The S2G Podcast

Many cities, such as San Francisco and New York, are passing policies to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. However, one of the biggest challenges to the adoption of EVs is the lack of fast charging stations. Revel, a company formally known for its fleet of rentable electric mopeds, is currently focused on transforming the EV charging landscape in urban areas. In this episode, Chuck Templeton sits down with Revel’s co-founder and CEO, Frank Reig, to explore the company's evolution from electric mopeds to a pioneering urban EV rideshare and fast-charging network, and Revel’s strategy to tackle the chicken-and-egg conundrum of EV adoption by simultaneously expanding its electric rideshare fleet and charging infrastructure. Frank speaks to the complexities of scaling energy infrastructure in cities, the importance of strategic alliances, especially with utilities and policymakers, the need to have a thorough understanding of the market opportunity, and what the future holds for the company. 

Key Topics: 

1. Adapting to Industry Trends: Frank speaks to how Revel’s pivot from electric mopeds to a comprehensive EV rideshare and charging network has enabled them to align with the growing demand for clean energy technologies.
2. Seeding a Two-Sided Marketplace: To address the chicken-and-egg problem of electric vehicle adoption, Revel implemented a dual strategy of simultaneously expanding its vehicle fleet and charging infrastructure. Frank shares how this approach can help accelerate adoption rates for EV charging. 
3. Scaling Energy Infrastructure in Urban Areas: The conversation highlights Revel’s approach to scaling infrastructure despite the inherent challenges to expanding the energy grid. Frank discusses these obstacles and Revel’s approach to tackling them.  
4. Strategic Partnerships as Growth Catalysts: One key method Revel has used to navigate the complexities of urban energy infrastructure development is forging strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders such as policymakers and utilities. These alliances have been instrumental in expanding their fast-charging network and growing their market presence.
5. Strategic Market Positioning: Revel has taken a very targeted approach to market expansion, focusing on high-density regions with greater demand for clean transportation options. By having a nuanced understanding of the market opportunity in different geographies, Frank and the Revel team have been able to focus resources in high-potential locations.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

This week we launched a report called The Climate Finance Relay Race. It explores how asset owners are navigating climate investment and their rationale for their approach. We believe the most impactful and perhaps swiftest approach to designing a fit-for-purpose capital market system is partnership with asset owners. The idea of the “climate finance relay race,” is that the handoff of risk and reward across parties can better enable asset owners to underwrite more productive and less volatile economies.

To complement the report, we are excited to share this conversation between S2G managing partner Sanjeev Krishnan, Regine Clement, CEO of the CREO Syndicate, and Tom Rotherham-Winqvist, Co-founder of Featherlight Capital. They dissect the intricacies of this “relay race," emphasizing the pivotal role of asset owners such as family offices, pensions, and sovereign wealth funds in driving the climate transition. Tom and Regine discuss the challenges facing the asset owners they work with and underscore the urgent need for a robust and adaptive capital market system capable of scaling climate investments from billions to trillions. If you are looking for insight into the asset owner landscape and how it can evolve to better support climate solutions, this episode is for you. 

Key Topics: 

1. Strategic Role of Asset Owners: Tom and Regine discuss the role of different asset owner groups in financing the climate transition and what family offices and institutional investors bring to this effort. 
2. The intersection of Climate Megatrends and Finance: Asset owners can have an enormous impact on global economic systems, and understanding what they care about is critical to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Tom and Regine discuss the role climate plays in asset owners' investment approaches and what drives those investment decisions. 
3. Scaling Challenges: The transition from billions to trillions in climate investments presents formidable challenges, requiring innovative financial instruments and collaborative frameworks. Sanjeev, Tom, and Regine explore opportunities to activate that growth in investments. 
4. Capital Market Adaptation: A robust, fit-for-purpose capital market system is crucial for the effective scaling of climate finance. Tom and Regine share why they believe our capital markets can become fit-for-purpose, the question is, on what time scale and how can we accelerate it?

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

What if we can have it all? According to Katlin Smith, Founder and CEO of Simple Mills, eating in a way that’s healthy for our bodies and the planet shouldn’t be about compromise. In this episode, Katlin takes us through her journey of building a good-for-you food brand that would not only compete in flavor with other health companies but with the status quo. Katlin was pretty green when she started Simple Mills, and, through savvy, sheer determination, and a bit of luck, she figured out how to bootstrap a food business, navigate product development, marketing, and fundraising, hire the right people, and scale the company to what it is today: The number one baking mix, natural cracker, and natural cookie brand. A few years ago, the company also tacked on a bold environmental mission, and they are currently working to support not only their agricultural supply chain in adopting more sustainable practices but the broader ecosystem. If you’re looking to learn the ins and outs of building a food brand, or just hear from a founder who has navigated it all and come out swinging, this episode is for you. 

Key Topics: 

1. Casting a Wide Investor Net: The sheer volume of people Katlin spoke with ended up securing the company their first angel investor. But Katlin also speaks to the importance of being selective about who you take money from and the terms of the investment. 
2. Prioritizing Product Taste: A key takeaway is the necessity of prioritizing taste in product development. Katlin emphasizes that regardless of health benefits, a product must taste exceptional to succeed. 
3. The Importance of Hiring Wisely: Establishing a team with diverse and complementary skills is crucial. Katlin's approach to hiring illustrates the benefit of surrounding yourself with individuals with the skills you are looking for and whose strengths balance your own, creating a robust foundation for sustained business growth.
4. A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: The company's dedication to regenerative agriculture showcases a forward-thinking strategy that not only supports environmental health but also enhances long-term supply chain resilience. This commitment illustrates the potential for businesses to drive significant ecological impact and serve as an example to help shift the agricultural sector towards greater sustainability.
5. Maintaining a Long-Term Vision: Katlin's commitment throughout her journey to making healthful food mainstream without compromising taste or quality reflects the importance of a long-term vision. 

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

If you’re looking for insights into developing a go-to-market strategy, this episode is for you. Chuck Templeton sits down with the team at Sentera, a company that uses remote data collection to empower growers and agribusinesses to make real-time decisions to help improve farm profitability. Sentera's CEO Brian Wenngatz and CTO Eric Taipale take us through their journey to launching Aerial WeedScout, which enables the rapid detection of weeds so farmers can reduce herbicide use and maximize equipment efficiency. To launch this product, the team had to understand how they could best use their expertise in aerial imagery and computer vision to improve farm outcomes. Chuck also talked with S2G’s Cristina Rohr about her perspective on the market opportunity for Sentera’s technology. From offering a clear and differentiated value proposition to designing an innovative business model to get the product to farmers at the right price point, there are so many aspects of this conversation that are relevant to entrepreneurs in the world of agtech and beyond.

Key Topics: 

1. Understanding Core Differentiators: Brian and Eric highlight the importance of understanding the company’s “unfair advantages” to ensure they continue to stand out from the competition and provide the best possible product to farmers.  
2. Offering a Clear Value Proposition: The team shares what they’ve learned about not only developing a product that addresses both economic and environmental challenges in modern farming but also about how to message those benefits to customers. 
3. Finding the Right Sales Channel: Sentera determined that working with ag retailers and trusted advisors would generate more traction than going directly to farmers. Strategic partnerships with leading seed, chemical, and equipment companies have been pivotal for Sentera's market penetration and scalability. 
4. Business Model Innovation: Sentera’s technology offers the opportunity for a no-upfront-cost approach, which addresses financial constraints and risk aversion among farmers, enabling easier adoption of advanced technologies.
5. Taking a Systems-Based Approach: Understanding the role their technology can play not only on farms but in the broader stakeholder ecosystem has helped Sentera build partnerships and bring together stakeholders to improve opportunities for scale.  

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

The rapid growth of reshored manufacturing, AI data centers, industrial decarbonization technologies, and electric vehicles are driving unprecedented demand for electricity. Many of the companies with the greatest energy demands have also committed to net zero emissions targets which will require them to use renewable power sources. While the renewable energy sector has grown tremendously, developing the capacity to meet the energy demand increase will face numerous challenges. In this episode, we’re featuring a panel our S2G Summit in which Frank O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Energy at S2G spoke with Ernie Moniz, Former US Secretary of Energy and current CEO and President of the EFI Foundation, Grant van Rooyen, CEO of Tract, and Ben Pratt, President at Nova Clean Energy. They discuss the broader system needs to fully “close the loop” on clean energy spanning from generation, transmission, and interconnection, to PPA structuring, asset positioning, and beyond. 

Key Topics: 

1. Private Capital Dynamics and Clean Energy Transition: A significant gap exists between available capital and investable opportunities in the clean energy sector. Financing the "missing middle" remains a crucial challenge for translating new technologies into scaled clean energy solutions.
2. Overcoming Grid Interconnection Hurdles: The process of grid interconnection for new energy projects poses challenges, with prolonged approval wait times hindering progress. Panelists discuss the need for robust expansion and optimization of physical grid infrastructure to efficiently meet the escalating demand for renewable energy sources.
3. Strategic Data Center Development: Panelists make the case that we can’t just put data centers anywhere. Strategic location choices near skilled labor pools and existing infrastructure are essential for successful data center establishment due to their scale and complex demands. 
4. Navigating the Regulatory Landscape in Energy Markets: Ongoing discourse revolves around the efficacy of regulated versus competitive energy markets in supporting the energy transition journey. Panelists discuss the merits of each system.
5. Fostering Long-Term Collaboration for Clean Energy: The panelists discuss that long-term planning spanning a decade or more is essential for utilities and developers to effectively manage the surging demand for clean energy sources. Collaborative efforts involving project stakeholders and utilities are key to building trust and aligning proposals with regulatory frameworks for sustainable energy advancements.

Resources:
Video: Frank O'Sullivan and Bala Nagarajan on the Missing Middle
Missing middle paper
Tract
Nova Clean Energy
EFI Foundation

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

In this episode, S2G’s Managing Partner Sanjeev Krishnan and Jessica Murphy, VP of Community, delve into the key drivers of change within complex sectors like food, agriculture, oceans, and energy. They dissect the critical elements - innovation and business model innovation, community and storytelling, engaging with industry incumbents, and changing capital markets - essential for fostering sustainability and resilience in the global economy. Using conversations from this year’s S2G summit as a jumping-off point, Sanjeev and Jessica discuss the four-ingredient framework, the role each component plays, and the opportunities to bring them together to realize profound systems change. 

Key Topics:

1. Innovation and Business Model Innovation: Sanjeev stresses the need for innovation and business model innovation to combat volatility and derisk systems while challenging the assumption that these innovations can’t be deflationary. 
2. Engaging with Industry Incumbents: Collaboration with incumbents will be key to propelling innovations from emerging startups to widespread adoption of new technologies. Leveraging the resources, expertise, and credibility of industry giants can accelerate the pace of transformation and foster industry-wide change.
3. Community and Storytelling: The power of storytelling in shaping consumer behaviors and policy landscapes cannot be underestimated. Sanjeev and Jessica share insights from the S2G Summit that underscore the impact of compelling storytelling on both economic values and cultural norms, offering a pathway to drive change through impactful narratives.
4. Changing Capital Markets: Sanjeev and Jessica discuss the need to align capital markets with long-term sustainability objectives. By balancing shareholder value with stakeholder resilience, the focus shifts towards creating systems that promote stability, reduce volatility, and amplify positive environmental and social impacts, ensuring a viable future for all stakeholders involved.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

In this episode, we are sharing a panel on “Nutrition at the Forefront of Health” from the S2G summit. Matt Walker, Managing Director on S2G’s Food & Agriculture team,  interviewed Susan Bukata, Professor and Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California San Diego, Bill Dietz, Director of Research and Policy at the Global Food Institute at George Washington University,  and Howard Lossing, former CEO of Cambrooke Therapeutics, about the growing influence and importance of nutrition in the healthcare sector. The panelists discussed the need for more science and data-backed nutrition interventions while also emphasizing the key role that education across stakeholder groups will play in realizing widespread adoption. They draw from their remarkable and lengthy careers in the healthcare sector to provide both optimism and realism to the increasingly popular field of food and nutrition-based health solutions. 

Key Topics:

1. Integrating Nutrition and Healthcare Strategies: Aligning food and healthcare systems offers economic prospects and improved health outcomes. 
2. Taking a Data-Driven Approach to Nutrition Interventions: Robust data validation is critical for the successful adoption of nutrition-focused health solutions. However, panelists discuss how not all nutrition-based interventions may require pharma-level studies.
3. Balancing Personalized Nutrition and Population Health: Patients tend to see themselves as the medical anomoly but most people are “part of the herd” as Susan Bukata puts it, when it comes to medical issues. Our panelists discuss that while there is potential for personalized medicine to treat people as individuals, many of our greatest healthcare advancements have been in the realm of population health. 
4. Addressing Nutritional Education Gaps in Medical Training: Limited nutrition education in medical training hampers effective dietary recommendations by healthcare professionals. Overcoming this educational gap is crucial for integrating nutrition seamlessly into standard healthcare practices.
5. Collaboration for More Effective Outcomes: Government bodies, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders must collaborate to enhance compliance and amplify the impact of nutrition interventions. 

Resources:

Global Food Institute

Cambrooke Therapeutics

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

In this episode, we’re exploring the pivotal role of data to not only protect our ocean but to better leverage its immense potential to foster climate resilience and drive a sustainable marine economy. At the S2G Summit, Larsen Mettler, Oceans Managing Director at S2G, led a panel with Kimberly Mathisen, CEO at Hub Ocean, Justin Manley, Senior Advisor at OceanKind, and Zack Baize, Program Manager at NOAA’s Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerator. The panelists discuss the opportunity to scale data collection technologies, develop new ownership frameworks, and integrate diverse data streams. As we continue to gather more ocean data than ever before, it will take great creativity and collaboration to figure out how to harness it effectively. This conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating the ocean intelligence and investment landscape. 

Key Topics:

1. Unlocking Ocean Data's Potential: With a vast portion of the ocean still unexplored, leveraging comprehensive ocean data is key to advancing climate predictions, optimizing marine resource management, and enhancing global trade efficiencies. 
2. Technological Innovations Reshaping Data Collection: Technological advancements like low-cost sensors, autonomous vehicles, and satellite imaging are revolutionizing ocean data collection. These innovations are not only reducing costs but also increasing the accessibility of real-time data crucial for informed decision-making in marine environments. 
3. Growing Demand for Different Types of Data: Increasing interest in technologies such as marine carbon dioxide removal, biodiversity monitoring, and blue biotechnology is driving the demand for different kinds of ocean data. 
4. Breaking Down Data Silos: From tax credits to data buys and awarding bids to projects that incorporate data sharing, the discussion explores the opportunities to incentivize and foster data sharing among private entities
5. Data Integration Challenges and Solutions: The conversation covers the complexities surrounding the integration of diverse data types, from physical samples to electronic measurements. Initiatives like Hub Ocean aim to standardize and aggregate varied data sources, enabling easier access and utilization for scientific and commercial applications. 

Resources:

Hub Ocean
Ocean Kind
NOAA Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerator

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

In this episode we are sharing a panel from the S2G summit moderated by Kate Danaher, Oceans Managing Director at S2G. Jason Giffen from the Port of San Diego, Ingrid Irigoyen from the Aspen Institute, and David Millar of Fugro discuss the current efforts underway to decarbonize the industry and what it will ultimately take to get us there. Solutions discussed range from green methanol to electrification and innovative business models. The panelists also share their perspectives on current and future decarbonization drivers, from regulations to corporate responsibility, market demand, and first-mover action. It’s a fascinating conversation about how collaborative endeavors and visionary solutions are working to decarbonize an extremely complex and behind-the-scenes industry. 

Key Topics:

1. The Importance of Maritime Decarbonization: Responsible for three percent of greenhouse gas emissions, the maritime industry has a major role to play in the global decarbonization effort. 
2. Regulatory Evolution and Market Response: The maritime industry faces dual pressures from evolving regulatory standards and market dynamics, propelling a shift towards decarbonization.
3. Innovative Business Models Driving Transformation: Innovative business models like the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance are fostering market demand for zero-emission shipping which will enable the rest of the supply chain to transition confidently.
4. Near and Longer-Term Innovation: While e-fuels are highly anticipated, they will take time to scale. Other green fuel choices, such as methanol, and other types of technologies, such as port electrification, can provide more immediate decarbonization solutions. 
5. Collaboration for Collective Impact: The intricate nature of maritime decarbonization necessitates a collaborative ecosystem involving diverse stakeholders—from ship owners to regulators and local communities. Effective community engagement is necessary to propel the adoption of technologies and encourage infrastructural shifts.
   
   Resources:

Port of San Diego

Fugro

Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

In this episode, Chuck Templeton sits down with Jason Wellcome and Mike Bruno, advisors at Play Bigger, to discuss the methodology behind category design. The discussion unpacks how companies can shift their thinking from making better products to forging entirely new market categories, drawing on illustrative examples like Qualtrics' evolution from survey tools to an experience management platform. Jason and Mike delve into the strategies that enable businesses to identify unique problems, achieve "Category King" status, and ultimately drive unprecedented growth and market leadership. This episode offers valuable perspectives for investors and entrepreneurs keen on leveraging category design to secure a competitive edge.

Key Topics:

1. Problem Identification: The Play Bigger team emphasizes the importance of pinpointing unique, high-impact problems that consumers often overlook. This critical step lays the foundation for creating a new market category, setting leaders apart from competitors focused merely on iterative improvements.
2. Creating a Category Blueprint: Establishing a new category necessitates a detailed blueprint that ensures both customers and competitors grasp the full scope and transformative potential of the new category, fostering wider market adoption.
3. The Advantages  of Category Leadership: Leading a new market category offers substantial economic benefits, with "Category Kings" capturing up to 76% of the category's total value. 
4. Inventing a Taxonomy: Effective category design involves crafting a distinct language and taxonomy. This effort not only differentiates the new category but also educates the market. 
5. Iterative Validation and Organizational Alignment: The journey of category design is iterative, requiring ongoing validation and alignment within the organization. By engaging leadership and synchronizing efforts across all departments, companies can ensure cohesive execution and maximize their chances of achieving market success.

Resources:

Play Bigger 

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures