Sustainability Talks

ETF Partners

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The team at ETF Partners presents 'Sustainability Talks', a new series featuring in-depth conversations with influential leaders from across the global sustainability, investment, and startup ecosystems. The podcast examines the biggest challenges and opportunities in delivering sustainable prosperity.

Jul 28

How Decision Intelligence Solves Construction's Carbon Crisis with Greg Lawton

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, Lucy Rands, Partner at ETF Partners, sits down with Greg Lawton, Co-Founder and CEO of Nodes & Links, an AI-driven project intelligence platform and an ETF Partners portfolio company. Greg co-founded Nodes & Links in 2018 alongside Dr Christos Ellinas. In the years since, the company has grown into a market leader in decision intelligence for major capital infrastructure projects, having deployed its system across more than 22,000 projects in 23 countries. The platform serves global technology conglomerates, major mining groups, and state-level infrastructure entities. Nodes & Links recently raised a significant funding round backed by ETF Partners, representing a bet that fixing the chronic inefficiencies of the construction industry can materially shift the needle on global carbon emissions. In this conversation, Lucy and Greg dive deep into the reality of deploying AI within high-stakes, risk-averse environments. They discuss the "decision crisis" in capital infrastructure and how Nodes & Links uses engineering-grade, auditable AI, rooted in the laws of physics and mathematics rather than speculative patterns, to eliminate generative AI hallucinations. They also explore the critical debate surrounding human-in-the-loop governance and liability as the industry moves closer towards AI-managed projects. Turning to sustainability, Greg outlines the massive carbon costs of project delays and explains how optimising traditional project management parameters—quality, timeline, and budget—into a square that incorporates environmental impact enables enterprises to actively reduce emissions during execution. Finally, Greg shares his journey as a founder, the changing landscape of AI procurement, and what it means to build a deep-tech enterprise with trust and assurance at its very heart. Whether you are interested in the frontier of enterprise software, the economics of global infrastructure, or how advanced computation can tackle climate change at an industrial scale, Greg's insights on system accountability and project orchestration are essential listening. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Project Intelligence and Capital Infrastructure 01:00 The Reality of the "Decision Crisis" in Modern Construction 04:23 Beyond the Optimism Bias: Why Capital Projects Run Late 07:08 Breaking the Data Bottleneck and Enterprise Systems of Record 09:22 The Evolution of AI Procurement: From Experimentation to Procurement 11:16 Engineering-Grade AI vs. Generative Hallucinations 14:36 The Future of AI Governance, Liability, and Autopilot Projects 18:38 Meeting the Customer Demand for Non-Hallucinating Assurance 21:40 Commercial Moats: Human Sweat, Workflows, and Data Security 23:53 Global Standardisation in Waterfall Project Management 26:02 Quantifying the Carbon Cost of Project Inefficiencies and Delays 28:07 Turning the Project Management Triangle into an Impact Square 29:48 The Energy Debate: Can AI Truly Be Sustainable? 32:15 Founder Journeys, Personal Purpose, and the Road Ahead About the Guest: Greg Lawton Greg Lawton is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nodes & Links, where he has pioneered the use of specialised decision intelligence to bring predictability and speed to the world's most complex engineering projects. With a background in project controls and complex systems, Greg drives the strategic growth of Nodes & Links, bridging advanced cloud algorithms with industrial-scale rollout requirements. Outside of transforming the infrastructure sector, Greg is a dedicated father of two daughters. Follow Greg Lawton on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greglawton Find out more about Nodes & Links here: https://nodeslinks.com
Jul 2

The Race to Useful Large-Scale Quantum Computing with Matthijs Rijlaarsdam

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, our Managing Partner, Rob Genieser, sits down with Matthijs Rijlaarsdam, Co-Founder and CEO of QuantWare, the world’s largest independent commercial supplier of quantum processing units (QPUs) by volume and an ETF Partners portfolio company. Matt co-founded QuantWare in 2021 as a spinout from QuTech at TU Delft, alongside CTO Alessandro Bruno. In just a few years, the company has become the world's largest commercial supplier of quantum processing units by volume, having shipped to more than 50 customers across 20 countries, spanning quantum computing companies, national technology institutes and major global technology conglomerates. QuantWare recently closed a €152 million ($178 million) Series B, the largest private round ever raised by a dedicated quantum processor company. We at ETF Partners were proud to join this round, and for us, this was an impact investment as much as a deep-tech one, a bet that scaling quantum hardware can accelerate breakthroughs in clean energy, materials and the natural sciences. In this conversation, Rob and Matt explore the reality of quantum today. They discuss breaking the hardware bottleneck and how QuantWare’s proprietary VIO™ technology solves the scaling architecture trap, shrinking a chip that would otherwise be the size of Central Park into a dense, scalable format. They also examine specialisation versus vertical integration and explain why applying the economic laws of the traditional semiconductor industry to quantum is essential for driving down cost curves. They also evaluate the direct and indirect sustainability impacts, focusing on how quantum computing will drastically reduce the energy required per watt for massive data processing whilst simultaneously unlocking breakthroughs in clean fuels, batteries and the natural sciences. Finally, Matt shares lessons in deep-tech entrepreneurship, reflecting on the importance of aggressive ambition from day one and transitioning the industry towards commercial scale and industrial production. Whether you are fascinated by the future of high-performance computing, deep-tech investment, or how next-generation technology will help us solve global environmental challenges, Matt's insights on open architecture and supply chain economics are essential listening. Listen now to discover how QuantWare is helping accelerate the timeline to a more sustainable future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing and Sustainability 03:09 Current State of Quantum Computing 06:22 The Breakthrough of Independent Quantum Processors 11:01 Challenges in Building Quantum Processing Units 13:56 The VIO Technology and Its Impact 17:06 Business Models and Industry Scaling 19:10 Learning from Customers and Building Relationships 22:00 Quantum Computing's Role in Environmental Challenges 25:32 Cost Efficiency and Future of Quantum Computing 29:08 Global Ambitions and Market Positioning 33:04 Lessons Learned and Future Outlook About The Guest: Matthijs Rijlaarsdam Matthijs co-founded QuantWare and has since grown it into the world's leading quantum processor maker. He has a background in computer science and quantum information, with research experience in quantum simulation at QuTech. As CEO, Matthijs drives QuantWare's strategic direction and growth, bridging deep-tech innovation with real-world industrial scalability. He is also a member of the TechChampions. In his free time, he loves hiking in the mountains. Follow Matthijs Rijlaarsdam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthijs-rijlaarsdam Find out more about QuantWare here: https://quantware.com Find out more about ETF Partners here: https://etfpartners.capital
Mar 27

Digital Transformation & Sustainable Innovation with Hitoshi Yoshida

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, our Managing Partner Rob Genieser sits down with Hitoshi Yoshida, ETF Partners’ newly appointed Venture Partner and a titan of the Japanese technology sector. Hitoshi brings a unique perspective to the sustainability landscape. With a career spanning 25 years in senior leadership roles, including serving as the President and CEO of Microsoft Japan and Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Japan, he views sustainability not through a traditional ‘green’ lens, but as a critical mission powered by digital transformation. In this conversation, Rob and Hitoshi explore: The Urgency of Transformation: Why Japan is in need of a ‘deep transformation’ to avoid becoming a ‘Galapagos’ of the tech world. Technology as a Force for Good: How data integrity, AI, and cybersecurity are the essential foundations for corporate sustainability. Navigating the Japanese Market: Crucial advice for European start-ups looking to sell into complex Japanese corporate and government environments. Mission-Driven Leadership: Hitoshi’s personal journey from being a ‘nuts’ entrepreneur in the 90s to leading global giants, and why aligning a career with values is the ultimate motivator. Whether you are a founder looking to scale into Asia or a corporate leader navigating the shift to net zero, Hitoshi’s insights on prioritisation and relationship-building are essential listening. Listen now to discover how experienced operators are bridging the gap between pioneering technology and mainstream adoption. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sustainability Talks 02:25 Hitoshi's Journey in Technology Leadership 03:43 The Importance of Sustainable Transformation 05:24 Supporting Entrepreneurs in Sustainability 06:54 Japan's Readiness for Innovation 08:03 The Role of Technology in Japan's Future 10:16 Building Ecosystems for Startups 12:06 Execution Gaps in Japanese Organisations 14:30 Collaboration Between Startups and Corporations 17:07 Advice for Startups on Market Strategy 21:05 Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs 23:22 Defining Success as an Entrepreneur 26:05 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship 29:01 Advice for Today's Entrepreneurs 31:50 Final Thoughts on Making an Impact in Japan About The Guest: Hitoshi Yoshida Hitoshi Yoshida, is ETF partner’s newest venture partner and a seasoned technology leader, with 25 years in top management roles at global IT companies, including serving as the president and CEO of Microsoft Japan and the managing director of Hewlett Packard Japan. In those roles, Hitoshi has led large-scale digital transformation for public and private sector customers, helping them leverage cloud, data, AI, and cybersecurity to drive growth and resilience. Hitoshi was also an entrepreneur early on in his career, having helped create Cambridge Technology Partners, where he rose to be its president of Japan. Now CEO of ixi Corporation, Hitoshi brings a rare combination of deep enterprise technology experience, ecosystem building, and strategic advisory work to the sustainability and impact investment landscape. Rather than coming from a traditional green background, he approaches sustainability through how technology can be a force for good. Follow Hitoshi Yoshida HERE Follow Rob Genieser HERE Find out more about ETF Partners HERE
Feb 2

Five Years On – Navigating an Unpredictable World with Lord John Browne

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, host and Managing Partner of ETF Partners Patrick Sheehan welcomes back a very special guest, Lord John Browne, Co-Founder and Chairman of BeyondNetZero, Senior adviser to General Atlantic and former CEO of BP. When we launched the Sustainability Talks podcast in 2021, Lord Browne was our very first guest. At that time the world looked very different, with President Trump’s term ending, the US pulling out of Iraq and before Russia invaded Ukraine. Now, Patrick and Lord Browne reunite to dissect the seismic shifts in geopolitics, climate and energy—offering a candid masterclass on how to lead, innovate, and find opportunity in a profoundly unpredictable environment. Tune in for a powerful, pragmatic and ultimately optimistic discussion on how to navigate the complex trade-offs facing business and politics today and secure a sustainable future. Chapters: 00:00 The Evolution of Energy Perspectives 08:59 Navigating Uncertainty in Energy Markets 15:57 The Role of Technology in Energy Transition 21:52 Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Energy 28:48 Cultivating Courage and Leadership in Business About The Guest: Lord John Browne Lord Browne is the co-Founder and Chairman of BeyondNetZero, General Atlantic’s climate growth equity fund. The fund’s strategy is to invest in companies that contribute to the energy transition by reducing end-to-end costs; improving operational efficiency; reducing strategic risks and improving resilience; and enabling the development of new energy sources. He currently serves as Chairman of Avathon, an artificial intelligence technology company, and Chairman of Carbonplace, a global carbon credit transaction network. He also serves on the board of Venterra, an offshore wind energy services company which is part of BeyondNetZero’s investment portfolio. After retiring from BP in 2007, Lord Browne joined Riverstone, where he was co-head of a $3.4 billion renewable energy private equity fund, the world’s largest at the time. He was subsequently Executive Chairman of L1 Energy. He has previously served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, Intel, SmithKline Beecham, and DaimlerChrysler. From 2010 to 2015 he served as the UK Government first lead Non-Executive Director, working with Secretaries of State to appoint Non-Executive Directors to the board of each government department. In 2010, the report of an independent inquiry headed by Lord Browne was published under the title Securing a Sustainable Future for Higher Education, making recommendations for a more sustainable system of higher education funding. Find out more about Lord John Browne HERE Find out more about BeyondNetZero HERE Follow Lord John Browne HERE Follow Patrick Sheehan HERE Find out more about ETF Partners at: etfpartners.capital
Jan 26

Driving the Future of Infrastructure with Sir Danny Alexander

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, Rob Genieser, Managing Partner at ETF Partners, sits down with Sir Danny Alexander, CEO of Infrastructure Finance and Sustainability at HSBC. They explore the massive trends currently reshaping global infrastructure—from the energy security needs of developed markets to the rapid electrification of emerging economies. The conversation dives into the bank’s role in supporting “first-of-a-kind” projects, the critical need for blended finance in Southeast Asia, and why 95% of HSBC’s clients now view sustainability as a fundamental growth opportunity. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Infrastructure “Golden Age”: How energy security, digital transformation, and climate resilience are driving unprecedented demand for new assets. AI as an Energy Transition Catalyst: Why the massive power demand of data centres is actually accelerating the deployment of firm, clean power and grid innovation. Bridging the Bankability Gap: The specific criteria required to move sustainability from venture-backed innovation to large-scale project finance. Blended Finance & Partnerships: A look at Pentagreen Capital and how public and private capital work together to de-risk sustainable projects in Asia. Case Study—Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): How HSBC supported the Infinium Roadrunner project in Texas to scale e-SAF production. The Necessity of Adaptation: Why we need to move beyond mitigation to develop financing models for resilience and nature-based solutions. About the Guest: Sir Danny Alexander is CEO of HSBC Infrastructure Finance and Sustainability, CIB. In this role, Danny leads on infrastructure finance and project finance advisory opportunities associated with the transition to net zero in our strategic markets. Danny also leads on sustainable finance and clean tech initiatives and oversees partnerships such as Pentagreen Capital, our joint venture with Temasek that targets marginally bankable clean energy and adaptation projects in Southeast Asia. Previously Sir Danny was Vice President, Policy and Strategy, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He joined the AIIB – the first new multilateral development bank of the 21st century and the first to be headquartered in Beijing - at its inception in 2016 and led the Bank through its start-up and growth phases. Sir Danny was responsible for AIIB’s strategic direction, including its thematic sectoral and country priorities. He led the Bank’s ambitious climate agenda and oversaw AIIB’s environmental and social and other operational policies. He represented AIIB at the G20 Finance Ministers meetings, climate COPs, and other international meetings. He led the Bank’s partnership with the World Bank and other multilateral, bilateral, and private sector partners. From 2010-2015, Sir Danny was Chief Secretary to the Treasury in the United Kingdom Cabinet. He led the Liberal Democrat negotiating team that established the Coalition that governed in that period and was one of the four member ‘Quad’ that provided the core political leadership of that government. In government, he was responsible for the UK’s deficit reduction, pension reform, and national infrastructure plan. He was a member of the National Security Council. He was MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey from 2005 to 2015. He was Knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2015 for his services to government. He holds a BA in philosophy, politics and economics from the University of Oxford and is an honorary fellow of St Anne’s College, Oxford. He was born and brought up in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Follow Sir Danny Alexander on LinkedIn HERE Follow Rob Genieser on LinkedIn HERE Find out more about ETF Partners at etfpartners.capital
12/12/2025

Building Ethical & Sustainable AI with Ray Eitel-Porter & Paul Dongha

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, ETF Partners Managing Partner Rob Genieser sits down with two of the leading voices in responsible and ethical AI: Ray Eitel-Porter and Dr. Paul Dongha, co-authors of the new book Governing the Machine. Together, they explore one of the most urgent and overlooked questions in today’s technology landscape: What is the true environmental cost of AI, and how can responsible AI governance accelerate sustainable innovation? As AI adoption accelerates—and generative AI becomes embedded in everything from banking to everyday knowledge work—the conversation turns to the growing climate impact of data centers. Ray and Paul break down the hard truths behind AI’s footprint, from rising greenhouse gas emissions and soaring energy use to the escalating water demands required to cool data centers worldwide. They warn of a collision course between AI’s rapid expansion and global sustainability targets, urging companies to integrate environmental considerations directly into their AI governance and risk frameworks. But this episode isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s a roadmap. Ray and Paul share practical guidance for building trust in AI systems, insights into global regulatory approaches, and a look at how AI can also advance sustainability—from smarter energy grids to more efficient industrial systems. Whether you’re an AI builder, a sustainability leader, or simply trying to understand the future of responsible technology, this conversation is essential listening. In this episode you’ll hear: Why responsible and ethical AI must now include environmental sustainability The rising CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and water depletion linked to AI How data center demand is driving new coal-powered generation in some regions The role of corporations and regulators in shaping ethical AI The promise of “sustainable AI” and how organisations can measure their AI footprint The future of AI governance and the rise of agentic AI systems Key takeaway: AI’s transformative potential can only be realised responsibly if its environmental impact is managed—ethics and sustainability must evolve together. Chapters: 00:00 The Environmental Impact of AI 02:44 Introduction to Responsible AI Governance 06:25 The Evolution of Responsible AI 09:39 Building Trust in AI Systems 12:14 Transparency in AI Governance 14:32 Global Perspectives on AI Regulation 20:20 The Lag of Legislation Behind Technology 22:49 The Role of Corporations in AI Ethics 24:03 Trust in International AI Companies 27:46 The Future of AI and Consumer Trust 30:17 Sustainable AI: A New Paradigm 34:42 AI's Role in Energy Efficiency 37:03 The Future Landscape of AI Governance Read ‘Governing The Machine’ here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/governing-the-machine-9781399426299 Follow Ray Eitel-Porter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayeitelporter Follow Dr. Paul Dongha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-dongha/ Find out more about ETF Partners at: https://etfpartners.capital/
10/27/2025

How Data is Powering the Energy Transition with Thorsten Heller

In this episode our partner Tomer Strikovsky sits down with Thorsten Heller, a pioneer in digital infrastructure for the energy transition. As the founder of Greenbird, an ETF Partners–backed company that became a global leader in data integration for utilities before being acquired by GE Vernova, Thorsten shares his journey from startup founder to corporate innovator — and what it takes to power the grids of the future. They discuss how data integration, AI, and real-time analytics are transforming the way utilities operate — shifting from a one-way to a bidirectional energy flow. Thorsten explains why the invisible layer of data is critical to enabling renewable energy, flexibility, and resilience in the modern grid, and why utilities can no longer operate without AI. In this episode you’ll learn about: Why the energy transition is no longer theoretical — it’s here and accelerating fast.Why Data infrastructure is as vital as physical infrastructure in building a resilient, sustainable grid.Why utilities need to evolve from management to orchestration, powered by AI.How startups can make a global impact — but sometimes joining a bigger platform scales that impact faster.How the next wave of innovation will come from AI-enabled, decentralised grid intelligence. Chapters 00:00 The Shift to Bidirectional Energy Flow 02:45 The Birth of Greenbird and Its Mission 05:15 Understanding the Data Challenge in Utilities 08:46 The Spaghetti Architecture of Data Integration 11:07 Data's Role in Sustainability and Energy Transition 13:10 AI's Impact on Utilities and Data Foundations 15:31 The Evolution of Energy Data 17:46 Greenbird's Journey to Acquisition 22:40 Integration into GE Vernova and GridOS 26:57 The Current State of the Energy Transition 30:38 AI as a Necessity for Future Grid Management 36:23 Advice for Future Energy Tech Founders About Thorsten Heller Thorsten Heller is Chief Innovation Officer at GE Vernova, where he leads efforts to build the next-generation software portfolio GridOS. He was the founder and CEO of Greenbird, a Norwegian startup that became a global leader in data integration for utilities (Utilihive) and was acquired by GE Vernova in 2023. Thorsten has worked with over 200 utilities worldwide and is a recognised thought leader on digital transformation in the energy sector. Follow Thorsten Heller here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorstenheller/ Follow Tomer Strikovsky here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomerstrik/ Find out more about GE Vernova here: https://www.gevernova.com/ Find out more about ETF Partners here: etfpartners.capital
10/09/2025

Unlocking the Quantum Future with Steve Brierley

Explore the extraordinary potential of quantum computing! In the latest episode of Sustainability Talks, ETF Partners’ Managing Partner Patrick Sheehan sits down with Steve Brierley, CEO & Founder of Riverlane, the world leader in Quantum Error Correction, to explore the extraordinary potential of quantum computing. For decades, quantum computing has felt like science fiction — powerful in theory but always just out of reach. That is beginning to change. As Steve explains, we are entering a new era where quantum computers will soon be able to solve problems that even the world’s most advanced supercomputers cannot. The conversation dives into: Why quantum computing is a radically new capability that can solve problems classical computers cannot How it could revolutionise drug discovery, materials design, and sustainable fertiliser production The role of error correction in making quantum computers commercially viable The huge market potential and environmental impact of this next frontier in technology How geopolitics and innovation are shaping the future of computing and AI As Steve notes, the next few years will be pivotal: the technology is advancing rapidly, investment is scaling, and the race to build a quantum future is intensifying across the globe. This episode paints an inspiring picture of how harnessing the laws of nature at the atomic level could unlock innovations critical to building a more sustainable world. Chapters 00:00 The Foundations of Quantum Mechanics 02:23 Introduction to Quantum Computing 04:10 Understanding Quantum Computing 06:32 The Progress and Future of Quantum Computing 09:39 The Era of Mega-Qubits 11:14 Applications of Quantum Computing 13:49 The Market Potential of Quantum Computing 16:33 Challenges in Quantum Computing 19:42 The Role of Quantum Error Correction 24:59 Current Status and Future Trends in Quantum Computing 30:27 Geopolitical Implications of Quantum Technology 34:51 The Future of Quantum Computing and AI About Steve Brierley Dr. Steve Brierley is founder and CEO of Riverlane, a quantum computing company with a difference. Riverlane is the global leader in what is called quantum error correction. Steve founded Riverlane in 2016 to build the error correction stack for quantum computers. Driven by his conviction that fault-tolerant quantum computers will accelerate human progress, Riverlane partners with leading quantum hardware companies to make that happen sooner. Steve has worked in quantum for over 20 years and is an expert advisor to the UK government. He holds a PhD in quantum information, spent a decade in the intelligence community and worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge leading major research projects in quantum computing. In January 2024, Steve was awarded an OBE for his services to quantum computing. Find out more about Riverlane here: https://www.riverlane.com Follow Steve Brierley HERE Find out more about ETF Partners here: https://etfpartners.capital/

Trailer

Sustainability Talks (Trailer)

The team at ETF Partners presents 'Sustainability Talks', a new series featuring in-depth conversations with influential leaders from across the global sustainability, investment, and startup ecosystems. The podcast examines the biggest challenges and opportunities in delivering sustainable prosperity. Find out more about ETF Partners here: etfpartners.capital Theme music by Lee Olivier Hall. Listen on Spotify

The team at ETF Partners presents 'Sustainability Talks', a new series featuring in-depth conversations with influential leaders from across the global sustainability, investment, and startup ecosystems. The podcast examines the biggest challenges and opportunities in delivering sustainable prosperity.

Creator

ETF Partners
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

41
Rating

Clean
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© ETF Partners
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Sustainability Talks