Electric motors without rare earths, a hardware-first climate tech startup, and a mission to replace 1 billion gas engines in a decade. In this SPOTLIGHT episode, Abhay speaks with Ankit Somani, CEO and cofounder of Conifer, about redesigning electric motors and powertrains with simple, widely available materials so electrification can actually scale. They break down what rare earth materials really are, why they’re so toxic and geopolitically fragile, and how that impacts everything from EVs and data centers to humanoid robots and everyday devices. Ankit explains why Conifer is betting on hardware in a software-obsessed world, what it takes to raise capital for hard tech, and how to tell a big, unconventional story that still feels real to customers and investors. The conversation also dives into affordability, why consumers choose “cool and fun” products long before they care about emissions, and how things like e‑bikes and cleaner small machines (like leaf blowers) can change daily life and local air quality. Ankit reflects on what he had to unlearn from big companies like Google, why patience and brutal feedback define startup culture, and how his Indian American journey, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita shape his views on action, success, and legacy. 00:00 – Introduction and why reimagining how we do things matters01:47 – Conifer’s mission to replace 1 billion gas engines03:39 – Engines, electric motors, and rare earth materials 101 (toxicity, supply chains, and climate)12:32 – Building a hardware-first climate tech startup in a software-obsessed world15:36 – Raising capital for hard tech and telling an unconventional, big vision story18:13 – Sposor Break: Travelopod18:48 – Selling electrification: cool, fun, and affordable vs. abstract climate consciousness25:08 – From big tech to startups: patience, humility, and real-world feedback loops33:08 – Indian American founder, education, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita on action and legacy39:09 – What Ankit wants Conifer to stand for: trust, honesty, and long-term impact Shout out to ASAN (American South Asian Network) for everything they are doing, to Neesha for turning 30, to Farhan Akhtar for the upcoming sitar lessons, and to Akshay Bhatia for the effort and almost bringing it home at Pebble Beach! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world. Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com
