Reactor Podcast

🚀 5 Good News in Deeptech & Climate Tech – Feb 10, 2025

👀 New here? Welcome to Reactor! Every week, we break down the biggest trends in deeptech, climate tech, and startup innovation. If you’re a founder, investor, or just love cutting-edge tech, hit that subscribe button and stay ahead of the curve!

This week's Reactor Newsletter is here! Quick highlights:

1️⃣ Where VCs Are Investing in 2025 – 12 key areas attracting funding this year
2️⃣ The Capital Raising Playbook – A must-read guide for startup fundraising
3️⃣ Climate Tech Fundraising Opportunity – Connect with top VCs for impact investment
4️⃣ Understanding Post-Money SAFEs – Avoid dilution and raise smarter
5️⃣ Recycling Hotel Soap to Save Lives – Circular economy in action

📩 Read the full newsletter here: https://reactortech.substack.com

#Deeptech #ClimateTech #Startups #VentureCapital #Innovation

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🚀 5 Game-Changing Innovations in Deeptech & Climate Tech | Reactor Podcast

📩 Get More Deeptech & Climate Tech Insights

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💬 What story resonated with you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

⏳ In This Episode

1️⃣ 100+ Fundraising Agents – No Retainers 💰
Are you a startup founder raising funds? Discover an exclusive list of fundraising agents who work only on a success-fee basis—no retainers needed.
📄 Access the full list here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MjO9bBJVCl5mV8iPmKsjzBrw14ioEtn4xnEiViOnEHs/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=0

2️⃣ AI Productivity Tools by a16z 🤖
The best AI tools tested by top investors and founders in 2024—from automating workflows to boosting creativity.
Read the full breakdown:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/a16z_our-team-tested-hundreds-of-ai-apps-in-2024-activity-7280026181440028672-eIOp

3️⃣ The Future of Optical Communications 🌐
Laser-based optical communication is faster, more secure, and interference-free. This technology is set to redefine space and satellite communications.
Read more:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jfmorizur_the-past-present-and-future-of-optical-activity-7284491491064832001-VLun

4️⃣ Major Deeptech & Climate Tech Funding Rounds 🌱🚀
Over $500M raised by game-changing startups in space, robotics, logistics, and clean energy. Here’s a snapshot:

• Loft Orbital – $170M to scale space infrastructure. Read more
• Shippeo – $30M to expand real-time transportation visibility. Read more
• Capra Robotics – €11.3M for next-gen autonomous mobile robots. Read more
• Amogy – $56M for ammonia-to-power solutions. Read more
• Stoke Space – $260M to develop 100% reusable rockets. Read more

5️⃣ Paris’ Air Quality Transformation 🌍
Paris has successfully cut pollution and transformed into a greener city with simple urban planning moves. Here’s how they did it:
✅ Built 1,400 km of protected bike lanes 🚲
✅ Created low-emission zones & pedestrian-friendly areas 🚶‍♂️
✅ Banned older diesel vehicles & restricted SUVs 🚘
Read more:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stuartneilson1_circulareconomy-zerowaste-innovation-activity-7276855515039596544-YaVg

💡 Don’t miss out on the latest deeptech and climate tech insights!
🔹 Subscribe to Reactor Newsletter: https://reactortech.substack.com
🔹 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

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Welcome to this week’s Reactor Newsletter, where we bring you the most exciting developments from the worlds of deeptech and climate tech. Here’s your weekly dose of innovation and progress:

1️⃣ EIT Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Innovation
2️⃣ Y Combinator Success Tips: Boost Your Odds
3️⃣ VC Funding Surge: $3B Raised in December
4️⃣ Forbes' Top 25: Tomorrow's AI Unicorns
5️⃣ EIT Food Incubator: Equity-Free Support for Startups

If you'd like to take it further, you can:

• Sponsor this newsletter or one of my LinkedIn posts.
• Book a call or grab lunch with me in Paris and let’s unlock your sales, branding and growth.
• Listen to my podcast, watch my YouTube channel and my business Instagram here
• Join the Reactor community on WhatsApp: deep tech and climate-tech entrepreneurs, events, discussions
• Follow me on LinkedIn.

Do you prefer watching the Youtube version, click here: https://www.youtube.com/@Reactor-podcast

Or the podcast version on your favorite app: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352682/episodes

1️⃣ Funding Opportunities from EIT Urban Mobility

🚀 A wave of funding opportunities is here—don’t miss out on these deadlines:

• Catalyse NEB 2025: Apply by 3 February for €20,000 and business support.
  Details: Catalyse NEB 2025
• EIC Women Leadership Programme: Apply by 9 February for guidance on leadership and entrepreneurial skills for women-led startups.
  Details: Women Leadership Programme
• RAPTOR Open Call: Apply by 12 February for up to €40,000 and a chance to pilot your solution in city mobility challenges.
  Details: RAPTOR Open Call
• Investment Readiness Programme for Impact (IRP4IMPACT): Apply by 28 February to boost fundraising capabilities with resources, coaching, and networking.
  Details: Investment Readiness Programme
• Scaling Startups Programme Open Call: Apply by 28 February to provide VC expertise and help mobility startups scale globally.
  Details: Scaling Startups Programme

For a full overview, visit the EIT Urban Mobility LinkedIn page: EIT Urban Mobility

2️⃣ EIT Food Seedbed Incubator: Equity-Free Funding for Agrifood Innovators

Do you have a novel tech-based innovation that could transform the food system? The EIT Food Seedbed Incubator offers a 6-month program to validate and launch scalable Agrifood Tech ventures.

Why join?

• Up to €10,000 in equity-free funding.
• Access to 100+ industry leaders and agrifood specialists.
• Entrepreneurial training and 1:1 coaching.
• Lifetime membership in the EIT Food community.

Applications close on 21 February.

Details:

Support the show

Welcome to this week’s Reactor Podcast, where we bring you the most exciting developments from the worlds of deeptech and climate tech. Here’s your weekly dose of innovation and progress:

If you'd like to take it further, you can:

• Sponsor this newsletter or one of my LinkedIn posts.
• Book a call or grab lunch with me in Paris and let’s unlock your sales, branding and growth.
• Listen to my podcast, watch my YouTube channel and my business Instagram here
• Follow me on LinkedIn.

Prefer watching it on YouTube? I got you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS18mx3NvO8&t=1s

1️⃣ Fresh Capital for Innovation: This Week’s VC Announcements

It’s been a big week for venture capital. Here are the key fund announcements fueling the next wave of innovation:

• First Look Partners: $30M fund for early-stage emerging fund managers and breakout companies.
• 360 Capital: €140M fund focused on climate tech, including energy transition and urban sustainability.
• Voima Ventures: €100M Fund III to support science and deeptech startups in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
• Founders Fund: $3B for its third growth equity fund, continuing its legacy from San Francisco.

Thanks to John Gannon for sharing the details. For more VC updates, check out MovesinVC.com.

🔗 Read John’s post: VC Announcements on LinkedIn

Subscribed

2️⃣ Evolution of Belgium’s Tech Ecosystem: 2010–2024

Belgium’s tech startup scene has not only recovered since 2020—it’s thriving like never before. Here are the highlights:

• imec continues to drive innovation with its imec.xpand program, creating numerous spin-offs.
• 20% of Belgian tech companies in 2023 had female founders—a significant milestone
• .
• Belgium has seen an increasing number of unicorns, future unicorns, and IPOs.
• Key players like Odoo, Euroclear, and Movu Robotics are growing rapidly.
• The transition from SaaS dominance (2010–2021) to an AI-led focus.

Thanks to Omar Mohout for sharing this valuable analysis.

🔗 Learn more: Belgium Tech Ecosystem Analysis

Subscribed

3️⃣ Demystifying Term Sheets: A Guide for Founders

Are you raising funds? Do you have a term sheet in your inbox? Here are the key aspects to watch out for:

• Valuation: Understand what your company is truly worth.
• Control Rights and Protections: Pay attention to liquidation preferences and anti-dilution clauses.
• Preparation for Difficult Times: Plan for scenarios when things don’t go as expected.

If these terms sound overwhelming, take a look at this valuable term sheet guide by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, shared by Vasily Pieters.

🔗 Download the guide:

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Hello everybody and welcome to the Reactor newsletter!

In this episode of the Reactor Podcast, I was pleased to interview Thomas Benoit, CEO of Set In Stone.

To avoid missing the next episode, hit subscribe!



Thomas started a web3 cybersecurity company straight out of college.

He has been a deeptech entrepreneur for 5 years and last year, he pivoted!

That conversation was full of information on how build a successful entrepreneur routine and build companies that last.

If you'd like to take it further, you can:

Sponsor this newsletter or one of my LinkedIn posts.

Book a call or grab lunch with me in Paris and let’s unlock your sales, branding and growth.

Listen to my podcast, watch my YouTube channel and my business Instagram here

Follow me on LinkedIn.



We discussed his entrepreneurial journey from college to launching a successful startup in cybersecurity and blockchain.

We explore the challenges of navigating the cybersecurity landscape, the shift towards Web3 security, effective sales strategies for startups, and the importance of personal branding in tech.

The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of blockchain technology and the industry's future.





You can find Set in Stone here:

1. Company Website: Find and Fix Blockchain App Vulnerabilities In Instant:  https://www.setinstone.io/

2. Company newsletter: Get the latest insights about blockchain security every month: https://www.setinstone.io/insight

3. Book A Call with Set in Stone: https://calendly.com/set-in-stone-tho...

Or even find Thomas on X, LinkedIn, or Telegram : https://linktr.ee/thomas.benoit





Main take-aways

Focus is key for entrepreneurs with limited resources.

The shift to Web3 security is essential for modern businesses.

Sales strategies should prioritize building trust and relationships.

Personal branding is crucial in the tech industry.

Curiosity drives learning and adaptation in entrepreneurship.

Networking is vital for finding opportunities and support.

Understanding customer needs is fundamental to product development.

The Escargot method can guide business expansion effectively.

Blockchain tech

Support the show

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Reactor Newsletter, where we spotlight inspiring innovations and success stories from deeptech and climate tech. Let’s dive in!

If you'd like to take it further, you can:

• Sponsor this newsletter or one of my LinkedIn posts.
• Book a call or grab lunch with me in Paris and let’s unlock your sales, branding and growth.
• Listen to my podcast, watch my youtube channel and my business Instagram here
• Follow me on LinkedIn.

1️⃣ Up and Charge Unveils France’s First Induction Charging for EVs

After three years of R&D, Up and Charge has successfully installed France’s first induction charging station for electric vehicles in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

This cutting-edge technology allows EVs to charge wirelessly, promising a seamless charging experience and a glimpse of a more connected future.

With this milestone achieved, the company is setting its sights on global expansion.

🔗 Learn more from their LinkedIn post: Up and Charge announcement

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

Subscribed

2️⃣ Pulse Audition’s Successful Exit to EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica has acquired Pulse Audition, a French startup founded in 2022 that uses AI to improve hearing. Their innovative algorithms enhance noise reduction and speech comprehension for individuals with hearing impairments.

This acquisition marks a significant step in integrating cutting-edge AI into hearing solutions, paving the way for improved accessibility and quality of life.

🔗 Read more: EssilorLuxottica press release

3️⃣ Xona Named One of TechCrunch’s Most Disruptive Startups of 2024

Xona Space Systems is making waves as one of TechCrunch’s most disruptive startups of the year. The company is developing a satellite navigation system with far greater accuracy than traditional GPS.

With next-gen tech relying on precise navigation, Xona’s innovation is set to revolutionize commercial, civil, and defense applications. They raised a $19M Series A this year and plan to launch their first production satellite next summer.

🔗 Discover why they’re disruptive: TechCrunch article

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

Subscribed

4️⃣ European Small Launcher Industry Gears Up for a Busy 2025

2025 will be a critical year for European small launchers, with companies like Avio, RFA, and Latitude planning full launches or engine tests.

As the demand for satellite deployment continues to grow, these launchers are

Support the show

Welcome to Reactor, where we explore growth stories from climate tech and mission-driven companies. In this episode, we’re kicking off 2025 with five pieces of good news from the deeptech and climate tech world. These stories highlight innovative solutions, resourceful strategies, and inspiring founders making a difference.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

1️⃣ La Tête dans les Nuages
French company crafting eco-friendly bean bag chairs from recycled materials. To keep operations running, they need to sell 90 chairs in 45 days. Let’s support their mission!

• Website: https://ltdln.com
• Founder: Louis Lefevre on LinkedIn

2️⃣ Loom
A fashion brand proving that you don’t need ads to succeed. Loom focuses on sustainable products, community, and authenticity.

• Website: https://loom.fr
• CEO: Julia Faure on LinkedIn
• Shared by: Hugo Pichon on LinkedIn

3️⃣ Capex Investor Table
A powerful Airtable resource for startups seeking capital expenditure-heavy investments. Easily filter by sector and geography to find the right investors.

• Capex Investor Table: Access here
• Shared by: Jessica Burley on LinkedIn

4️⃣ Immoblade
This French startup is revolutionizing the construction industry with solar-protective glazing. Immoblade is inviting investors to join their journey, starting at just €1,000.

• Website: https://en.immoblade.com
• Founder: Xavier Sembely on LinkedIn

5️⃣ Econautik
Making marine transportation greener with hydrogen retrofit kits, Econautik is tackling emissions and fuel costs in the maritime industry.

• Website: https://econautik.eu
• CTO: Alexandre Marc on LinkedIn

Connect with Reactor:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to Reactor for more growth stories.
• Share your feedback or good news stories with us for future episodes.
• Sponsor Reactor or discover our LinkedIn Ghostwriting Services: Connect with Jérôme on LinkedIn.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, impact, and innovation!

keywords

climate tech, sustainable innovation, eco-friendly products, venture capital, green fashion, construction technology, maritime transport

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Climate Tech Good News

01:05
Innovative Sustainable Furniture: La Tête Dans Les Nuit

02:31
Community-Driven Fashion: Loom's Unique Approach

03:53
Navigating Venture Capital: The CapEx Investor Table

04:52
Revolutionizing Construction: EmoBlade's Solar Glazing

05:49
Green Maritime Transport: Econotic's Innovations

Support the show

Mastering the Art of Selling Without a Product & Navigating Tech and Market Risks in Startups

Enjoy the episode!

keywords

deep tech, climate tech, startup, selling ideas, market risk, tech risk, customer engagement, validation, entrepreneurship, funding

summary

In this episode of Reactor, Jerome discusses the challenges of selling deep tech and climate tech ideas when there is no product to showcase. He emphasizes the importance of addressing both tech and market risks, leveraging expertise, understanding customer pain points, and maintaining engagement with potential customers. The episode provides actionable insights on how to validate ideas, secure funding, and effectively communicate a vision to investors and customers alike.

takeaways

• Selling without a product requires a strong vision.
• Address tech risk by showcasing expertise and proof of concept.
• Understanding market risk is crucial for startup success.
• Customer pain points must be clearly defined.
• Letters of intent can validate market demand.
• Engaging early adopters is key to product development.
• Public grants can help reduce tech risk.
• Maintaining communication with customers builds trust.
• Focus on storytelling to convey your vision.
• Validation checkpoints are essential for progress.

Sound Bites

• "How do you sell when you have no product?"
• "Know your customer pain point."
• "Letters of intent are gold."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Selling Without a Product

02:15
Understanding Tech and Market Risks

05:06
Strategies to Mitigate Tech Risk

09:28
Building Relationships with Customers

11:23
Selling the Vision

13:23
Conclusion and Key Takeaways

What are your experiences working with corporates as startup? Tell us in the comments!

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on LinkedIn, Youtube and Instagram! Thanks for watching!

That’s all folks!
Follow me on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromegil...

Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352682/share

Youtube    / @reactor-podcast 

Or Instagram   / reactortechmedia 

Take care and go make some good sales out there!

Cheers

Jerome

Support the show

Hello everybody!

How do you create a deeptech or climate tech startup? You ask.

I have got the question SO MANY TIMES
and since we can't all get into deeptech accelerators,
I thought that..

Well, I'll give it a shot in a series of videos.
Deeptech & Climate Tech startup 101.

To watch the previous editions, click here

Want to go further with Reactor? You can:

1. Become a sponsor of Reactor: send an email to [email protected]
2. Work with me on scaling your tech company - only 2 customers simultaneously: send an email to [email protected]. One spot is left in September 2024. 
3. Become one of my podcast guests: send an email to [email protected]
4. Follow me on Linkedin

Summary
In this episode, we discuss the dynamics between startups and large corporations, particularly in the context of Deep Tech and Climate Tech. 

We emphasize the importance of understanding the startup landscape, leveraging corporate partnerships for growth, and strategies for effectively engaging with corporates. The conversation highlights the unique value that startups bring to the table and how they can position themselves as essential partners in innovation.

Keywords
Deep Tech, Climate Tech, Startups, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Partnerships, Innovation, Business Strategy, Funding, Market Access, Collaboration

Takeaways

• Startups should not view corporates as competitors but as potential partners.
• Corporates are often looking for fresh ideas and innovation from startups.
• Partnerships can provide startups with market access and funding opportunities.
• Creating a unique value proposition is crucial for attracting corporate interest.
• Startups must demonstrate traction and proof of concept to engage corporates effectively.
• Understanding the specific pain points of corporates can help tailor solutions.
• Building long-term relationships with corporates is essential for sustained success.
• Data-driven pitches are more likely to resonate with corporate decision-makers.
• Startups should continuously nurture relationships with corporates, even if immediate engagement isn't possible.
• Positioning as a critical part of a corporate's innovation strategy can lead to fruitful collaborations.

Titles

• Strategies for Startup Success
• Navigating the Startup Landscape

Sound Bites

• "Your startup is not competing against those corporates."
• "Corporates need startups, they need innovation."
• "You can access their market because they already made their moves."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech and Climate Tech Startups

01:55 Startups vs Corporates: A Misunderstood Competition

04:22 The Value of Corporate Partnerships

09:14 Positioning Your Startup for Corporate Engagement

12:36 Building Long-Term Relationships with Corporates

What are your experiences working with corporates as startup? Tell us in the comments!

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on LinkedIn, Youtube and Instagram! Thanks for watching!

Follow me on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromegilleron/?locale=en_US

Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352682/share

Yout

Support the show

Hello everybody!

How do you create a deeptech or climate tech startup? You ask.

I have got the question SO MANY TIMES
and since we can't all get into deeptech accelerators,
I thought that..

Well, I'll give it a shot in a series of videos.
Deeptech & Climate Tech startup 101.

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

This is the third one. The delicious art of pitching your startup.

To your grandma, investors and customers. The last two are more important. Even if you love grandma.

Deeptech & Climate Tech Startup 101 - Episode 3: Perfecting Your Pitch

Welcome back to Reactor! I’m Jerome, and in today’s episode, we’re going to tackle one of the most crucial skills every entrepreneur must master: pitching.

Whether you are CTO, CEO, or CRO, it does not matter.

Whether you’re talking to investors, potential customers, or even strangers on the street, you need to be ready to pitch your idea effectively and with confidence.

Here are the things we are going to cover today:

2. Understanding the Importance of a Pitch

• Why a Pitch Matters
• Key Elements of an Effective Pitch

3. The Elevator Pitch

• Crafting Your 1-Line Pitch
• Expanding to a 3-Line Pitch

4. The 5-Minute Pitch

• Structuring Your Narrative:
  • Introduction to the Problem
  • Presenting Your Solution
  • Highlighting Unique Value
  • Showing Traction
  • Introducing Your Team
  • Strong Call to Action

5. The 10-Minute Pitch

• Detailed Pitch Components:
  • Problem and Solution Expansion
  • Market Opportunity
  • Business Model
  • Go-to-Market Strategy
  • Financial Projections
  • Risks and Mitigation
  • Long-Term Vision
  • Clear Ask

6. Practice and Feedback

• Importance of Practice
• Techniques for Practicing
• Implementing Feedback

7. Recap and Final Thoughts

• Summary of Key Points
• Encouragement for Improvement

[Scene 2: Understanding the Importance of a Pitch]

****Your pitch is your first impression, and in many cases, it might be your only chance to grab someone's attention.

A great pitch isn't just about selling your product; it's about conveying your vision, your passion, and why your idea matters.

Remember, attention spans are short.

You need to make an impact in the first few seconds.

Let’s break down how to do this.

The Elevator Pitch - 1 Line, 3 Lines

****First, let’s start with the elevator pitch.

Imagine you’re in an elevator with someone who could change your startup’s future.

You only have a few seconds—

what do you say?

1. The 1-Line Pitch: This is your most concise pitch.

It should capture the essence of your idea in a single sentence.

For example: "We help companies reduce their carbon footprint by 50% in one year through our AI-powered platform."

1. The 3-Line Pitch: If you have a little more time, expand your pitch to three lines.

This version provides a bit more context.

For example: "We’re a deeptech startup that uses AI to help companies reduce their carbon footprint by 50% in one year.

Our platform analyzes energy usage and suggests actionable improvements.

We’re currently working with three major corporations and looking to expand."

Practice these pitches until they feel natural.

The goal is to be able to deliver the

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