CC Pod

Climate Capital
  • 4.7 (14)
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CC Pod

Our weekly podcast where we interview founders who are solving the most difficult and important decarbonization problems in the world. Climate Capital, across our funds and our syndicate, is one of the most active funders of early stage climate tech in the world.  climatecap.substack.com

  1. FEB 25

    Special Episode: Climate Angels (with Nishant Mani and Vijay Rajendran)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! In this special episode of the CC Pod, we're diving into the why and how of climate angel investing—and why NOW is the time to get involved. Sherrie Totoki is joined by Nishant Mani and Vijay Rajendran, two seasoned investors and instructors for Climate Angels, our six-week program designed to equip the next wave of climate tech investors. For more information on Climate Angels, read our latest CC Insights! Show Notes: Nishant, a partner at Climate Capital, shared insights into the program's mission to engage more angel investors who are passionate about addressing climate challenges. He highlighted that while the climate crisis continues to escalate, the number of entrepreneurs developing solutions is also increasing. However, access to capital remains a significant hurdle for many founders. The Climate Angels program aims to bridge this gap by fostering a community of informed investors who can provide the necessary support. Vijay emphasized the importance of demystifying angel investing, noting that many potential investors feel intimidated by the complexities of the field. He pointed out that one doesn't need to be an expert in every aspect of investing; rather, building a supportive network is crucial. This community allows investors to share knowledge and collaborate in supporting founders dedicated to creating sustainable solutions. The episode also touched on the evolving landscape of climate investing, with both guests predicting a shift toward sectors focused on adaptation and resilience. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, there will be an increasing demand for businesses that enhance supply chain robustness and address climate-related challenges. The Climate Angels program stands out as a unique initiative that combines practical experience with expert insights. Over six weeks, participants learn about the fundamentals of angel investing while gaining knowledge about specific climate topics. The program features guest speakers from the industry, providing valuable networking opportunities and equipping participants to make informed investments in the climate tech space. Listeners interested in making a meaningful impact through their investments are encouraged to join the Climate Angels program. With a special discount available for podcast listeners, this initiative offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future. To learn more about Climate Angels, visit https://www.climateangels.vc/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    21 min

  2. FEB 12

    More Efficient EVs, From The Powertrain Up (with Mohamed Badawy @ Scalvy)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Scalvy is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Nick van Osdol works as a Venture Partner. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! In this episode, Nick van Osdol sits down with Mohamed Badawy, CEO of Scalvy. Scalvy is redefining how electrical energy moves. Initially focused on electric mobility powertrains, surging demand for Scalvy’s modular integrated technology has driven expansion into stationary energy storage and data centers. With 6+ patents and Fortune 500 partnerships, Scalvy is driving electrification at scale. Mohamed’s journey from a tenured professor at San Jose State University to the CEO of a venture-backed startup is both inspiring and insightful. He founded Scalvy with a clear vision: to commercialize innovative technology that addresses real-world problems. At the heart of Scalvy's innovation is its software-defined energy management module, which integrates seamlessly with energy storage systems. Unlike traditional battery management systems, Scalvy’s modules offer a range of functionalities, including the ability to invert DC power to AC, regulate DC output, and charge batteries—all without the need for additional electronic systems in vehicles. This modular approach not only simplifies design but also significantly reduces costs and enhances performance. The technology is particularly relevant for electric vehicles (EVs), but its applications extend beyond that realm. Scalvy is also focusing on stationary energy storage solutions that provide grid services and data center applications. As Mohamed noted, the initial skepticism about the applicability of their technology in sectors beyond EVs has transformed into a strong market pull, validating Scalvy's versatile approach. One of the standout features of Scalvy's technology is its modularity. Traditional powertrains are often bulky and require customization for different vehicle models, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. In contrast, Scalvy’s system allows manufacturers to use the same hardware across various applications while configuring it to meet specific needs. This flexibility not only streamlines production but also accelerates the electrification process for diverse vehicle types, including off-road machinery and material handling equipment. Since launching commercial engagements just a few months ago, Scalvy has already secured multiple agreements with OEMs in the electric truck and off-road vehicle sectors. The company is witnessing a growing interest in its technology, particularly in industries that require efficient electrification solutions. As Scalvy continues to build its customer base, the focus will shift towards scaling production and obtaining necessary certifications. Stay tuned for more insights from the Climate Capital Podcast as we continue to explore the innovators tackling the most pressing decarbonization challenges of our time. To learn more about Scalvy, visit http://www.scalvy.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  3. JAN 30

    Scaling the Reclaimed Wood Supply Chain (with Ben Christensen @ Cambium)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Cambium is a portfolio company at Climate Capital Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! On today’s episode, Ben Christensen, founder of Cambium, joins CC Pod with host Kirthika to discuss Carbon Smart™ wood—transforming waste into sustainable materials at scale. Wood is ubiquitous in our lives, from the floors we walk on to the furniture we use. However, the traditional wood supply chain is fraught with inefficiencies and environmental concerns. Currently, the U.S. consumes about 60 billion board feet of lumber annually, and a staggering 58% of this could potentially be replaced with reclaimed wood. Yet, less than 1% of wood used today is recycled. This presents a massive opportunity for Cambium to step in and make a significant impact. Ben explains that the wood industry often relies on virgin timber, which can lead to deforestation and other unsustainable practices. Cambium aims to substitute this with salvaged wood—material that is currently wasted but can be repurposed. The company focuses on three main sources of reclaimed wood: unmanaged urban forests, deconstructed buildings, and biomass from forest management practices aimed at reducing fire hazards. Cambium's mission is to simplify the use of waste materials at scale. To achieve this, the company is building a robust supply chain platform that connects large buyers—such as architects, builders, and furniture manufacturers—with reclaimed wood sources. Some key technological components of Cambium's approach: * Supply Chain Management: Cambium is developing technology to streamline the logistics of sourcing, moving, and processing reclaimed wood. This includes tools for lumber and sawmill industries to manage their inventory and capture waste wood effectively. * Data Analytics: By creating a data layer that tracks material movement through the supply chain, Cambium can provide live carbon reporting. This transparency allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about sourcing and sustainability. * Local Processing: One of the critical innovations is the focus on local processing of reclaimed wood. By reducing the distance wood travels—often from thousands of miles to just 20 miles—Cambium minimizes carbon emissions associated with transportation. * Circular Economy: Cambium emphasizes full circularity in its operations. The company not only aims to reuse wood but also reinvests in new tree planting initiatives, ensuring that the cycle of sustainability continues. Cambium has achieved several significant milestones since its inception, including a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $18,000 by selling cutting boards made from reclaimed wood. The company has also received grants to explore the potential of urban wood waste and has begun processing millions of board feet of material from waste streams. Looking ahead, Cambium plans to scale its operations nationally, focusing on expanding its supply chains and enhancing its technology platform. Ben emphasizes the importance of internal processes and effective communication as the company grows, ensuring that they can maintain high standards of sustainability and efficiency. To learn more about Cambium, visit https://cambiumcarbon.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min

  4. JAN 15

    Next-Generation Geothermal (with Joselyn Lai @ Bedrock Energy)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Bedrock Energy is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! On this week’s CC Pod, host Dimitry Gershenson chats with Joselyn Lai, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Energy. Bedrock is revolutionizing heating and cooling with autonomous drilling tech and advanced subsurface simulations, making geothermal energy accessible and cost-effective for buildings everywhere. Buildings are a major contributor to carbon emissions and a significant strain on the power grid. As cities grow and the demand for energy increases, the need for efficient, sustainable heating and cooling solutions becomes more pressing. Joselyn highlights the dual challenge of electrifying buildings to reduce scope one emissions while simultaneously managing the stress this places on the electrical grid. This is where geothermal energy comes into play. Geothermal heating and cooling systems represent a potential "holy grail" in HVAC technology. Unlike traditional systems, geothermal solutions leverage the earth's natural thermal energy, providing an all-electric, energy-efficient alternative. However, the scalability of geothermal systems has historically been hampered by high costs, extensive space requirements, and lengthy construction timelines. Bedrock Energy aims to address these challenges by innovating the construction of geothermal heat exchangers, making them more accessible and cost-effective. Bedrock Energy is focused on automating the drilling process for geothermal systems, which can significantly reduce the time and expense associated with installation. By developing advanced subsurface analytics tools and automated drilling machines, Bedrock is not only making geothermal systems easier to deploy but also enhancing their reliability and efficiency. This technological innovation is crucial for unlocking geothermal HVAC as a scalable, investment-grade clean energy asset class, particularly in urban environments. The implications of Bedrock's work extend beyond just cost savings. By making geothermal systems more widely adoptable, Bedrock is contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. This transition not only benefits the environment but also creates high-quality domestic jobs in the energy sector, supporting a just transition to a sustainable economy. Joselyn shares insights into her journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of resilience and teamwork in the face of challenges. Building a startup in the hard tech space requires a diverse skill set and the ability to navigate resource constraints. Joselyn highlights the value of hiring individuals who are not only technically skilled but also share a commitment to the mission of decarbonization. As Bedrock Energy continues to grow, they are actively seeking talent to join their mission. If you're interested in contributing to the future of sustainable energy, consider applying for roles in software engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering at Bedrock. To learn more about Bedrock Energy, visit https://www.bedrockenergy.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    32 min

  5. 12/11/2024

    Combating Wildfire Smoke with Smarter Filtration (with Sissi Liu @ Metalmark Innovations)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Metalmark Innovations is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! Guest host Dimitry Gershenson sits down with Sissi Liu, CEO and Co-founder of Metalmark Innovations, to explore the intersection of air quality, health, and climate change. Learn how Metalmark drives innovation to combat wildfire smoke and reduce building emissions. Sissi's background is shaped by her experiences growing up in China and later moving to Texas. Her early memories of air pollution in China left a lasting impression, fueling her desire to make a difference in the realm of environmental health. Over the past two decades, she has built a career that spans sustainability, entrepreneurship, and venture investing, ultimately leading her to co-found Metalmark in 2018. Initially focused on outdoor air quality, Sissi and her team quickly recognized the critical link between outdoor pollution and indoor air health. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of air quality, shifting public perception and increasing awareness of airborne pathogens. This pivotal moment allowed Metalmark to pivot its focus toward developing technologies that enhance indoor air quality. Metalmark Innovations has developed two key products that address the urgent need for improved air quality in commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals: * Sierra Smoke Safe Filter: This cutting-edge filter features a specialized coating designed to effectively capture wildfire smoke particles, which are significantly smaller than those typically filtered by conventional HVAC systems. Traditional filters often fail to remove these hazardous particles, leaving indoor environments vulnerable. The Sierra Smoke Safe Filter not only enhances air quality but does so without increasing the pressure on the HVAC system, making it a practical solution for building owners. * Tatama Air Cleaners: These self-renewing air cleaning systems provide comprehensive air purification tailored for commercial spaces. Designed for easy retrofitting, the Tatama Air Cleaners are ideal for schools and hospitals, where air quality is paramount. They offer hassle-free operation and come equipped with data tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor their effectiveness in real time. Sissi candidly discusses the challenges faced by hardware startups, particularly in scaling innovative materials. The journey is often fraught with obstacles, including the realization that initial technologies may not perform as expected. Metalmark encountered significant hurdles during its development, but through collaboration and decisive leadership, the team was able to pivot and focus on solutions that truly meet market needs. For those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys, Sissi offers valuable insights. She stresses the importance of listening to diverse perspectives while maintaining the confidence to make tough decisions. Building consensus can be difficult, but ultimately, the responsibility for the company’s direction rests with the CEO. By grounding decisions in data and evidence, leaders can effectively communicate their vision and rally their teams around it. As air quality continues to be a pressing global issue, innovations like the Sierra Smoke Safe Filter and Tatama Air Cleaners represent significant advancements toward creating healthier indoor environments. For more insights into Metalmark Innovations, visit https://www.metalmark.xyz/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    21 min

  6. 11/14/2024

    Can Precision Enzymes Enable 100% Recyclable Plastic? (with Johan Kers and Emily Duncan @ Birch Biosciences)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Birch Biosciences is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! Catch our newest CC Pod episode where host Kirthika chats with Birch Biosciences co-founders Johan Kers and Emily Duncan. Hear how Birch Biosciences is driving solutions for plastic waste with advanced enzyme technology.  Plastic pollution is pervasive, harming ecosystems and human health alike. The traditional recycling process is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the poor economics of recycling plastics. Many plastics can only be recycled a few times before degrading in quality, leading to a linear system where materials are used once and discarded. This inefficiency not only contributes to the growing plastic waste crisis but also perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production, which is responsible for a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. Birch Biosciences is tackling these issues head-on with a mission to close the loop in plastic recycling. Their technology centers around the use of enzymes—biological catalysts that can break down plastic into its fundamental chemical building blocks. This process allows for the creation of 100% recycled plastic products that match the quality of virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels. Johan and Emily describe their enzymes as "molecular scissors" that effectively sever the chemical bonds within plastic polymers. By doing so, they can recover the essential building blocks needed to re-polymerize these materials into new, high-quality plastic products. This infinite closed-loop process not only enhances recycling rates but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with plastic production. Since its inception in 2021, Birch Biosciences has achieved several key milestones, including securing funding through SBIR grants and acceptance into Y Combinator. They have garnered significant interest from major plastic manufacturers, receiving letters of intent summing $80 million, indicating a strong market demand for their innovative solutions. Looking ahead, Birch is focused on scaling their technology through the establishment of a pilot plant that will allow them to demonstrate their process on a commercial scale. Their current emphasis is on recycling PET plastics, commonly found in beverage bottles and food containers. However, they are also exploring the potential of breaking down other types of plastics, such as polyurethanes, which are prevalent in durable goods and textiles. As the episode concluded, both Johan and Emily emphasized the importance of hope and collaboration in the fight against plastic pollution. They encourage listeners to remain engaged in sustainability efforts, whether by recycling, supporting innovative companies like Birch Biosciences, or simply staying informed about the challenges and solutions in the space. In a world where plastic waste continues to grow, Birch Biosciences stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. Their commitment to creating a sustainable future through enzyme technology not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste but also inspires a collective movement towards a circular economy. As we look to the future, the advancements made by Birch and similar companies could very well redefine our relationship with plastic and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable planet. For more insights into Birch Biosciences, visit https://www.birchbiosciences.com/. Get full access to

    31 min

  7. 10/30/2024

    How Does Next-Gen Metrology Affect Manufacturing? (with Jared O'Leary @ SirenOpt)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, SparkMeter is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Joris, works as a Partner. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! In the latest CC Pod, Joris van Mens talks with Dan Schnitzer, CEO of SparkMeter, about how low-cost metering solutions are transforming energy access across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. SparkMeter is helping underserved communities unlock growth through reliable electricity. For more insights into SparkMeter, visit https://www.sparkmeter.io/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min

  8. 10/16/2024

    CO2 To Value (with Ryan Shearman @ Loa Carbon)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Loa Carbon is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Katie Durham works as a Principal of Climate Capital Syndicate. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! This week on the CC Pod, host Katie chats with Ryan Shearman, the CEO and co-founder of Loa Carbon. Beyond Aether Diamonds, Loa Carbon is focused on transforming industries by decarbonizing energy and chemical sectors with innovative solutions. Tune in to hear how Loa Carbon revolutionizes climate tech, from diamonds to methane! Ryan shares his journey into the climate tech space, which began after he read the book "Drawdown" in 2018. This book introduced him to the concept of direct air capture (DAC) and sparked his interest in finding economically viable ways to utilize captured CO2. While many companies at the time were focused on mineralizing CO2 or selling carbon credits, Ryan envisioned a different approach: using captured CO2 to create valuable products. Initially, Loa Carbon concentrated on producing synthetic diamonds from atmospheric carbon, leveraging the chemistry of the Sabatier reaction, which converts CO2 into methane. This unique angle not only provided a compelling story that captured public interest but also served as a launchpad for the company. The initial focus on diamonds allowed Loa Carbon to gain traction and visibility, culminating in significant media coverage, including recognition as one of Time magazine's top inventions of the year in 2022. However, Ryan emphasizes that while diamonds are a high-value product, they alone cannot significantly impact atmospheric carbon levels. Therefore, Loa Carbon has expanded its vision to address broader industrial applications. The company aims to decarbonize the energy and chemical sectors by creating high-purity methane gas that can serve as a drop-in replacement for fossil fuels. This approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in industries that have historically relied on hydrocarbons. Loa Carbon's technology allows for the efficient conversion of CO2 into methane, with a focus on maintaining high purity levels. This efficiency not only reduces costs but also positions the company to explore various applications, including the production of graphene—a material with vast potential in multiple industries. Ryan believes that by synthesizing carbon-based products that permanently sequester carbon, such as diamonds and graphene, Loa Carbon can contribute to a circular economy and help mitigate climate change. Throughout the conversation, Ryan highlights the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and creating products that seamlessly integrate into current systems. By doing so, Loa Carbon aims to provide solutions that are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable, making it easier for industries to adopt sustainable practices. For more insights into Loa Carbon, visit https://loacarbon.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    36 min
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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Our weekly podcast where we interview founders who are solving the most difficult and important decarbonization problems in the world. Climate Capital, across our funds and our syndicate, is one of the most active funders of early stage climate tech in the world.  climatecap.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Climate Capital
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Climate Capital
  • Show Website
    CC Pod

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