S10E4: Art Basel Miami Rewind: An Interview with Daniel Betts, CEO of Blue Frontier, and Tosh Ernest, Head of SVB Catalyst 2045 [LIVE]

This week, we are excited to return with another LIVE rendition of The Room Podcast! Last December Madison and Claudia traveled down to Miami for Art Basel to sit down live with some incredible guests. We are joined by Daniel Betts, founder of Blue Frontier Labs, and Tosh Ernest, Head of SVB Catalyst 2045, a new program started by SVB to further support under-represented founders across every industry. 

In this episode, we delve into Daniel's early career in the energy sector, where he recognized the pressing need for efficient air conditioning solutions. From merging fuel cell technology to founding Blue Frontier Labs, explore the intersection of digital and physical solutions in the cleantech space as Daniel shares his vision for a sustainable future and the transformative impact of investing in cleantech companies. 

Plus, Tosh discusses the importance of founders forging strong banking relationships, such as SVB’s partnership with Daniel, to support startups through various stages of growth. Discover how SVB Catalyst 2045 empowers underrepresented founders and drives innovation in emerging segments, reshaping the entrepreneurship landscape.

This week's episode covers topics such as Blue Frontier’s innovative approach to air conditioning, the value of strong banking relationships, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.

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8:16 - Where did Daniel grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
9:26 - Did Daniel always think she was going to become a founder?
10:42 - Why did Daniel turn his attention to the energy problem space?
12:13 - How did Daniel’s prior work experience lead him to founding Blue Frontier?
15:17 - What was the initial product that Daniel and Blue Frontier launched?
17:46 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Blue Frontier?
19:13 - How is SVB uniquely positioned to best service founders like Daniel as they tackle big problems and start their journey of building the next big thing?
23:01 - Why is it important for founders to have strong relationships with their banking partners?
24:44 - Why has Daniel’s relationship with SVB been so important to the success of Blue Frontier?
26:32 - How does SVB help founders from inception to IPO and everything in between?
28:39 - What was Daniel’s go-to-market strategy with Blue Frontier?
31:07 - What advice would Daniel give other founders in the advanced energy technology space?
35:22 - Why is Daniel excited about Cleantech?
38:29 - What is SVB Catalyst 2045?
41:34 - What are some upcoming exciting projects coming from Catalyst 2045?
43:25 - Who is a woman in Tosh’s life that has had a profound impact on her and her career?
46:26 - Who is a woman in Daniel’s life that has had a profound impact on him and his career?

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