CC Pod

Climate Capital
  • 4.7 (14)
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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. JAN 8

    Scaling Carbon Materials for the Grid (with Bryan Guido Hassin of DexMat)

    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, DexMat is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry Gershenson, 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. But first: Network Fund & Climate Angels →Invest in the Network Fund. Next-decade energy, infrastructure, and resilience. Q1 2026 fund now open; last quarter invested in 9 companies alongside Transition VC, Propeller, SOSV, and more. →Join Climate Angels. Sessions w/ top investors, discounted CC Syndicate carry, community & more. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! The latest episode of CC Pod features Bryan Guido Hassin, CEO of DexMat, joins host Dimitry Gershenson to discuss the "materials transition" necessary to power the global shift toward clean energy. DexMat’s flagship innovation, Galvorn, is a carbon-based conductive material designed to replace copper and steel. By stripping carbon from greenhouse gases like methane, DexMat creates a material that is as conductive as copper, 15 times stronger than steel, and lighter than aluminum. This “super-material” serves as a circular alternative to traditional metals, providing a way to scale the energy transition without the environmental devastation associated with conventional mining. The company addresses a looming “copper crisis” driven by the massive demand from EVs, renewable energy, and AI data centers. Unlike copper production, which is thermodynamically inefficient and ecologically damaging, Galvorn is manufactured using a zero-loss recycling process and a cost trajectory that is outperforming even solar and batteries. Currently at cost parity with specialty aerospace metals, DexMat is on a path to undercut commodity copper prices within years. DexMat has evolved from a broad "moonshot" startup to a commercially focused leader in the $300 billion conductive wire market. Hassin shares hard-won lessons on founder-investor alignment and the necessity of strategic focus in deep tech. Proudly made in America and shipped globally, Galvorn is enabling industries to do more with less while laying the foundation for a stronger, more efficient, and sustainable world. To learn more about DexMat, visit https://dexmat.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min

  2. 12/04/2025

    Predictive Maintenance for a Smarter, More Resilient Grid (with Joseph Kao of Magnefy)

    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, Magnefy is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry Gershenson, 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. But first: Network Fund & Climate Angels →Invest in the Network Fund. Large fund access with micro-fund minimums. Q4 fund now open; the Q3 fund (closed) invested in 11 companies alongside Prelude, At One, Voyager, and more. →Join Climate Angels. Sessions w/ top investors, discounted CC Syndicate carry, community & more. Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! CC Pod’s latest episode features Joseph Kao, founder and CEO of Magnefy, a Stanford spinout transforming how predictive maintenance is done across the power grid, in conversation with guest host Dimitry Gershenson. Magnefy’s technology uses non-invasive high-frequency magnetic sensing paired with edge AI to detect early-stage failures in transformers, switchgear, and generators months or even years before they occur. The company’s solution helps utilities and mission-critical operators prevent costly outages and reduce maintenance expenses by up to 70%. Magnefy draws from deep expertise in materials science, resource efficiency, and circularity to tackle the challenge of aging power infrastructure. With 65% of transformers now over 35 years old, their innovation comes at a crucial time as grids face increasing pressure from electrification and data center demand. Magnefy’s sensors can be easily clamped to cables without de-energizing equipment, acting like an ECG for transformers by capturing high-resolution data to uncover hidden risks. Beyond hardware, the company has evolved into a software-first platform, integrating AI-driven analytics, digital twins, and a maintenance copilot to turn raw sensor data into actionable insights. Their mission is clear: to make the power grid smarter, safer, and ready for the energy transition ahead. To learn more about Magnefy, visit https://magnefy.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  3. 08/12/2025

    Unlocking the Capital Stack: The Role of Debt in Climate Startups (with Dimitry Gershenson and Austin Badger)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Upgrade to CC+ for insider access & community or manage your subscription here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Dimitry Gershenson is the CEO of Enduring Planet, and Austin Badger is a Managing Director at HSBC, and Sherrie works as a General Manager at Climate Angels. 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! But first: CC Network Fund, CC Syndicate, Climate Angels → Back CC Network Fund. Large fund access with micro-fund minimums. In Q2, the fund invested in 18 companies, including Alta & LGND.→ Back CC Syndicate. SPVs with investment minimums starting at $1k.→ Join Climate Angels. Sessions w/ top investors, discounted CC Syndicate carry, community & more. In the latest CC Pod, we are featuring the most recent Climate Angels webinar, where Sherrie Totoki hosts Dimitry Gershenson, CEO of Enduring Planet, and Austin Badger, Managing Director at HSBC, to explore the often overlooked role of debt in the capital stack for early-stage climate startups. This conversation was originally part of a Climate Angels session, and we’re sharing it here as a special edition of our podcast. While equity typically dominates conversations around startup financing, this episode highlights how debt can be a powerful and strategic tool to fuel growth, manage cash flow, and avoid unnecessary dilution when used wisely. They walk through different types of debt available to founders, including cash flow financing (such as receivable and contract financing) and asset-backed financing (such as equipment loans or sale-leasebacks). They emphasize that understanding when and how to raise debt, before you're in a cash crunch, is critical to maintaining flexibility and negotiating favorable terms. The conversation also touches on investor perspectives, with insights on why lenders are becoming more open to working with early-stage climate companies and what founders should know about aligning their financing strategy with both board expectations and long-term goals. They share real-world lessons, including how one company successfully used debt to finance multiple U.S. military contracts, bridging long reimbursement cycles without giving up equity. Debt is not just for later stages. It is a valuable part of the capital stack if you know how to use it. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    31 min

  4. 07/03/2025

    Women Backing Climate Investing (with Kirthika Padmanabhan and Katie Durham)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Upgrade to CC+ for insider access & community or manage your subscription here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Kirthika and Katie are both Syndicate Partners at Climate Capital, where Sherrie works as a General Manager at Climate Angels. 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! Before we dive in: Climate Angels, CC Network Fund, & CC Syndicate Whether you’re new to climate investing or a veteran, three opportunities for you: → Back the CC Network Fund. Large fund access with micro-fund minimums. So far in Q2 the fund has invested in 13 companies including Alta & LGND. → Back the CC Syndicate. SPVs with investment minimums starting at $1k. → Join Climate Angels. Three top tier sessions/month with veteran investors & angel peers; apply by July 7 for 10% off. In the latest episode of the CC Pod, Sherrie Totoki hosts Kirthika Padmanabhan and Katie Durham, both syndicate partners at Climate Capital and seasoned angel investors, focusing on enhancing female representation in investing, particularly within the climate technology sector. Increasing the number of female investors is crucial due to female investors often achieving stronger returns and tending to diversify portfolios by backing female founders. The episode challenges the notion that deep financial expertise is a prerequisite for investing and encourages others to recognize that the skills needed can be learned, especially through accessible resources and supportive communities like Climate Angels. Building a supportive network and seeking mentorship in the investment landscape is important and doable, even for newcomers to the space. They share practical advice for expanding your network, suggesting starting in areas where you already have knowledge and can lean on your existing connections to uncover opportunities and insights. They also explore the dynamic landscape of climate technology and continued excitement for innovations that directly address environmental challenges. This is a call to action for women to step into the world of climate tech investing, where diverse pathways await and your participation can drive meaningful, industry-wide change. The future of climate innovation needs more voices, perspectives, and leadership, and there’s no better time to get involved. — References: https://www.ubs.com/global/en/wealthmanagement/who-we-serve/women-wealth/insights/2022/female-founders.html https://www.fool.com/research/women-in-investing-statistics/ https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-new-face-of-wealth-the-rise-of-the-female-investor 🧭 Capital Conversations We’ve got two powerhouse sessions lined up exploring how capital is shaping the future of climate innovation: 🔹 Investing in Nuclear Innovation | July 8 @ 10-11 am PTNishant Mani (Climate Capital) and Mike Mettler (Roadrunner Capital, Climate Capital) take us inside the evolving landscape of nuclear investment. Learn what makes this sector unique and where early-stage capital can make a difference. Register Here 🔹 How Early-Stage Startups Use Debt | July 17 @ 10-11 am PTJoin Dimitry Gershenson (Enduring Planet) and Austin Badger (HSBC) as they break down how tools like venture debt and equipment financing can fit into a startup’s capital stack—and what investors need to know to underwrite both impact and returns. Register Here Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  5. 06/25/2025

    Revolutionizing Lithium-Ion Batteries with Nano-Silicon (with Andre Zeitoun @ Ionic Mineral Technologies)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Manage your CC Substack subscription here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Ionic Mineral Technologies is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Katie Durham 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! Before we dive in: Climate Angels, CC Network Fund, & CC Syndicate Whether you’re new to climate investing or a veteran, three opportunities for you: → Back the CC Network Fund. Large fund access with micro-fund minimums. So far in Q2 the fund has invested in 13 companies including Alta & LGND. → Back the CC Syndicate. SPVs with investment minimums starting at $1k. → Join Climate Angels. Three top tier sessions/month with veteran investors & angel peers; apply by July 7 for 10% off. In the latest episode of the Climate Capital podcast, host Katie Durham interviews Andre Zeitoun, the founder and CEO of Ionic Mineral Technologies. The discussion revolves around the innovative work being done at Ionic Mineral Technologies, particularly in the realm of battery materials and sustainable energy solutions. Ionic MT is pioneering the commercialization of a unique mineral called halloysite, which has the potential to revolutionize battery technology. Halloysite is a naturally occurring clay mineral that can be transformed into nano-silicon, significantly enhancing battery performance. This transformation is crucial as the demand for more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions continues to grow, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. One of the standout features of Ionic MT’s approach is its environmentally friendly production process. The company has developed a silane-free method to produce nano silicon, which not only minimizes waste but also results in one of the lowest carbon footprints among competing battery material companies. Additionally, the process generates boehmite alumina as a byproduct, further contributing to a sustainable production model. Andre emphasizes the importance of domestic production of battery materials, particularly in light of the U.S.'s heavy reliance on imported materials, predominantly from China. By producing high-quality silicon that can rival Chinese imports without the need for subsidies or tariffs, Ionic Mineral Technologies positions itself as a key player in the push for energy independence. Looking ahead, Andre shares his vision for the future, where advancements in battery technology could lead to electric vehicles charging in under ten minutes and lighter, more efficient military drones. With recent developments, including the designation of silicon and alumina as critical minerals by the U.S. government, Ionic MT is poised for significant growth and innovation. To learn more about Ionic Mineral Technologies, visit https://ionicmt.com/. 🧭 Capital Conversations We’ve got two powerhouse sessions lined up exploring how capital is shaping the future of climate innovation: 🔹 Investing in Nuclear InnovationNishant Mani (Climate Capital) and Mike Mettler (Roadrunner Capital, Climate Capital) take us inside the evolving landscape of nuclear investment. Learn what makes this sector unique and where early-stage capital can make a difference. Register Here 🔹 How Early-Stage Startups Use DebtJoin Dimitry Gershenson (Enduring Planet) and Austin Badger (HSBC) as they break down how tools like venture debt and equipment financing can fit into a startup’s capital stack—and what investors need to know to underwrite both impact and returns. Register Here Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    18 min

  6. 06/12/2025

    Transforming Mold Recovery Solutions (with Ariana Thacker @ MoldCo)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Upgrade to CC+ for insider access & community or manage your subscription here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, MoldCo is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Sundeep Ahuja is the Founder and General 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. Announcing the Next Phase of Climate Angels! Know someone seeking to unlock the knowledge and skills to help them become a successful investor? Send them the application for Climate Angels, an immersive program and community designed for aspiring angel investors: More here Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! In this insightful episode, host Sundeep Ahuja welcomes Ariana Thacker, Founder and CEO of MoldCo, who shares her personal journey from experiencing severe health issues due to mold exposure to establishing a company dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of mold toxicity. MoldCo offers a comprehensive solution that combines specialized lab testing with personalized care, aiming to empower individuals suffering from mold-related health problems. Ariana's passion for addressing mold toxicity stems from her own struggles with symptoms that included hair loss, gastrointestinal issues, and debilitating brain fog, all linked to her exposure in a Miami apartment. This personal experience fueled her desire to create MoldCo, which provides an end-to-end service for mold recovery. The company offers a starter lab panel at an accessible price, focusing on key biomarkers indicative of mold exposure. This initial testing is designed to identify the presence of mold toxins in the body, allowing patients to understand their health status better. MoldCo's approach is further enhanced by its concierge-style medical care, which connects patients with specialized providers and delivers necessary medications directly to their homes. The treatment protocol is based on over 30 years of research, including insights from leading experts in the field, and aims to simplify the recovery process for patients. Ariana emphasizes the importance of understanding the environmental factors contributing to mold exposure, including the impact of climate change and the use of antifungal chemicals in paints that may exacerbate mold growth. As MoldCo expands its services nationwide, it seeks to raise awareness about mold toxicity as a significant public health issue, potentially affecting millions of Americans. This episode not only sheds light on the innovative solutions MoldCo offers but also serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with the often-overlooked effects of mold exposure. With a commitment to research and patient care, MoldCo is paving the way for a healthier future, one mold recovery journey at a time. To learn more about MoldCo, visit https://www.moldco.com/. 🚨Portco Job Alert One of our portfolio companies, Ezra Climate, is growing its engineering team and hiring for two foundational roles: 🔹 VP of Engineering / CTO 🔹 Principal AI Engineer If you know someone who fits the profile—or can help connect to the right networks—they’d be grateful for warm intros or guidance. Reach out to hiring@ezraclimate.com for more information. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  7. 05/29/2025

    Democratizing Clean Energy (with Will Wiseman @ Climatize)

    This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Upgrade to CC+ for insider access & community or manage your subscription here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Climatize is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Katie Durham 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. Announcing the Next Phase of Climate Angels! Unlock the knowledge and skills to help you become a successful investor with Climate Angels — an immersive program designed for aspiring angel investors. Learn more at climateangels.vc. Interested in joining? Fill out this form to join the next program: Apply here Be a part of the next wave of climate investors! Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital! On this episode of the CC Pod, host Katie Durham interviews Will Wiseman, the CEO and co-founder of Climatize, an innovative SEC-registered investing platform that aims to democratize access to renewable energy investments across the United States. Climatize has successfully mobilized over $8 million from more than 2,000 investors, funding 17 renewable energy projects that include solar installations, energy storage solutions, and electric vehicle charging stations. Will shares his journey from growing up in Santa Cruz, California, where his passion for the environment was ignited by witnessing the decline of marine ecosystems, to his extensive education in renewable energy engineering. His background includes hands-on experience as a solar installer and roles in project management and finance, which have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the renewable energy landscape. Alongside Alba Forns, COO and co-founder, Will has worked to build a platform that bridges the gap between everyday investors and renewable energy projects. Together, they’ve crafted a mission-driven company that enables individuals to participate directly in the clean energy transition. Will emphasizes the importance of building trust with potential investors, particularly in a space that often faces regulatory hurdles. Climatize has leveraged organic growth strategies, including partnerships with trusted podcast hosts, to attract investors who are eager to support sustainable initiatives. The platform focuses on funding cash flow-generating projects, carefully selecting opportunities based on their financial viability and the presence of incentives that can de-risk investments. This approach not only addresses the funding needs of small to medium-scale renewable energy projects but also empowers individual investors to participate in the energy transition. Will's vision for Climatize extends beyond mere investment; he aims to foster a movement that allows everyday people to become stakeholders in the energy sector, challenging the dominance of traditional energy companies. As Climatize continues to grow, Will is committed to enhancing the platform's capabilities and streamlining the investment process, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future. This episode is a compelling exploration of how innovative platforms like Climatize are reshaping the renewable energy investment landscape and empowering individuals to make a tangible impact in the fight against climate change. For those interested in learning more about Climatize and its mission, visit their website at Climatize Earth. To learn more about Climatize, visit https://www.climatize.earth/. (Risk Disclosure: When investing through Climatize, all investments carry risk including the loss of principal. In making an investment decision, investors must rely on their own examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. Investments on Climatize are speculative, illiquid and involve a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment.) Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  8. 05/15/2025

    Streamlining EV Charging Solutions (with Ashwin Dias @ Presto)

    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, Presto is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Katie Durham 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! Upgrade to CC+ for insider access & community or manage your subscription here. In the latest episode of the CC Pod, host Katie Durham sits down with Ashwin Dias, co-founder and CEO of Presto, a company on a mission to transform the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape. Drawing from his experience at Uber, where he played a key role in accelerating EV adoption, Ashwin offers thoughtful insights into the real-world challenges faced by rideshare drivers and the broader EV community. Together with co-founder and CFO JJ Raynor, the Presto team is focused on creating practical, scalable solutions to make EV charging more accessible and efficient. Presto was born out of the realization that the fragmented charging infrastructure posed a significant barrier to EV adoption, particularly for drivers who often live in apartments or rental properties without access to home charging. The company aims to simplify the charging experience by aggregating various charging networks into a single, user-friendly platform. This platform allows users, especially those renting EVs from major companies like Hertz and Avis, to easily locate charging stations, check availability, and manage payments—all through the Presto app. The technology behind Presto includes a recommendation engine that utilizes machine learning to guide users to the most suitable charging stations based on availability, pricing, and reliability. Additionally, Presto offers white-label solutions and APIs for businesses looking to integrate charging capabilities into their own platforms, making it easier for fleets and logistics companies to manage their EV charging needs. As Presto continues to expand its reach across the U.S. and into Canada, the company is committed to enhancing the EV charging experience, ultimately aiming to eliminate the anxiety associated with charging for both new and seasoned EV users. Ashwin emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community in this journey, encouraging others passionate about the EV space to get involved. This episode not only highlights the innovative solutions Presto is bringing to the market but also sheds light on the broader implications for the future of transportation and sustainable energy. Tune in to learn more about how Presto is paving the way for a more accessible and efficient EV charging landscape. To learn more about Presto, visit https://www.prestocharging.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

    26 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Climate Capital
  • Show Website
    CC Pod