Liquid Assets

Every year, California faces a brutal cycle of wildfires, but this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The Palisades and Eaton Fires have destroyed over 12,000 homes, burned 40,000 acres, and displaced 100,000 people. But beyond the visible destruction, there’s another crisis unfolding—one that remains largely unseen: the failure of our water infrastructure.

In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Reuben Vollmer, CEO and Co-Founder of Spout Water, to discuss how California’s water mismanagement played a pivotal role in fueling these wildfires—and how it’s now impacting the drinking water of thousands. With fire hydrants running dry, plastic pipes melting into the water supply, and entire communities left with "do not drink" advisories, we explore the connection between fire, climate change, and water security.

Reuben shares his personal experience of being evacuated due to the fires and the devastating loss of not just homes but the memories tied to them. He explains how a decade in the water industry led him to develop Spout, an innovative device that pulls clean drinking water from the air, offering an alternative for those who can no longer rely on traditional water infrastructure.

We also dive into the controversial use of fire retardants—why they're necessary, but how they may also be accelerating the growth of invasive species, setting the stage for even bigger fires in the future. And, as bottled water shortages rise, Reuben unpacks why one in five Americans already rely on bottled water and what that means for our environment.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Why LA’s fires arebookended by water mismanagement—from drought-driven fuel loads to water contamination post-fire
• The shocking reality offire hydrants running dry and themelting water system polluting local drinking water
• Howfire retardants may be unintentionally fueling future fires
• Thehidden costs of bottled water and why its overuse is creating an environmental crisis
• Thescience behind Spout, a device that generatespure drinking water from the air
• How Reuben’spersonal story of water scarcity inspired his mission to make clean water accessible to all

Book Recommendation:Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

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Every two minutes, a sewer main breaks in the United States, creating an unprecedented challenge for businesses and municipalities alike. As our aging water infrastructure continues to crumble, companies are taking matters into their own hands, leading to a revolutionary shift in how we approach water treatment and management.

In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear, who brings a unique perspective from his journey through tech disruption to water innovation. From his early days as a ship captain to leading software companies and eventually pioneering "Water as a Service," Eckelberry shares how his diverse background helped shape a new approach to solving America's water crisis. Through OriginClear, he's transforming the traditional hardware-focused water treatment industry into a service-based model, making clean water accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes.

The conversation delves into how decentralized water treatment is becoming the new normal, with businesses bypassing failing municipal infrastructure to ensure their survival. Eckelberry explains the parallels between the solar industry's power purchase agreements and OriginClear's innovative water purchase agreements, showing how financialization of water treatment could be the key to solving our infrastructure challenges. As the company prepares for its NASDAQ debut, we get an inside look at how this small company's disruptive approach could reshape the future of water treatment.

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Did you know that water isn't just vital for life but also has its own story to tell—a story that could solve some of the world’s biggest challenges? Yet, this narrative often goes unheard, leaving opportunities for change untapped.

In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani dives deep into the transformative potential of storytelling in the water industry with Jim Lauria, VP of Sales and Marketing at Mazzei and a passionate water advocate. Together, they explore the art of weaving data, emotion, and engagement to highlight water’s vital role across industries and everyday life. From unraveling Leonardo da Vinci’s ingenious water-inspired designs to modern technological innovations, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.

Jim shares how effective storytelling can bridge the gap between awareness and action, showcasing his success in integrating storytelling into Mazzei’s projects, from mining archives for compelling data to creating impactful presentations that resonate globally. He emphasizes the role of humor, emotion, and meticulous audience understanding to craft narratives that inspire. Whether it’s turning data into engaging stories or using clever analogies, Jim’s insights are a masterclass in connecting hearts and minds.

This episode is not just a conversation but a call to action—encouraging entrepreneurs, innovators, and water professionals to reimagine the power of narrative in creating solutions.

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Did you know that the water industry is grappling with a looming talent crisis that threatens critical services we take for granted every day? With seasoned professionals nearing retirement and a disheartening lack of newcomers, this episode of Liquid Assets dives deep into the root causes and innovative solutions to this pressing issue. Ravi Kurani hosts Max Fraser-Krauss, a water industry recruiter from Charlton Morris, as they dissect the recruitment challenges and brainstorm actionable strategies to close this generational talent gap.

The discussion uncovers the unique dynamics shaping the water industry's workforce. From the high demand for municipal operators to the role of flexible work arrangements and cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, it explores how to attract and retain the next generation of water professionals and it also highlights how Gen Z’s eco-conscious mindset can be leveraged and why the industry’s storytelling is key to attracting new talent.

This episode not only identifies challenges but also sparks hope with innovative ideas like gamification and redefining work cultures. Whether you're curious about water’s pivotal role in combating climate change or looking for inspiration to solve retention challenges in any industry, this episode offers something valuable.

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Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening the very fabric of our planet's ecosystems and human civilization. But what if we already possess 80% of the solutions needed to combat this crisis? Ravi Kurani sits down with Ryan Kushner, co-founder of Third Derivative, a climate technology accelerator, to explore the future of clean energy, carbon capture, and how startups are driving innovation in the fight against climate change.

Ryan Kushner brings his wealth of experience in climate tech acceleration to the table, sharing insights from his journey with organizations like Elemental Accelerator and his book, "Accelerate This: A Super Not Boring Guide to Startup Accelerators and Clean Energy Entrepreneurship." He discusses the evolution of climate solutions, from having only 60% of the necessary technologies a few years ago to now possessing 75-80% of what we need to address the climate crisis. Kushner also delves into the role of accelerators in nurturing startups and fostering partnerships between entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors to drive meaningful impact.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the structure and goals of Third Derivative, a program of the Rocky Mountain Institute, which aims to support and scale the most promising climate tech startups worldwide. Kushner explains how their 18-month program offers financial support, mentorship, and crucial connections to a network of corporate partners and venture capital firms. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, highlighting the need for innovation in areas such as agriculture, water reuse, and decentralized water systems.

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Construction is one of the largest global industries, driving urban transformation and environmental challenges; and water is at its heart.

Every day, construction sites around the world consume millions of gallons of fresh water and generate toxic runoff, silently contributing to water scarcity and pollution. From paintbrushes to power tools, the process of cleaning construction equipment has long been an environmental blind spot, with contaminated water often finding its way into our sewers and waterways. This hidden menace not only wastes precious water resources but also poses significant risks to ecosystems and public health. As urban areas densify and the need for sustainable building practices grows, the construction industry faces mounting pressure to address its water footprint.

In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani delves into an innovative solution that's reshaping the construction landscape. Andrew Crimston, founder of Washbox Global, joins us to unveil a revolutionary closed-loop system that's transforming how the industry manages its liquid waste. What started as a simple idea to wash paintbrushes more efficiently has evolved into a game-changing technology now deployed on hundreds of projects worldwide.

From the bustling construction sites of New York to the urban renewal projects of London, Washbox is helping dense metropolitan areas reduce their environmental impact while simultaneously boosting construction productivity. Crimston shares the journey of developing a filtration system capable of handling unknown contaminants, a challenge that many experts deemed impossible. Learn how this Australian innovation is saving both water and money for some of the biggest names in building, and discover the ripple effects of improved water management on project timelines, worker efficiency, and urban sustainability.

What you'll hear in this episode:

Book recommendation by Andrew: Zero To One

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As the world grapples with an escalating water crisis, the need to rethink our approach to water management has never been more urgent. With approximately 75% of the world's wastewater going untreated, the implications for both the environment and human health are staggering. Urban areas, in particular, face unique challenges as population densities rise and climate change intensifies. In this context, the concept of urban water reuse emerges not just as a solution, but as a transformative opportunity to redefine our relationship with this vital resource.

In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kyle Pickett, co-founder of the William J. Worthen Foundation. Together, they explore the innovative strategies and technologies that are reshaping urban water reuse, turning what was once considered a niche practice into a mainstream solution for sustainable living.

Kyle's journey into the world of water reuse began with a passion for sustainability and a desire to make complex water concepts accessible to everyone. He emphasizes that the future of water management lies in demystifying reclaimed water and breaking down the barriers that prevent communities from embracing it. The “yuck factor” often associated with recycled water can deter even the most environmentally conscious individuals. However, Kyle argues that education and transparency are key to overcoming these misconceptions. By showcasing successful projects, such as the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, which saves over 7 million gallons of potable water annually, he illustrates how luxury developments can lead the way in sustainable practices.

Listeners will find themselves captivated by the discussions surrounding the integration of innovative technologies in water reuse systems. Kyle highlights the importance of advanced filtration and monitoring systems that ensure reclaimed water is safe and effective for various uses, from irrigation to toilet flushing. These technologies not only enhance the efficiency of water management but also contribute to a circular economy where water is treated as a valuable resource rather than a disposable commodity.

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The global water crisis is more pressing than ever, with 75% to 80% of the world's wastewater going untreated. This shocking statistic contributes to water scarcity and poses significant environmental and health risks. As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, finding innovative solutions to manage and recycle wastewater has become crucial.

In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani sits down with Mansi Jain, CEO of DigitalPaani, to explore groundbreaking approaches to wastewater management. Mansi shares her journey from a passion for sustainability to developing cutting-edge technology aimed at revolutionizing wastewater treatment operations. She explains how DigitalPaani is tackling the overlooked problem of defunct wastewater infrastructure, which is key to addressing water scarcity.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of decentralized versus centralized wastewater systems and how DigitalPaani is using advanced automation and real-time monitoring to transform operations, and processes that are transferable. The episode how these solutions are being scaled to impact not only small facilities but larger municipal systems as well, potentially reshaping the future of water management in rapidly urbanizing areas.

What you'll hear in this episode:

Book recommendation by Jain Mansi: https://amzn.to/4gc6PtK

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Innovative financing models are essential for the development and scaling of sustainable infrastructure, particularly in the climate tech sector. Traditional funding methods often fall short, leaving breakthrough technologies struggling to achieve large-scale deployment. To address this challenge, new approaches are emerging that enable climate tech innovators to retain more equity while accelerating their projects' growth, especially those ready for commercial deployment beyond the pilot stage.

In this episode, Liquid Assets host, Ravi Kurani speaks with Wayne Byrne, a seasoned entrepreneur with 19 years of experience in cleantech and climate tech. As the founder of Method Capital, Byrne shares his insights on bridging the gap between promising technologies and their wide-scale adoption. His company’s unique financing model emphasizes the importance of building strong teams, fulfilling investor commitments, and positioning technologies as the least risky options in conservative markets. This strategy has proven particularly effective in risk-averse sectors like water treatment.

The discussion also delves into the unique challenges faced by the water sector, where scaling innovative technologies often encounters resistance. Byrne shares the success story of a wastewater treatment solution that pivoted from a containerized approach to a drop-in application, enabling rapid capacity increases with minimal infrastructure changes.

Additionally, emerging contaminants in water treatment, such as PFAS and other hard-to-detect pollutants, are identified as critical issues. Throughout the conversation, the importance of innovative thinking and a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental problems is emphasized. By leveraging creative financing and strategic pivots, climate tech solutions can overcome barriers and achieve meaningful impact on a global scale.

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In this special crossover episode, our very own Ravi Kurani, host of The Liquid Assets Podcast and founder of water diagnostics company Sutro, shares his journey from pool boy to water tech entrepreneur on The CleanTechies Podcast. Ravi discusses the complexities of the water industry, highlighting its fragmentation, slow-moving nature, and the challenges of long sales cycles. He emphasizes the critical importance of water across various sectors, from agriculture to industrial processes, and the often-overlooked nature of water-related issues in comparison to other environmental concerns.

The conversation delves into the unique aspects of water technology, including the water-energy nexus, policy challenges, and the need for innovative solutions. Ravi points out the discrepancy between antiquated water laws and modern usage patterns, particularly in places like California. He also discusses the concept of "day zero" issues, where regions face the possibility of completely running out of water, and the urgent need for better water management and recycling systems.

Looking towards the future, the importance of distribution in water tech startups and the need for decentralized solutions is echoed by Ravi. He suggests that the industry might benefit from a hybrid VC-PE financing model to support water technologies through different stages of development. The episode also touches on the global nature of water challenges, with potential hubs for water tech innovation emerging wherever critical water issues arise. Overall, the discussion underscores the complexity of water-related problems and the vast opportunities for innovation in this space.

What you'll hear in this episode:

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