Benjamin explores the opportunities and challenges of building energy tech startups across Latin America and the Caribbean, and how Reciprocal is bridging the gap between the global North and the region through a venture studio focused on nature-based solutions. He discusses funding early-stage startups in emerging markets, the importance of local governance and indigenous communities, and why energy, climate, and ecological systems must be approached together to drive truly sustainable innovation.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzehr/
https://reciprocal.studio/

00:00 - Intro
00:30 - What is Reciprocal
06:22 - The Amazon Fellowship
13:59 - Nature-Based Solutions and Energy
15:45 - Focus on Nature-Based Solutions
18:01 - Monetizing Nature-Based Solutions
25:00 - Starting a Startup Studio
28:46 - Finding Founders in Tech
34:04 - Why Houston for Startups
36:04 - California: Climate Tech Hub
39:58 - Houston's Startup Landscape
45:14 - Gaps in Houston's Startup Ecosystem
48:20 - Ecosystems in Houston Region
50:25 - Houston Energy Tech Summit

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