The Keep Cool Podcast

Nick Van Osdol

Climate tech is constantly evolving. Why? To help solve the most important challenges facing our planet. With so much innovation it’s hard to pick out the companies to watch, and it’s even harder to connect them to the wider climate tech picture. That’s why The Keep Cool Show is here. Join host Nick Van Osdol as he dives deep into the latest technologies shaping climate solution technology, but also zooms out to help investors and anyone working in the industry join the dots and get a broader view of what’s really going on. Every week Nick is joined by a climate tech founder, investor or operator, discussing how they’re working to solve climate change. He’ll join the dots in real time, bringing out the nuances, trends and patterns in the industry. If you’re a climate tech professional already working in the industry, looking for the next big opportunity or simply curious about the space, this is the show for you. Episodes every other Thursday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. 10/09/2025

    E77: Catalyzing individual climate action and agency with Climatize

    Will Wiseman's path to founding Climatize started with a stark realization. When he and a hundred thousand people participated in the 2019 Barcelona climate strikes, he realized there was massive, palpable passion, but not necessarily an actionable channel for everyone to activate afterward. To fill that gap, he and his co-founder got to work building a platform that transforms capital into climate infrastructure. The product, Climatize, is an SEC-registered funding portal that democratizes renewable energy investment by giving everyday investors access to crowdfund community-scale solar and storage projects.  Fast-forward to 2025, and the results validate the thesis: $12M deployed across 26 projects in 12 states, with $3.5M already returned to investors, though past performance does not guarantee future results. Now, the platform is gaining traction and scale; in fact, a battery energy storage project in New York raised $124K in three days on Climatize, with the final $50K snowballing in less than an hour.  And there’s more to the story than just the numbers. Much more, in fact. In discussing the business, energy markets and trends, and the evolution of renewable energy technologies, Nick and Will also zoom out to appreciate the power of identifying and creating new narratives that resonate across diverse stakeholders, including farmers in rural Tennessee and Georgia, and reflect on the power of flywheel dynamics in general to accelerate positive change across society.  To learn more about Climatize and to get $50 towards investing in renewable energy projects, Keep Cool listeners can explore this dedicated landing page and/or use https://climatize.earth/keep-cool code “COOL50” when signing up for Climatize.  For a visual feel, check out videos exploring Climatize’s work in the field, see here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZJmvjw1SwrJIBt1tOrp1g9Nm3FCWTazA Timestamps: 00:01:06 - Introduction of Will Wiseman, CEO of Climatize 00:02:47 - Will Wiseman's Background in Renewable Energy 00:03:42 - The Genesis of Climatize 00:05:07 - The Power of Collective Capital 00:06:14 – Emphasizing the Importance of Individual Agency in Climate Action 00:08:14 - Changes in the Renewable Energy Sector Over the Last Decade 00:13:05 - The Versatility of Renewable Energy Projects 00:17:59 - Empowering Communities Through Renewable Energy Projects 00:18:33 - The Speed and Efficiency of Climatize's Funding Model 00:20:03 - Mechanics of Climatize's Investment Platform 00:22:09 - Climatize's Project Evaluation and Underwriting Process 00:24:15 - Types of Projects Funded by Climatize 00:27:08 - Potential for Global Expansion 00:30:20 - Overcoming Early Platform Challenges 00:31:10 - The Role of AI in Climatize's Operations 00:35:04 - Future Initiatives and Priorities for Climatize 00:36:15 - The Importance of Collective Action and Self-Actualization 00:38:19 - The Flywheel Effect and Future Acceleration 00:39:03 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action Final notes: To keep up with Will and his work, you can follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-wiseman/ Plus, you can stay up to date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/ Thank you so much.

    41 min

  2. 10/02/2025

    E76: Envisioning and building a regenerative future with Maya Poncelet of Una Terra

    On this episode, Nick is joined by Maya Poncelet, Head of Partnerships at Una Terra, an early growth fund investing in the circular economy and other regenerative businesses and technologies. Together, Nick and Maya discuss Una Terra’s growth equity investment theses surrounding the circular economy, what broader systems change accompanies and extends beyond the requisite responses to climate change, and how to work towards a more sustainable, equitable future with those key themes in mind. Further, Maya offers stellar examples of the investment work she’s focused on at Una Terra and grounding reflections on building an impactful career with sustainability at its center. Timestamps: 00:01:13 - Guest Introduction: Maya Poncelet from Una Terra 00:05:05 - Challenges in Traditional Finance and the Need for Systemic Change 00:06:48 - The Club of Rome and New Economic Models 00:07:57 – On Systems Change and Economic Reform Theory 00:10:28 - Using Current Systems to Build Future Systems 00:15:28 – Una Terra's Focus on the Circular Economy 00:19:33 – A Focus on Biodiversity Loss and Its Impact 00:22:16 – Defining and Outlining Investment Opportunities in the Circular Economy 00:26:28 - Recent Developments and Exciting Projects at Una Terra 00:36:48 - Europe's Role in the Climate and Energy Transition 00:40:00 - Optimism for Future Systems and A Rapid Transition Learn more about Maya and Una Terra’s work here: https://unaterra.vc/ Thank you so much. Plus, you can stay up to date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

    46 min

  3. 08/25/2025

    E75: Methane moonshots, catalytic capital, and more with Johanna Wolfson from Azolla Ventures

    Tune is as Nick is joined by Johanna Wolfson, co-founder and General Partner of Azolla Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in breakthroughs that have the potential to avert catastrophic climate change. Together, Nick and Johanna explore Azolla Ventures’ unique approach to combining catalytic capital—philanthropic and risk-tolerant funding designed to prioritize impact over returns—with traditional venture capital to fill critical early-stage gaps left by traditional investors and accelerate innovation in and adoption of climate tech solutions. Johanna also explores how this approach enables her and her team to support “big swings” in climate solutions—including in under-discussed and under-supported areas of technological innovation—by bridging high-risk deployments from ideation and spin-out stages through commercialization, particularly for technologies often considered too risky. Further, they discuss: Urgency and opportunity in methane emissions mitigation: Nick and Johanna reflect on a common appreciation and excitement for opportunities to slow global warming by supporting methane mitigation technologies and approaches, which other investors across climate tech and energy often overlook. Further, Johanna offers a portfolio company example to ground this discussion in tangible terms.Long-termism and adaptability in climate investing: Nick and Johanna iterate on and advocate for a longer-term approach to climate investing, emphasizing planning horizons of 2050 and beyond to foster greater durability across policy shifts and macroeconomic trends. They also emphasize the need for adaptability in response to rapid technological and market changes. Other underserved technological and policy-focused opportunities: Johanna encourages entrepreneurs and funders to review and adjust their theories of change continually and to look globally for “where the action is”—including emerging opportunities in international regulations, such as new global carbon taxes for shipping, stratospheric aerosol injection, and the importance of government research funding in advancing early-stage solutions. Timestamps: 00:01:28 – Introductions and Azolla Ventures' investment strategy 00:05:39 - Portfolio companies: Sublime Systems and lower-carbon cement production 00:10:15 - Role of catalytic capital in climate tech startups formation and scaling 00:11:19 – Portfolio companies: Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals 00:14:25 – The primacy of long-term climate tech investment perspectives 00:16:58 - Current climate tech investment environment across geographies 00:22:36 - Balancing short-term realities with long-term goals 00:25:23 - Methane moonshots and a focus on Biolumic 00:27:24 – Massive opportunities in methane and nitrous oxide mitigation 00:29:02 - Stratospheric aerosol injection and other emerging climate interventions 00:30:30 - Final thoughts and calls to action Learn more about Johanna’s work and Azolla Ventures by following both on LinkedIn and exploring Azolla Ventures’ website and portfolio here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannawolfson/ + https://www.linkedin.com/company/azolla-ventures/ + https://azollaventures.com/ If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcool Plus, you can stay up to date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on...

    34 min

  4. 08/22/2025

    E74: How Energize Capital is bucking fundraising trends and accelerating scalable climate tech businesses, with Managing Partner John Tough

    On this episode, Nick is joined by John Tough, the Managing Partner of Energize Capital, a leading venture capital firm that invests in climate solutions across sectors, including energy and the grid, as well as industrial operations, electrification in mobility, and more. Listen in as Nick and John chart Energize Capital’s journey and break down its investment and portfolio company support strategies. Further, Nick and John discuss the state of climate tech markets in the U.S. and Europe in 2025, make predictions for the coming decades, and home in on positives even as uncertainty abounds with shifting U.S. policy. Further, Nick and John dive into: Technology trends and market dynamics in the energy transition in 2025: Nick and John discuss major shifts in electrification and how climate tech 2.0 differs from cleantech 1.0, including a focus on mass adoption of EVs and related infrastructure, the increasing role of digital tools within traditional energy sectors, and the emergence of V2G technologies in markets like Europe. They also emphasize how cross-market learning can inform strategy and how cost declines in hardware (solar, batteries) create new opportunities for growth and innovation.The role of specialized venture capital and investment strategies in climate tech: Their conversation highlights the importance of specialist investors in the climate tech market, distinguishing Energize Capital’s research-driven and hands-on approach to investing and supporting portfolio companies, the evolution of its funds, and why deep understanding of industry problems—rather than just technologies—is critical for successful investments and scaling businesses.Resilience amidst uncertainty, and longer-term outlook for the climate sector: The podcast also pays significant attention to diagnosing and making prognosis for the unique moment climate tech, both in the U.S. and elsewhere, is in in 2025, with nods to political and financial uncertainty (e.g., policy shifts, interest rates), and the importance of keeping a long-term perspective. The conversation addressed risks related to fundraising and capital allocation, as well as the effects of negative headlines, and offers pragmatic advice for founders and prospective entrepreneurs to prioritize survival and adaptability. Timestamps: 00:01:52 - Introductions 00:02:39 - Announcement of $430 million fundraise 00:03:57 - Growth and trajectory of Energize Capital 00:04:43 - John's background and early career 00:09:03 - Echoes of Cleantech 1.0 in Climate Tech 2.0 00:11:15 - Energize Capital's approach to supporting portfolio companies 00:15:07 - Commoditization trends in core climate technologies 00:16:59 – Energize Capital’s electrify everything focus 00:20:03 - Challenges of marrying consumer behavioral change to climate mitigation 00:23:44 - Geographic diversity in climate tech investments 00:26:39 - Navigating uncertainty in the U.S. markets 00:29:43 - Record energy demand as a catalyst for innovation 00:31:11 – A focus on positive developments in climate tech 00:31:38 - Upgrading the electricity grid for resilience 00:34:57 - Importance of a complete perspective on the climate capital stack 00:36:21 - Advice for founders and climate curious individuals alike 00:38:07 - Highlighting Energize Capital portfolio companies Learn more about John’s work and Energize Capital by following both on LinkedIn and exploring Energize Capital’s website and portfolio here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energize-cap + https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjtough/ + a...

    43 min

  5. 08/21/2025

    E73: New venture capital for differentiated climate adaptation, with Darren Clifford, Founder and Managing Partner at Adapt[us] Capital

    Listen in as Nick is joined by Darren Clifford, the Founder of Adapt [us] Capital, a new venture capital fund and venture builder focused on investing and building companies at the intersection of climate adaptation and scalable, profitable businesses. In this episode, Nick and Darren discuss how the climate change, climate investment, and climate mitigation “moment” in 2025 requires new conversations, narratives, and solutions, including more focus on and concerted capital allocation to promoting adaptation-focused efforts alongside other mitigation strategies and innovation. Nick and Darren also explore: Demand Adaptation vs. Resilience Adaptation: Drawing distinctions between "demand adaptation" (businesses and technologies that profitably fulfill emerging needs in a warming world, like air conditioning, cold supply chains, and climate-resilient vacation options) and "resilience adaptation" (efforts to avert loss, price risk, and enhance society’s coping mechanisms).Getting creative on narrative reframes: Darren and Nick reframe prevailing climate narratives, such as "net zero," advocating instead for optimizing humanity’s overall quality of life and letting go of concepts and targets that no longer serve. They also discuss the need to balance environmental priorities with social connectivity, economic opportunity, resilient infrastructure, and many other components that ladder up to well-being, recognizing that trade-offs between maximum sustainability and human quality of life are often unavoidable, if not necessary.Venture capital’s role in scaling adaptation: Nick prompts Darren to answer the “why venture” question, particularly with respect to how venture capital can support a more focused approach to, resource allocation for, and successful scaling of adaptation-focused businesses. This conversation also explores business model innovation, anticipated market sizes for climate adaptation solutions, and the evolving nature of deal flow in the digital and AI-powered world. … and much more. Timestamps: 00:01:37 - Introductions 00:05:41 – Distinguishing between demand adaptation and resilience adaptation 00:09:25 – Reframing outdated climate narratives like net zero 00:15:02 - Sustainability and human quality of life: intersections and trade offs 00:26:03 - Fund launch and investment strategy 00:28:12 - Market opportunities in demand-driven adaptation 00:36:05 - The future of demand-driven adaptation Learn more about Darren’s work and keep up to date with Adapt [us] Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adapt-us-capital/ + https://www.linkedin.com/in/djclif/ If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcool Thank you so much. Plus, you can stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://subscribe.keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

    45 min

  6. 02/24/2025

    *SYNDICATED EPISODE* - More efficient EVs, from the powertrain up with Scalvy

    𖥔 Note 𖥔 This is a syndicated podcast from the Climate Capital Podcast, which Nick hosted. Nick also works at Climate Capital. You'll find the format very similar to past Keep Cool podcast content - hope you enjoy! Follow the Climate Capital Podcast in general here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cc-pod/id1709396247 Nick will host episodes over there more often & syndicate some here on Keep Cool's podcast. // 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 also focuses 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. To learn more about Scalvy, visit http://www.scalvy.com/.

    35 min

  7. 10/31/2024

    *LIVE SHOW* E71: Scaling highly versatile biogas tech, with Stephan Herrmann, CEO of Reverion, and Sebastian Heitmann, Co-Founder and Partner at Extantia Capital.

    Description: Stephan Herrmann, Co-founder & CEO of Reverion, and Sebastian Heitmann, Co-Founder and Partner at Extantia Capital—an investor in deep decarbonization technologies—joined Nick for a live discussion in New York City to explore breakthroughs in Reverion’s biogas energy technologies and discuss the state of energy and climate tech in general across the world. Reverion is redefining biogas, enabling up to 5x revenue additions for biogas plant operators by converting excess renewable energy into green gas, all while enhancing grid stability. In this episode, the trio discusses the following: Biogas Tech Evolution: Biogas has evolved beyond traditional combustion engines, with Reverion integrating fuel cells and electrolysis to maximize efficiencies. Reverion’s tech enables biogas plants to operate when renewable power is scarce and then flip on a dime to produce green methane when there’s an excess of renewable power, transforming downtime into additional revenue and benefits for other stakeholders from the plant to the grid.The Role of Biogas in a Decentralized Grid: As power grids shift to include more intermittent sources like wind and solar, biogas offers dispatchable energy that can balance grid demands. Stephan and Sebastian explain the unique benefits of Reverion’s solution and how it can help meet the needs of modern, dynamic energy systems.Market Fit and Commercialization: Stephan shares his journey from PhD research to piloting the first plants and securing customer interest across Europe and beyond. Reverion is now poised to expand across markets, including the U.S., where biogas remains an underutilized resource.Diverse Climate Impact and Benefits: Reverion’s systems offer not just power but pure CO₂ streams for carbon capture and utilization. This positions it as part of the bioenergy ecosystem alongside solutions like biogas carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Versatility is a crucial strategy for business building or climate outcomes, like reducing carbon dioxide and methane emissions and producing dispatchable clean energy for a resilient power grid.Broader Climate Tech Landscape: Nick and the guests wrap up with a discussion on geothermal, carbon capture, geological hydrogen, and much more, including the macroeconomic environment and the outlook for energy and climate tech solutions. Listen in for insights on balancing innovation, energy demands, a changing world, and expanding climate solutions globally. Timestamps: 00:02:07 - Live Podcast from Climate Week NYC 00:03:07 - Guest Introductions 00:04:14 - Stephan's Journey to Reverian 00:07:35 - Extantia Capital 00:10:12 - Technical Overview of Fuel Cells 00:13:41 - Market Applications of Fuel Cells 00:16:59 - Summary of Energy Grid Transition 00:20:10 - Introduction to Biogas 00:24:20 - Importance of Methane Emissions 00:25:50 - Reversion’s Commercialization Journey 00:28:00 - Technical Components of Reverian's System 00:33:35 - Hydrogen and Methane Production 00:36:39 - Series A Fundraising 00:39:44 - Audience Q&A: Logistics and Transportation 00:45:08 - Audience Q&A: Ideal Customer Locations 00:46:26 - Audience Q&A: Efficiency Comparison 00:48:18 - Audience Q&A: Green Ammonia Production Learn more about Reverion here: https://reverion.com/ …and Extantia Capital here: https://extantia.com/ If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: a href="https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcool"...

    1h 1m

  8. 08/19/2024

    E70: Making greener steel at significant scale with Tim Hill of Nucor

    Description: Nick is joined by Tim Hill, the General Manager of Sustainability Solutions for Nucor Corporation. Nucor is the largest steel producer and recycler in North America. Plus, Nucor produces steel via a larger circular and electricity-powered process; their steel uses recycled scrap and is made in electric arc furnaces (EAF) instead of blast and basic oxygen furnaces (BF/BOF). This makes Nucor not just one of the largest steel producers in the world, but a leader in steel decarbonization. Whereas green steel is often something that’s referred to as a future possibility, much greener steel is already available domestically today. In addition to these points, Nick and Tim discuss the following…: Misconceptions about ‘hard to abate’: A necessary reframe for the fact that steel is often seen as a ‘hard to abate’ sector, given that Nucor already offers steel that In comparison, emits only 0.77* tons of CO2 per ton of steel produced for Scopes 1-3. That’s less than one third the GHG intensity of BF-BOF steelmaking (Worldsteel).Additional decarbonization: There are many areas where Nucor can achieve additional emissions reductions along their supply chain, including in sourcing renewable and cleaner power. This is an area where Nucor is leading the market with numerous technological partnerships. Global leadership: How can Nucor’s expertise in greener steel manufacturing spread to the rest of the world? There’s a lot of work to do to decarbonize steel; Nucor finds itself in a powerful leadership position, not just to export greener steel to markets globally, but to shape and influence how the entire world approaches decarbonization. … and much more! Timestamps: 00:02:17 - Guest Introduction: Tim's Career at Nucor 00:04:47 - Nucor's Enterprise Strategy and Decarbonization 00:05:08 - Common Misconceptions About U.S. Steel Industry 00:07:08 - Nucor's Leadership in Steel Recycling 00:11:19 - U.S. vs. Global Steel Production Methods 00:14:17 - Nucor's CO2 Emissions Compared to Global Averages 00:17:06 - History of Nucor's Decarbonization Journey 00:21:46 - Market Evolution and Customer Demand 00:25:56 - Catalytic Demand for Clean Energy 00:28:12 - Decarbonizing Remaining Emissions 00:31:05 - Investments in Fusion and Hydrogen Technologies 00:34:42 - Policy and Regulatory Frameworks 00:38:39 - Opportunities for Nucor in Global Markets 00:42:26 - Broader Climate and Energy Topics Learn more about Nucor and their sustainability efforts here: https://nucor.com/sustainability If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcool Thank you so much. Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

    49 min
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About

Climate tech is constantly evolving. Why? To help solve the most important challenges facing our planet. With so much innovation it’s hard to pick out the companies to watch, and it’s even harder to connect them to the wider climate tech picture. That’s why The Keep Cool Show is here. Join host Nick Van Osdol as he dives deep into the latest technologies shaping climate solution technology, but also zooms out to help investors and anyone working in the industry join the dots and get a broader view of what’s really going on. Every week Nick is joined by a climate tech founder, investor or operator, discussing how they’re working to solve climate change. He’ll join the dots in real time, bringing out the nuances, trends and patterns in the industry. If you’re a climate tech professional already working in the industry, looking for the next big opportunity or simply curious about the space, this is the show for you. Episodes every other Thursday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Van Osdol
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 Nick Van Osdol
  • Show Website
    The Keep Cool Podcast