world. Ever wonder why project finance often beats venture capital in energy tech? Or how to connect with coastal VCs when you’re rooted in Houston’s energy scene? Whether it’s structuring deals, managing down rounds, or building investor relationships, this convo blends Silicon Valley savvy with Texas grit to give you the inside scoop on steering your startup toward success.

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00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus
00:20 - Introducing Latham & Watkins
03:20 - Importance of Energy and Infrastructure Expertise for Startups
06:02 - Navigating Long-Tail Engagements: Business Building with Latham & Watkins
11:29 - Learning Monetization Strategies in Startups
17:06 - Fundraising Red Flags for Startups
20:48 - Key Considerations for Founders When Choosing Investors
22:54 - Control vs Valuation: Understanding Trade-offs
26:27 - Overview of Houston’s Investor Landscape
31:15 - Energy Tech Nexus: Your Growth Platform
31:32 - Corporate Venture Capital Insights
34:58 - Project Level Financing Explained
36:41 - Current Trends in the Energy Industry
38:15 - Challenges in Fundraising
42:02 - Increasing Capital Flow into Houston
44:50 - Understanding Startup Valuation
49:20 - Risks of High Valuations in Startups
55:18 - Creating a Clean Tech Powerhouse
59:26 - Founders' Advice for Success
1:03:09 - Thank You and Closing Remarks

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Ever thought about how to make EV charging smarter and greener? Wind Everest is turning wind energy into a game-changer for electric vehicles, and Robert Rolnik is at the helm of it all. Picture an app that works like a weather report for wind power—letting you know the best times to charge to slash carbon emissions by up to 90%. Texas might be just warming up to EVs, but with 7-8% of new car sales already electric, the potential is massive. Robert’s path from telecom engineer to cleantech innovator is packed with insights, from tackling the quirks of Texas’ deregulated electricity market to figuring out how EVs can help stabilize the grid. Wind Everest isn’t stopping at personal cars either—think fleets, delivery services, and even military vehicles. It’s innovation with a side of saving the planet.

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00:00 - Energy Tech Startups
00:16 - WindEverest Overview
06:06 - Wind Energy & Electric Vehicles
09:47 - Robert Rolnik's Background
11:36 - Software Development Journey
14:32 - Griddy vs. Renewable Energy Plans
20:00 - Legal Aspects of 100% Renewable Energy
25:00 - Ad: Energy Tech Nexus
27:30 - EV Drivers' Perspectives on ION Energy
31:39 - Electric Vehicle Subsidies
34:51 - Addressing Range Anxiety
39:50 - WindEverest's Business Model
43:14 - Houston's Energy Tech Ecosystem
48:05 - Contacting Robert Rolnik
49:00 - App Release Timeline

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When it comes to bringing manufacturing back to the US, reshoring isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game plan, and Mush Khan from Alchemy Industrial is in the thick of it. From building game-changing energy storage systems to figuring out how AI and robotics can shake up the factory floor, Mush is rethinking what it means to make stuff in America. He’s got big ideas about how Houston can lead the charge in energy and manufacturing innovation, and he’s not shy about tackling the challenges of hardware startups, workforce gaps, and the wild ride that is decentralizing power systems. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rebuild an industrial powerhouse in today’s world, this conversation is packed with the grit and vision to inspire.

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00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Alchemy Industrial Overview
07:26 - Alchemy Industrial's Journey
12:22 - Manufacturing Energy Storage Systems
17:28 - Alchemy's Product Overview
19:34 - Enchanted Rock & HEB Backup Power
23:12 - Inflation Reduction Act Insights
25:14 - Early Adopters of Energy Technology
28:15 - Microgrid Innovations
32:14 - EnergyTechNexus: Platform for Growth
32:30 - Power Disruptions in Texas
36:50 - Frequency of Power Loss
43:24 - Funding Education in Energy
47:50 - Fundraising for Hard Tech Startups
50:54 - Houston's Position in Energy Transition
53:10 - Insights from Houston Climate Week
55:32 - Successful Events at Houston Climate Week
1:02:30 - Audience Support Opportunities

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