Inevitable

Brandon Hurlbut, our guest on this episode, wears multiple hats. He's co-founder at Boundary Stone Partners, a climate change focused government affairs firm created in 2013 that operates at the intersection of technology, finance, and policy.He's also co-founder of Overture, an early stage climate tech venture capital firm that recently announced a $60 million debut fund, and he is an operating partner at NGP, a private equity fund focused on energy with billions of dollars under management. Among other activities, Brandon also serves on the board of directors of the Sunrise Movement, The Solutions Project, co-founded by Mark Ruffalo, and Clean Energy for America.Before this, Brandon served in the Obama administration as US Department of Energy Chief of Staff, and in the White House as the president's liaison to the energy and environment cabinet agencies. At the DOE, Brandon oversaw day-to-day operations of a federal agency with a $29 billion budget and a 115,000 person workforce. He also served on the investment committee for its $38 billion Clean Energy Fund. Cody and Brandon discuss the intersection of policy and innovation, including what his work at Boundary Stone entails and the types of problems they help companies navigate. They also delve into the 2024 US election, including what's at stake from a climate change perspective in the presidential, House, and Senate elections. In this episode, we cover: [03:10]: Brandon's unified approach to merging technology, finance, and policy to combat climate change[05:22]: Involvement with the Sunrise Movement and The Solutions Project[09:52]: Transition from the Obama campaign to significant roles in energy and environment[14:08]: The genesis and evolution of Boundary Stone[21:14]: The varied advocacy work Boundary Stone undertakes to connect startups with government opportunities[30:31]: The high stakes of the 2024 US election for climate policy and innovation[34:42]: Potential climate policy directions and challenges in a post-2024 election landscape[40:27]: Ramifications of a potential 2024 Trump win on climate initiatives[43:53]: The role of Senate and House elections in shaping climate policy and legislation[46:13]: The bipartisan appeal of hydrogen, geothermal, and permitting reform in energy policy[50:38]: Brandon’s advice for getting involved ahead of the 2024 elections and beyond, including Climate Cabinet and Climate PowerEpisode recorded on Mar 1, 2024 (Published on Mar 18, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Kim Stanley Robinson, renowned science fiction author, is our guest on this episode of MCJ. He is the author of the Ministry for the Future, a novel which outlines humanity's attempts to navigate climate change in the coming decades.Former President Barack Obama named the Ministry for the Future as one of his favorite books of 2020. The work has been cited by numerous entrepreneurs and builders in the MCJ member community as having had a significant impact on their interest in working on climate and decarbonization solutions. The subject of climate change shows up in many of Kim Stanley Robinson's works from his Mars trilogy, written in the 1990s about humans terraforming Mars, to his science in the capital Series from the mid 2000s, to his 2017 novel, New York 2140, which is set in a Lower Manhattan that is submerged due to sea level rise.And it shows up in many of his other works as well. Stan, as he goes by, has won numerous awards including the Hugo Award for best novel for both Green Mars and Blue Mars, and the Nebula Award for best novel for Red Mars and his book 2312. The Atlantic has called his work the gold standard of realistic and highly literary science fiction writing. And according to an article in the New Yorker, he is generally acknowledged as one of the greatest living science fiction writers. Stan and Cody have a wide-ranging conversation about his relationship with nature, his views on capitalism, society, government and technology, and of course his writings and his views on climate change and the path ahead for us all.In this episode, we cover: [03:04]: Stan's early life, finding solace in nature on the California coast[06:40]: Writing "The High Sierra: A Love Story" during the pandemic[08:57]: Noticing climate change impacts in the Sierra Nevada[12:08]: Climate change awareness sparked by a 1995 trip to Antarctica[14:13]: Mixing dread and hope in climate change discussions[17:36]: Viewing technology as both hardware and software[21:19]: Critiquing capitalism's role in power dynamics[26:58]: Majority's desire for a sustainable world despite hurdles[28:00]: Individual actions within broader societal efforts[30:14]: Civil disobedience as a response to failed representation[34:18]: The UN and other international governance's role in global challenges[39:18]: The potential of international treaties in climate action[42:11]: The concept of sudden societal change in climate action[48:06]: Ministry for the Future and "following the money" in climate change narratives[55:59]: Overview of Stan's works and current projects on AntarcticaEpisode recorded on Feb 7, 2024 (Published on Mar 11, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Subodh Kulkarni is CEO and President at Rigetti Computing, and our topic in this episode is quantum computing and its implications for our changing planet. Rigetti Computing, a publicly listed company, builds quantum computers and superconducting quantum processors. It also provides cloud-based access to quantum computing for both commercial and research purposes. Quantum computing, a field rooted in theoretical physics, is complex and involves the use of quantum bits or qubits, which differ from binary computing's zeros and ones. As the world's computing demand continues to soar with AI and data centers consuming vast amounts of energy, AI also has the potential to unlock climate change solutions through innovations in biotech, advanced energy, planetary modeling, and more. We wanted to learn from Subodh about how quantum computing might change the game in all of these areas as it matures. Is it possible that quantum computing is an enormous future climate solution? Let's find out. In this episode, we cover: [02:39]: Subodh’s background and joining Rigetti as CEO[05:26]: Basics of quantum computing versus classical computing[09:19]: Introduction to the subatomic world[11:46]: Physicality of a quantum computer [15:01]: Rigetti's business model: cloud access and on-premise quantum computers[17:06]: Qubit development and the potential to follow Moore's law[18:02]: The power requirements of maintaining a hyper-cold environment for quantum computing[20:02]: Quantum computing's potential to reduce data center energy consumption[24:25]: Quantum's strength in probabilistic versus deterministic computation[29:26]: Rigetti's involvement in DOE’s fusion project[30:59]: Predictions for quantum computing advancements in the next 10 years[33:45]: How quantum computing can bolster artificial intelligence[36:18]: Current state of quantum computing and near-term inflection points[37:16]: Initial use cases for quantum computing, Rigetti’s commercialization strategies, and government funding[41:08]: Collaborative projects with major financial and pharmaceutical companies[42:12]: Potential applications in weather modeling and synthetic biologyEpisode recorded on Jan 23, 2024 (Published on Mar 4, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Eric Letvin serves as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s deputy assistant administrator for mitigation. Eric directs FEMA's pre and post-disaster mitigation programs that support sustainable disaster resilient communities to avoid or reduce the loss of life, property and financial impacts of natural hazards. We talk about Eric's career journey, a brief history of FEMA and what the agency does before, during, and after natural hazards or disasters. We emphasize the importance of pre-disaster mitigation alongside talking about a new tranche of funding from the Infrastructure Bill going to support the work here.In this episode, we cover: [01:37]: Eric's role at FEMA and career path from engineering to hazard mitigation[03:43]: FEMA's inception, evolution, and mission within DHS[05:35]: Hazard mitigation vs. resilience outcomes[06:29]: FEMA's expanded role in non-natural disaster management[09:05]: Pre and post-disaster flood mitigation strategies and grant programs[11:38]: Wildfire mitigation efforts and challenges amplified by climate change[14:55]: FEMA's operational structure and budgeting for disaster relief and mitigation[17:06]: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for resilience efforts[19:03]: Examples of funded projects in disadvantaged communities[20:17]: The significance of FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance program in the face of climate change[22:56]: Advances in flood mapping technology and risk communication[24:40]: Challenges in modeling wildfire risk and the dynamic nature of wildfire hazards[26:34]: The importance of building codes in disaster readiness[28:59]: The shift towards prioritizing pre-disaster mitigation funding[30:00]: Lessons from past disasters on the value of proactive mitigationResources mentioned:The Fifth National Climate AssessmentWildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission ReportEpisode recorded on Nov 16, 2023 (Published on Feb 29, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Dr. Britt Wray is a science communicator and the author of two books. Her latest is Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety, which is a national bestseller. Dr. Wray is also the director of CIRCLE (Community-minded Interventions for Resilience, Climate Leadership, and Emotional wellbeing) at Stanford Psychiatry, a research and action initiative in the Stanford School of Medicine. Her first book, the Rise of the Necrofauna: The Science, Ethics, and Risks of De-Extinction was named a best book of 2017 by the New Yorker. She most recently is a top award winner of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, which was bestowed upon her by the National Academies in partnership with Schmidt Futures.Climate change evokes a myriad of emotions unique to each individual. It can stir outrage in some, sadness in others, a sense of helplessness for some, and dread for the future in others. There is no universally right or wrong reaction, as our responses are shaped by our distinct relationships with the world and the diverse circumstances in which we live. The perception of climate change varies; for some, it may feel abstract, while for others, the impacts are undeniably profound and far-reaching.But as Dr. Wray points out, we know that climate change as we are experiencing it is anthropogenic, meaning it's the result of human behavior. And yet so little has been studied about the human behavioral response to climate change. How do we individually and collectively feel about climate change, and what do those feelings drive us to do? This is the sweet spot of Britt's work.In this episode, we cover: An overview of Dr. Wray's research on climate distressHer work as the Director of CIRCLE (Community-minded Interventions for Resilience, Climate Leadership, and Emotional Wellbeing) at Stanford PsychiatryAn overview of climate anxiety and its impact on peopleThe concept of solastalgia and broken record, record breakingThe importance of community and social connections in addressing climate anxietyThe need for evaluation and evidence-based interventions for climate anxietyIncluding behavioralists and psychologists when addressing climate changeThe potential role of guilt in motivating action on climate changeThe impact of climate change on reproductive decisions and parentingDr. Wray's book and newsletterThe importance of open and vulnerable conversations about climate changeEpisode recorded on Jan 29, 2024 (Published on Feb 26, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

On this episode of My Climate Journey, we have two guests: Susan Schofer and Po Bronson.Susan is partner at SOSV and Chief Science Officer at Hax, which is SOSV's initiative around hard tech. She has a PhD in chemistry from Caltech, and most recently spent eight years at Modern Meadow, a growth stage startup in the bio leather space.Po is general partner at SOSV, and managing director of IndieBio, which is SOSV's initiative around biotech. Po has written seven New York Times bestsellers, and has won nine national awards for science journalism.Cody and our guests cover Susan and Po's backgrounds, the challenges in evaluating material science startups, their journeys from academia and the food industry, and early-stage deep tech investment models. They also discuss business economics in material science startups, scaling challenges, sustainable sourcing, and the potential and limitations of synthetic biology in the context of material science startups.In this episode, we cover: [02:01]: Susan and Po’s roles at SOSV[03:08]: The complexity of evaluating material science startups[04:49]: Susan's journey from chemistry academia to industry[07:13]: Po's transition from the food industry and writing to IndieBio[09:12]: Comparing Hax's and IndieBio's methodologies within SOSV[11:54]: SOSV's early-stage deep tech investment model[14:46]: Business economics in material science startups[17:11]: Unmet needs and sustainable sourcing in materials[19:48]: The critical role of performance in bio-based materials[22:22]: Scaling challenges in sustainable startups[24:08]: “Pure” vs. blended materials[30:54]: Scaling issues faced by bioleather companies[34:35]: Trends in the plastics space and circularity[37:15]: Challenges in the cosmetics and skincare industry[41:47]: Defining terms “biomanufacturing,” “bioeconomy,” and “synthetic biology”[45:07]: Challenges in biology vs. chemistry[51:35]: Susan and Po’s advice for foundersEpisode recorded on Jan 16, 2024 (Published on Feb 20, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Dan Yates is the CEO and Chairman of Dandelion Energy, a Series B Stage startup deploying solutions for residential geothermal energy. As Dan explains it, residential geothermal distinguishes itself from utility-scale geothermal by not aiming to exploit a scarce, underground heat source for electricity generation through turbines. Instead, the process involves circulating an aqueous solution through a closed loop underground. This allows the system to harness the stable temperature of the soil beneath and employ it for both heating and cooling functions in a residential ground source heat pump. Essentially, residential geothermal aligns with the trajectory of residential HVAC heat pump adoption, serving as a means to maintain a dependable and efficient temperature for optimal heat pump performance.Dan is a repeat guest on My Climate Journey. He joined Jason way back on Episode 7 to recount his journey as the Co-founder and the CEO of Opower. Dandelion's Co-founder, Kathy Hannun, was also on the pod way back on Episode 35. A lot has changed in that time. In today's conversation, we touch a bit on Dan's Opower journey, but most of the time is spent on Dandelion and geothermal. We also cover Dandelion's current geographic focus areas, the technologies it has developed, how they operate the company, the business model, the recent tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and other legislation that have benefited the company, and so much more.In this episode, we cover: Dandelion's mission to bring residential geothermal to scaleDan's experience at Opower and its thesis Difference between residential geothermal and utility-scale How residential geothermal works and its benefitsDandelion's closed-loop solution Geographic focus areas of Dandelion Energy The company's heat pump technology Recent tax incentives for geothermal energyAn overview of Dandelion's operations The company's business model and funding to date Dandelion's biggest challenges and barriers to growthEstimated cost breakdown for homeowners looking to switch to geothermal with DandelionCareer opportunities with Dandelion and how folks can spread the word about geothermalEpisode recorded on Jan 18, 2024 (Published on Feb 15, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Today’s guests are Dr. Melissa Burt and Dr. Emily Fischer, who are part of a group called the Science Moms. The Science Moms are a consortium of climate scientists who are also mothers and who are, in their words, working to give our children the planet they deserve. They aim to demystify climate science and motivate everyday moms to demand climate change plans and solutions.Dr. Burt is an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University with a focus on arctic clouds, radiation and sea ice, and the assistant dean for diversity and inclusion in the school's Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. Dr. Fischer is an associate professor also in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. She also serves as an affiliate faculty member for the CSU School of Global Environmental Sustainability.A few months ago, we took to social media to see who could talk more about kids and climate change. The Science Moms were recommended by a huge number of folks that we know and trust. So here we are. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:36] Background of Dr. Melissa Burt and Dr. Emily Fischer[7:26] An overview of the Science Moms [9:01] Concerns parents have when talking to kids about climate change[10:47] How to engage kids of different ages on climate [16:39] How to feel confident in discussing climate change without being an expert[20:09] Political implications of discussing climate change[27:31] Myth vs. fact about climate change[29:41] Examples of collective action for parents and kids[33:41] Resources for learning more about Science MomsEpisode recorded on Feb 5, 2024 (Published on Feb 12, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Prakash Govindan is COO and Co-founder at Gradiant. Gradiant is a Series D stage company that develops technology for industrial wastewater treatment. They work with Fortune 500 clients across a range of industries, including semiconductor fabrication, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, and more, to help them reuse water in their operations.Prakash discusses his background, experiences with water scarcity during his childhood in India, how he met his co-founder during his doctoral work at MIT, how the company started, and the problem of industrial wastewater today. Cody and Prakash talk about some of the different industries and use cases that Gradiant serves, a bit about how their technology works, and how their business model is structured.As Prakash says in the conversation, water is one of the primary interfaces through which the world will experience climate change, whether through drought or flood. The more we can do to manage our water supply, the better off we will be. In this episode, we cover: [02:35]: Prakash's early experiences with water scarcity in India[04:09]: Gradiant becoming the water industry's only unicorn[10:21]: How climate change primarily impacts society through water[11:52]: Gradiant's role in closing the loop on industrial wastewater[18:25]: The challenges of industrial vs. municipal wastewater treatment[22:22]: Gradiant's bespoke water treatment solutions for the pharmaceutical industry[26:17]: The company’s involvement in direct lithium extraction and production processes[30:52]: The importance of seawater desalination and minimizing brine discharge[38:03]: How Gradiant collaborates with semiconductor clients under the CHIPS Act[41:50]: Gradiant's approach to extracting valuable byproducts from waste[45:06]: Early funding for Gradiant from high net-worth individuals and family offices[46:01]: Gradiant's revenue and backlog growth, anticipating future financial milestones[48:38]: The story behind the company name, Gradiant with an “A” instead of an “E”Episode recorded on Jan 5, 2024 (Published on Feb 8, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Ben Hubbard is CEO and Co-founder at Nexus PMG, an infrastructure advisory and project development organization dedicated to reducing carbon intensity and enhancing resource efficiency. Ben co-founded Nexus PMG in 2013 after multiple years of working on complex metal refining facilities in locations including Mongolia and Saudi Arabia.In this episode, Cody and Ben cover how Nexus PMG got started, what key risks the firm explores when assessing a project for development capital, Ben's advice for infrastructure-heavy startups as they scale, and how he sees the next five years of infrastructure deployment playing out. And they cover a whole lot in between, including the criticality of feedstocks, the role of insurance, opportunities for private equity, and first-of-a-kind project finance.In this episode, we cover: [01:56]: Ben's early mining experience in extreme climates during the 2007 recession[05:24]: Nexus PMG's founding story[11:51]: Abandoning all fossil-fuel projects and full transition to low-carbon focus[17:01]: Observations on declining investment returns in wind and solar projects[20:39]: Challenges in variability and quality of sustainable materials[27:15]: Turnaround of a distressed biomass plant in British Columbia[30:08]: Launch of Nexus Development Capital for scaling businesses[36:04]: Recent shifts from strategics investing to meet ESG goals[38:17]: Why team dynamics are critical to project success[42:50]: Trend forecasting in sustainable projects: hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels[46:01]: Ben’s optimism about capital deployment in the next decadeEpisode recorded on Jan 8, 2024 (Published on Feb 5, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Roy Mittleider is the director of training for CalCERTS. CalCERTS is one of California's Home Energy Rating System providers (or HERS), which is an acronym we use a lot in this episode. They operate in the state under the conditional approval of the California Energy Commission, or the CEC. CalCERTS provides specialized HERS training and certification, performs quality assurance on all HERS Raters they certify, and maintains an online data registry of permits and records of energy efficiency work for each home in California. In this episode, we deep dive into what a HERS rater does, who they work with, what their training is like, and what career paths they can take. We also talk about different types of energy specifications a structure needs to meet in order to be up to the latest energy code. And we end with talking about the role that technology can play in optimizing the workflow in the home energy efficiency auditing space.In this episode, we cover: Introduction to CalCERTS and the Home Energy Rating System (HERS)History of the HERS industry and its development in CaliforniaCompliance rating and verification process for existing homes and new constructionEnergy specifications and standards for buildings in CaliforniaThe importance of air sealing and insulation in home energy efficiency The role of technology in optimizing workflow and improving efficiency in home energy efficiency auditingCareer paths and opportunities for HERS ratersImportance of data registry and record-keeping for energy efficiency work in CaliforniaPotential for technology to improve data transfer, streamline paperwork, and enhance the HERS rating processEpisode recorded on Aug 17, 2023 (Published on Nov 2, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Dr. Denise Baden is Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Southampton and founder of Green Stories. At Green Stories, Dr. Baden has run 16 writing competitions since 2018, focused around sustainability and storytelling. She is herself also the author of multiple eco-fiction novels, including Habitat Man and is the editor of a collection of short stories called No More Fairy Tales: Stories to Save Our Planet. She's working with BAFTA, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, on a project about the role of screenwriters in consumer culture. And she's co-created the #ClimateCharacters campaign with them to highlight TV and movie characters who take on climate positive lifestyle behaviors.Dr. Baden and Cody have a wide-ranging conversation about the role of storytelling as a lever for climate action, her work in researching how characters who demonstrate positive behaviors tend to drive better outcomes than fear mongering via disaster scenarios, and how the climate attitudes amongst her students have changed during her time in academia. In this episode, we cover: [02:37]: Dr. Baden's realization about the impact of storytelling while teaching ethics[04:35]: Her findings on the impact of positive vs. negative storytelling[09:50]: The concept of Thrutopias and Dr. Baden’s Green Stories competitions[12:31]: #ClimateCharacters collaboration with BAFTAs[17:35]: How fictional narratives shape subconscious value adoption[19:01]: Concerns about dystopian themes in climate storytelling[22:54]: The role of humor in climate-related storytelling[26:33]: Promoting sustainability through Green Stories competitions[31:25]: Personal carbon allowances for sustainable behaviors[34:00]: Positioning climate change stories for broader audience engagement[37:50]: Techniques for making climate change stories broadly engaging[41:59]: Leveraging existing movements like minimalism and other trends[45:12]: How climate attitudes amongst students have changed over timeEpisode recorded on Jan 4, 2024 (Published on Jan 29, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Sarah Lamaison is the CEO and Co-founder of Dioxycle. Dioxycle is developing technology to produce sustainable ethylene from recycled carbon emissions. Ethylene is the world's most used organic chemical and it's a precursor to many everyday products including construction materials, plastics, and textile fibers. Indeed, it's a core feedstock for polyester.Ethylene is also an enormous market at well over $100 billion. We were excited to learn from Sarah about Dioxycle as an example of a startup leveraging electrolysis to convert electricity, water, and carbon emissions into low carbon chemicals. Dioxycle announced a Series A of financing earlier this year with investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale. In this episode, we cover: [02:00]: An overview of Dioxycle[04:37]: Sarah's background in CO2 electrolysis[06:41]: Ethylene's role in everyday products, including polyester fabrics [11:02]: Dioxycle's novel carbon electrolysis technology for converting emissions into ethylene[17:53]: The challenge of decarbonizing ethylene's embedded emissions[23:14]: Dioxycle's goal of cost-competitive production below fossil prices[25:24]: Current trends and challenges in sustainable ethylene production[28:26]: The need for renewable power sources for Dioxycle's electrolysis process[30:19]: Dioxycle's focus on deploying an industrial pilot and team expansion[33:49]: Key global centers for ethylene production[34:36]: Dioxycle's vision as a trusted tech provider in emissions recyclingEpisode recorded on Dec 14, 2023 (Published on Jan 25, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Bruce Niven is the Head of Strategic Venturing at Aramco Ventures. Aramco Ventures is the corporate venturing arm of Aramco, a world-leading integrated energy and chemicals company. As of 2022, it was the second-largest company in the world by revenue. It also has both the world's second-largest proven crude oil reserves at more than 270 billion barrels and largest daily oil production of all oil producing companies. Bruce joined Aramco Ventures 11 years ago to build the corporate venture program. He led the design of its first $500 million fund and has since expanded to include three funds totaling 3 billion in assets under management. The venture unit has done close to 200 transactions, deployed more than 30 technologies, and have three exits. Late last year, it launched a $1.5 billion sustainability fund that Bruce manages. Jason and Bruce have a great discussion about Aramco's history and future, plus Bruce's personal venture journey. We talk about Aramco Ventures, what they look for in investments, how they think about strategic fit versus returns, the types of technologies that Bruce and Aramco Ventures find exciting, and what founders might expect from working with Aramco post-investment. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [3:31] Overview of Aramco and Aramco Ventures[6:18] Bruce's personal journey and background in venture capital[8:42] Aramco Ventures' investment focus and priorities[10:31] The role of fossil fuels in past, present, and future energy systems[14:22] The importance of energy abundance and the transition to cleaner technologies[21:54] Aramco's priorities in the energy transition and the role of venture in fulfilling its objectives [23:30] Aramco Ventures' interest in disruptive technologies[28:15] Strategic fit versus returns in Aramco Ventures' investment decisions[30:52] Aramco's role in the capital gap for early-stage startups and the need for project financing[39:34] Addressing concerns and criticisms of the oil and gas industry[42:28] The need for a mature accounting system for measuring emissions and the challenges in the current regulatory environment[46:47] Ways for listeners to engage with Aramco VenturesEpisode recorded on Nov 29, 2023 (Published on Jan 24, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Scott Gale is Executive Director at Halliburton Labs. Halliburton is a complex company. It’s a 100-year-old oil field services giant, known for its extensive fracking operations and infrastructure expertise in the oil and gas sector. It is not an oil and gas distributor like Chevron or Exxon, but it is a powerhouse nonetheless. With their Halliburton Labs program, Scott and team are actively investing in and supporting the innovation ecosystem around clean energy and climate tech. They specifically focus on technologies that are outside the purview of Halliburton's core businesses.Cody and Scott attempt to address all of this. The conversation covers Halliburton Labs' startup collaborations, the interplay between its core business and these ventures, Scott's views on Halliburton's past controversies, hydrocarbons' economic role, and the energy transition's trajectory. They conclude with reflections on Houston's evolving innovation ecosystem.In this episode, we cover: [04:00]: Scott's role and the founding of Halliburton Labs in 2020[05:18]: Halliburton Labs supporting diverse energy sector startups[07:01]: Unique engagement and equity model with startups at Halliburton Labs[09:00]: Strategic differences between Halliburton Labs and typical corporate venture[11:36]: Halliburton Labs' approach to IP rights and founder-centric model[13:10]: Halliburton Labs' stance on supporting geothermal energy startups[14:06]: Scott's vision of a diverse future energy system[17:47]: The strategic origins of Halliburton Labs[22:18]: Scott's perspective on Halliburton's evolution and its impact[27:11]: The difficulty of eliminating industries in energy transition[33:18]: The balance of cost, reliability, and sustainability in energy systems[36:19]: Scott's outlook on the oil and gas sector's future[39:28]: Challenges of reliability in transitioning to renewable energy[41:56]: Various technologies' roles in the future energy landscape[44:17]: The changing energy and climate tech ecosystem in Houston[50:24]: Challenges in early-stage infrastructure finance[53:47]: Scott's additional activities beyond Halliburton LabsEpisode recorded on Dec 19, 2023 (Published on Jan 22, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Eloa Guillotin is the Co-founder and CEO of Beyond Aero.The topic of aviation emissions is complex. Flying is in many ways a crucial part of our global society, and although COVID lockdowns temporarily reduced frequent flying, the reliance on air travel in modern society is indisputable. Aviation accounts for over 2% of global emissions. Lithium-ion batteries are heavy, which doesn't really pair well with flight. Sustainable aviation fuel is one potential solution and has promise as a drop in replacement for kerosene. But what about hydrogen? Beyond Aero, under Eloa's leadership, is exploring hydrogen as a fuel source for small business or private jets. This episode dives into the potential of hydrogen for this aircraft category, France's commitment to hydrogen aviation, how Beyond Aero has designed its solution and how Eloa sees the market evolving.In this episode, we cover: [03:48]: Beyond Aero's hydrogen-based electric aviation mission[04:51]: Designing an aircraft from the ground up[06:28]: Hydrogen as an energy vector in aviation[07:47]: Hydrogen tanks' weight and efficiency vs. jet fuel[09:47]: Beyond Aero's design focus on fuel cell, not combustion[10:48]: Market potential of a thousand-mile range hydrogen aircraft[12:27]: Complexities of aircraft compressor systems in hydrogen-powered planes[15:21]: Cooling system challenges for hydrogen-powered aircraft[18:02]: Comparing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage in commercial aviation to Airbus's hydrogen initiatives[20:54]: France's role in advancing hydrogen-powered aviation[23:33]: French government investment in low carbon aircraft and startups[25:04]: Role of pink hydrogen (from nuclear energy) in France's aviation strategy[29:24]: Future flight behaviors and electric aircraft's environmental impact[31:36]: Environmental concerns and potential of hydrogen in private jets[33:21]: Shift in business jet market towards hydrogen[35:45]: Certification timeline for hydrogen-powered aircraft[38:19]: Differentiating hydrogen-powered from battery-powered aircraft[41:17]: Eloa's journey to founding Beyond Aero[49:10]: Beyond Aero's next steps and long-term vision in electric aviationEpisode recorded on Dec 13, 2023 (Published on Jan 18, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Barbara Burger is the former president of Chevron Technology Ventures and describes herself as a "corporate graduate." She now spends her time advising and helping startups and venture funds working on the energy transition, including Greentown Labs, Energy Impact Partners, Emerald Technology Ventures, Syzygy Plasmonics, Heliogen, and many more.In this episode, we discuss her multifaceted career journey and her current role in guiding startups and venture funds in the energy sector. The conversation covers the technological advancements driving the energy transition, the dynamics between large energy companies and startups, and the specific roles of natural gas and hydrogen. Barbara also sheds light on generational shifts in the energy industry, global energy geopolitics, and offers valuable advice for women in the sector. In this episode, we cover: [03:45]: Barbara's book recommendation, "The West Texas Power Plant That Saved the World"[06:47]: Barbara's career journey, starting at Chevron after graduate school[07:41]: Learning and growing in the energy sector, from industrial chemistry to energy economics[09:26]: Shift to Chevron Technology Ventures, focusing on biofuels, renewable fuels, and digitalization[11:14]: Evolution of Chevron Technology Ventures' investment focus[14:46]: The potential of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel[17:07]: Barbara's insights on the emerging hydrogen value chain[20:21]: Innovations in shale exploration and their impact on the energy industry[22:23]: The integration of oil and gas companies in the clean tech venture space[27:21]: Post-Chevron activities: advising startups and venture funds in the energy transition[31:54]: Advice for large companies working with startups and vice versa[35:00]: The critical role of speed in energy transition[40:11]: Geopolitical aspects of energy in different regions: China, India, Africa[42:11]: Future of natural gas, role of CCUS, and economic factors[47:10]: Generational shifts impacting the energy industry[50:35]: Barbara's career advice for women in energy and tech[53:04]: The necessity of affordable, reliable, and low-impact energy solutionsEpisode recorded on Dec 18, 2023 (Published on Jan 15, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Chris Higgins works for the city of Vancouver, British Columbia as a building planner, where he spearheads the development of energy-efficient building codes that contribute to Vancouver's ambition of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. Chris works on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through rezoning building policies for new buildings to be on all renewables, the “sticks,” and creating incentives for existing homes to switch to renewables, the “carrots.”On the “stick” side, Chris was responsible for driving and helping to get Vancouver City Council to pass a sweeping policy to mandate that heating systems in new low-rise residential buildings be zero-emission, specifically using electric heat pumps. We discuss the complex process it took to get there. On the "carrot" side, we examine how strategically timed short and long-term incentives can align the economic interests of developers, manufacturers, and Vancouver residents, motivating a shift to renewable energy. We also talk about the similarities and differences between the US and Canadian markets on shaping policy and incentives in this area. In this episode, we cover: [02:28]: Chris's background and current role [07:56]: Vancouver vs. other cities and its unique features[09:12]: Vancouver's climate leadership and influence on other cities[11:23]: What it means to be a Charter City[15:08]: The 2022 update to Vancouver's building bylaw and shift to heat pumps[18:29]: The smooth transition and industry adaptation to the new heating regulations[22:22]: Balancing environmental goals with job protection [25:56]: The ripple effect of Vancouver's policies on other municipalities[31:20]: Potential for Vancouver's policies to influence provincial and national levels[35:02]: The role of 'carrots', or incentives, in shaping city policies[39:41]: The importance of economic alignment in policy success[41:35]: Drawing inspiration from other cities and countries for urban planning[45:46]: Vancouver's strategies for resilience against natural disastersEpisode recorded on Oct 31, 2023 (Published on Jan 11, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Tom Ferguson is founder and managing partner at Burnt Island Ventures, which is an early-stage venture capital fund focused on technologies related to water. Burnt Island's website notes that climate change is water change. And that water is the medium through which we will feel the effects of a warming earth.Tom has been working in water for over a decade, first at the sustainability consultancy, ERM, then at Imagine H2O, a non-profit startup accelerator for water startups. He’s been at Burnt Island Ventures since 2020. Tom and Cody have an in-depth conversation about the categories in the water tech space, the types of startups that are emerging, how incumbents are navigating the rapidly changing environment in which they find themselves, and the types of investments he targets with this firm. There are whole episodes to be recorded in each of Burnt Island Ventures' focus areas, but for now we appreciate learning about water from Tom’s perspective.In this episode, we cover: Importance of water in the context of climate changeChanging global water systems and the need for infrastructure upgradesBurnt Island's approach to different water categories The role of software and hardware in water tech solutionsCorporate water pledges The importance of embracing entrepreneurial innovation while balancing production successBurnt Island's portfolio breakdown The need for improved storytelling and lobbying efforts in the water industryFirst-of-a-kind projects in the water spaceTom's climate journey and how he ended up at Burnt IslandThe investment focus and criteria of Burnt Island Ventures The launch of the podcast "The Fundamental Molecule" by Burnt Island VenturesEpisode recorded on Dec 7, 2023 (Published on Jan 9, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Stanley Janicki is the Chief Revenue Officer at Sedron Technologies. Sedron is on a mission to revolutionize how waste streams can be processed to eliminate disposal costs and destroy pathogens while capturing valuable energy and recycling water. Their Varcor system takes liquid waste slurries and recovers nutrients for beneficial reuse. Their primary go-to-market implementations today are in three areas: dairy and animal agriculture, wastewater treatment and distillery waste. The company launched in 2014 as a spinout of a business called Janicki Industries which was founded in the 1990s by Stanley's parents. Janicki Industries, primarily focused on aerospace engineering. But in 2011, they were selected by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop solutions for sanitation challenges in the developing world. They developed a product that created electricity and clean drinking water based on an input of human biosolids, AKA poop, which they deployed in Senegal. Sedron is featured in a video of Bill Gates famously drinking clean poop water out of the system. We mentioned Sedron briefly in an earlier episode we recorded with Bill Caesar at Generate Upcycle as the two companies have an active partnership, which Stanley also touches on. We’d like to thank former MCJ podcast guest Steve Simon for introducing us to Stanley. While it's tempting to make poop jokes, Stanley helps shine a light on just how much chemical value there can be in it and waste in general, and how harnessing it can move us away from several challenged environmental practices that have become mainstays of modern society.In this episode, we cover: [3:14] Overview of Sedron[5:15] Sedron's Vapor Recompression and Concentration and Recovery (Varcor) technology[7:15] Pitfalls of current waste processes[13:29] Sedron's technologies: the omniprocessor and Varcor[15:56] Waste processing in the dairy industry[20:11] Sedron's go-to-market and sales process with dairy farms[27:42] Janicki Industries, Sedron's parent company, and its origin story[33:05] Sedron's current status and future plansEpisode recorded on November 28, 2023 (Published on January 4, 2024 ) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Tisha Schuller is the founding CEO of Adamantine Energy. At Adamantine, Tisha consults with clients ranging from Fortune 100 energy companies to nonprofit environmental organizations on topics related to energy policy, business strategy, politics, and community engagement. With a background as the former president and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association and as a strategic advisor for Stanford University's Natural Gas Initiative, Tisha offers valuable insights into the energy sector. She's a member of the Natural Petroleum Council and has been on the advisory board to the Secretary of Energy under the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. She has authored three books, most recently, Real Decarbonization: How Oil and Gas Companies Are Seizing the Low-Carbon Future, as well as The Gamechanger's Playbook: How Oil & Gas Leaders Thrive in an Era of Continuous Disruption, and Accidentally Adamant, her own story of her time running the Colorado Oil & Gas Association.MCJ exists to break down silos and to help people understand climate change, and in some ways, it feels like Tisha at Adamantine is doing the same thing with a different orientation. She comes from oil and gas and she's focused on the energy transition and how to help oil and gas leaders navigate their companies through it. Not all listeners will agree with Tisha's perspective, but a big part of her message is in trying to start from a shared vision of the future and work backward. We enjoyed hearing about how she uses this approach today and the perspectives she's gained in doing so.In this episode, we cover: [03:05]: Tisha's podcast Energy Thinks[05:10]: Different mindsets on energy and climate and how to speak to an oil and gas audience[06:57]: Climate “personas” and how Tisha finds common ground among them[10:12]: The assumption that everyone thinks they're doing good[13:07]: Lessons from a DAC project community engagement[16:01]: Perspective on youth activists opposing projects[18:18]: Challenges permitting any new energy projects[21:27]: Tisha's personal journey on fossil fuel use views[23:38]: Consequences of US stopping oil and gas production[32:02]: Oil and gas company evolution archetypes[34:04]: No option but to change from status quo[36:00]: Entering era of climate action execution[37:20]: Role of startups vs large companies in the energy transition[40:07]: Improved community benefits from new projects[42:07]: Industry population shift driving change[45:13]: Making space for oil and gas in climate solutionsEpisode recorded on Nov 20, 2023 (Published on Jan 2, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Cameron Halliday is the CEO and Co-founder of Mantel. Mantel is developing a point source carbon capture solution, which means they're developing technology that can sit next to industrial equipment and capture its emissions. Mantel's key innovation lies in their utilization of a high-temperature liquid-phase material for carbon capture, enabling operation at temperatures as high as 600 degrees Celsius. Allegedly, this material can cycle between capture and release without experiencing deterioration or decay.Point source carbon capture is somewhat controversial, as detractors argue that it extends the life of high-emissions processes. Promoters argue that we need all solutions on the table to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. Cameron and Cody discuss this at the start of the episode, before diving into his technology and go-to-market solution. He articulates a unique approach to go-to-market, wherein he's determined a way to minimize the integration dependency that his industrial customers would have to take on in order to get a pilot up and running with Mantel. Cameron maintains a close affiliation with MIT, having earned both his PhD and MBA there. In 2022, Mantel secured a seed round of funding, led by The Engine—a venture fund founded by MIT with a focus on tough tech.In this episode, we cover: [02:06]: An explanation of point source capture[04:12]: Controversy around its use[09:20]: An overview of Mantel, their mission, and their tech[12:37]: Cost impact for companies, early adopters, and motivations[16:47]: Introduction to amine technology[18:18]: General overview of carbon capture concepts[21:16]: Mantle's molten salts technology[25:42]: Their "crawl, walk, run" approach to commercializing[31:17]: Potential to apply Mantel's tech to biogenic sources of carbon[33:05]: Physical configuration of Mantle's systems which connect to smokestacks [34:20]: Cameron's background and his dual PhD/MBA from MIT[39:46]: Mantle's founding team and investors like The Engine[41:39]: Process of identifying and mitigating risks for Mantle's technology[43:30]: Customizing Mantle's system for different industrial use cases[46:05]: Parting words on the urgency of deploying point source captureEpisode recorded on Nov 13, 2023 (Published on Dec 21, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

John Melby is CEO at Xpansiv. Xpansiv operates what they claim to be the largest carbon offset exchange in the world, purportedly covering 40% of the voluntary carbon market volumes and 90% of exchange traded volumes. Beyond carbon, Xpansiv provides global market infrastructure for registering, managing, trading, settling, retiring, analyzing, and reporting a wide array of data-driven environmental commodities, from water to renewable energy to digital fuels and more. John and Cody have an in-depth conversation about what it means for something to be an environmental commodity, how these environmental commodities are bought and sold, how registries exist, how commodity marketplaces work, and a lot more. At the end of the day, our conversation is about incentives and the role that financial services can play in enablement of environmental outcomes. In this episode, we cover: [02:11]: An introduction to Xpansiv[03:04] How registries and marketplaces differ[05:46] How standards ensure offset quality[08:28] Offset buyer preferences beyond carbon impact[10:00] Xpansiv's standardized offset contracts[11:49] How standardization enables market efficiency[15:41] Pricing offsets based on special attributes[18:26] Xpansiv's institutional customer base[23:42] The role of traders in providing market liquidity[29:09] A comparison of voluntary and compliance markets[32:35] Preventing double counting at the international level[34:00] How startups can use bilateral and exchange trading[37:00] Xpansiv's portfolio management system[39:22] Water rights trading in Australia[41:16] Using markets to efficiently allocate resources[46:19] The origins of XpansivEpisode recorded on Nov 14, 2023 (Published on Dec 18, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today we're talking about the US Department of Energy’s strategy on what it takes to create a successful and sustaining energy workforce. Our guest is Betony Jones, who was appointed by President Biden as the DOE'S Director of the Office of Energy Jobs. This means she oversees jobs and workforce development strategies across the DOE as well as engagement with organized labor to ensure that the department's policies and programs implementation result in high-quality jobs. We hear about Betony's career through the Clinton administration, working at the University of California Labor Center, and founding a research group called Inclusive Economics and her decision to join the current administration to build an equitable energy workforce for the next decade.We break down what energy jobs mean, why there's a focus specifically on manufacturing and construction jobs within that definition, and we talk about the key elements needed for high-quality jobs, above average wages, predictable hours, short and long-term benefits like retirement and healthcare, jobs that give workers a voice, plus the importance of unions in enabling all of the above and how unions form. In this episode, we cover: Betony's background and career pathHow she leveraged policy research to demonstrate employment and economic impactsBetony's work in inclusive economicsDenver's sales tax case study successThe need for energy jobs in construction, manufacturing, engineering science. and R&DBetony's focus on the deployment workforceThe DOE's approach to quality jobs with good pay and benefitsThe importance of workers having a voice and the role of unionsHow a union is formed, how they gain power, and the impact on the clean energy transitionThe role of the private sector in building the energy workforceHow Betony measures success over the next 5 yearsEpisode recorded on Oct 11, 2023 (Published on Dec 13, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Dr. Carlos Nobre is a Nobel Laureate and co-author of the IPCC AR4 Report that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. He’s also one of Brazil's top climate scientists. Dr. Nobre is a member of the Brazil Academy of Science and a founding member of the World Resources Institute Brazil. He is known for his work on the risk of the savannaization of the Amazon rainforest due to deforestation and climate change, and most recently he's promoted a series of solutions that he refers to as Amazonia 4.0. Today's episode was meant to focus on the Brazilian context of emissions, energy and climate change, and we do indeed cover these topics. But first, Dr. Nobre takes some time to set important context about the progress, or relative lack thereof, that the world has made on decarbonization since his Nobel Prize-winning contributions. And he sounds alarm bells, that global insecurity and war in Ukraine and Israel, create risk of escalating fossil fuel exploration and production in the name of national sovereignty.From there, we spend time on the Brazilian context, which as Dr. Nobre points out, is unique among industrialized nations, in that land use rather than energy production is the bulk of Brazil's emissions. He shares his roadmap for how deforestation can be halted and some of the challenges in doing so, which he ties back to organized crime and drug trafficking. Lastly, we discuss his vision for Amazonia 4.0 in which the country leans in via policy and infrastructure development to support the production and export of many of its natural resources rather than exploiting its land for cattle production.In this episode, we cover: Lack of progress since the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report in 2007 and the global challenge for humanityGlobal instability as a result of recent warsThe concerning speed of the transitionEmissions breakdown in Brazil and deforestation reductions in 2023Potential for emissions reductions with regenerative agriculture as the 2nd largest exporter of foodDeforestation in the Amazon and main drivers, including cattle ranches, gold mining, and organized crimeDr. Nobre's Amazon 4.0 proposalEpisode recorded on Oct 30, 2023 (Published on Dec 11, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Chris Tolles is the CEO and Co-founder of Yard Stick PBC, which stands for Public Benefits Corporation. Yard Stick is aiming to be the measurement backbone for soil carbon. Their handheld hardware enables onsite measurement of soil carbon in agricultural fields, and their software package provides data and analytics that help stakeholders in a soil carbon project to measure and track progress. As Chris tells it, the Yard Stick co-founders got to know one another in the MCJ member community during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020. MCJ is a proud multi-time investor in Yard Stick. Even so, we still learned a ton from Chris during this conversation. Chris highlighted that while MRV technologies are often associated with carbon credit sales, the voluntary carbon market is just one avenue for soil carbon project development. Another that is seeing strong early traction is insetting, where food and agriculture companies are beginning to measure an attempt to reduce the carbon intensity of their own agricultural supply chains. They aren't selling credits; rather, they're starting to make progress on directly reducing the emissions of how their food is grown, which is great news. Chris charts his background and experience and then explains what soil carbon is and why it matters, helping to put the efforts that Yard Stick is making into the context of the broader global carbon cycle. Episode recorded on Oct 13, 2023 (Published on Dec 7, 2023)In this episode, we cover: [02:38]: Chris's background and pivoting from consumer products to climate[08:43]: Origins of Yard Stick in the MCJ Community[11:59]: How Chris and co-founders came to focus on soil organic carbon[14:43]: Cristine Morgan's research background as Yard Stick CSO[18:50]: Overview of soil organic carbon and key drivers of soil carbon stock losses[27:46]: Issues with how claims have been measured historically[33:39]: Why remote sensing technology is insufficient[35:29]: Yard Stick's technology and approach[42:50]: The company's business model[46:00]: Addressing criticism of soil carbon and other nature-based solutions[51:49]: Soil carbon support in Inflation Reduction Act and future policy[56:00]: Yard Stick's $18 million grant from the USDA[58:19]: Their recent $12M Series A round led by Toyota Ventures[01:00:00]: Reckoning with racial injustice and land theft in agriculture[01:02:04]: Encouraging climate companies to address complex social issuesResources mentioned:Demo Carbon Stock Report“Yard Stick lands 10.6M Series A to measure soil carbon” (TechCrunch) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Shashank Sane is the Executive Vice President for Transmission at Invenergy. Invenergy is North America's largest, privately held renewable power generation company. They have developed more than 200 power generation projects around the world and are responsible for more than 31 gigawatts of power on four continents, with the majority of that being renewable energy projects, including wind and solar. In his role as EVP of Transmission, Shashank is responsible for the company's efforts to create connectivity between solar and wind farms and end customers, and he's particularly focused on large-scale interstate transmission projects. Transmission is a topic that climate and energy experts will say is critically important. Our transmission infrastructure in the US has been built over more than a century. And yet, the Department of Energy recently estimated that the US needs to increase our transmission capacity by over 50% by the year 2035. That's a monumental jump. We're grateful to Shashank for volunteering to come on the pod and talk with us about transmission, how it works, why it's needed, and how projects get done.In this episode, we cover: [02:22]: Shashank's journey to Invenergy[04:46]: His early experience at the company, Invenergy Edge, and acquiring Grain Belt Express[08:11]: Shashank's experience at Lehman Brothers in 2008[10:05]: Overview of Invenergy's approach to developing projects[13:51]: Definition of "transmission" [22:21]: Why more transmission is needed to enable renewable growth[26:40]: Transmission issues in the U.S. and the need to improve grid resilience [35:04]: The lack of federal oversight of the national grid[37:02]: Modifying the Grain Belt Express project to better serve Missouri[46:49]: Other major transmission projects Invenergy is developing[48:24]: Working with community and landowners before routing transmission lines[52:23]: The need to recognize the value of inter-regional transmissionGet connected: Shashank Sane X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / YouTube*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 16, 2023 (Published on Dec 4, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Julie Willoughby serves as the Chief Commercialization Officer at Circ, and in this episode, we are talking about fast fashion, the clothing industry, and Circ's role in bringing circularity to the world of polyester and cotton. According to statistics from The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of a garbage truckload of clothes is burned or buried in a landfill every second, and clothing production in the world has doubled in the last 15 years, with each garment being used only half as much as before.Our conversation with Julie explores the environmental challenges posed by polyester and cotton, including the contribution of polyester laundering to ocean microplastics and the significant water consumption of cotton cultivation and textile dying. Julie, a chemical engineer, shares her journey from academia and Nike to joining Circ, emphasizing the urgent need for change in the fashion industry.Circ, a post-series B company, employs innovative technology to transform textile waste into recycled thread. Notable investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Patagonia's Tin Shed Ventures, and Inditex, the parent company of Zara. The conversation concludes with an examination of the fashion industry's progress toward sustainability, questioning whether mainstream practices are transitioning actively or if circularity and sustainability remain primarily in the realm of research and development. In this episode, we cover: Julie's background in chemical engineering Her return to academia at NC StateJulie's experience at Nike and transition to CircSocietal and environmental impacts of fast fashion Circ's process of recycling (upcycling) polyester and cottonThe rising market demand for recycled materials and reasons for this shift Circ's investors and partnershipsThe tipping point for sustainability in the fashion industryWhy customer experiences and stories are critical Resources mentioned: Walmart sustainability scorecardGet connected: Julie Willoughby LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 23, 2023 (Published on Nov 30, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Michael Bruce serves as the Senior Director of Venture Investing, Environment and Energy at Emerson Collective. Emerson Collective, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs, is a game-changer in education, immigration reform, the environment, media and journalism, and health. We were excited for this one because Emerson Collective is an interesting organization operating holistically across these areas. They also happen to be doing a lot in climate at a surprising scale, but they have not spoken too frequently about what they're up to publicly. So this was a special opportunity, and Michael does not disappoint.In this episode, we cover: [2:14] An overview of Emerson Collective [4:08] Michael's journey and what led him to work in climate[11:08] His thoughts on energy vs. climate change [16:56] Emerson's early climate efforts [19:26] The firm's dedicated pool of capital and team structure[22:29] Emerson's approach within climate and how it's evolved over time [25:41] Thoughts on philanthrocapitalism [27:15] Types of risk Emerson is comfortable taking [32:11] Emerson's criteria for selecting climate investments [37:31] Michael's thoughts on the future of oil and gas [40:21] His views on the carbon market[45:28] Why market sources alone aren't enough to address the climate crisisGet connected: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInMichael Bruce LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 26, 2023 (Published on Nov 29, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Dr. Jen Wilcox serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). Dr. Wilcox, an expert in carbon capture, authored the seminal textbook 'Carbon Capture' in 2012. Currently on leave as the presidential distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, she also serves as a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute, leading their carbon removal program.In this conversation, we dive into Dr. Wilcox's transition from academia to the Department of Energy and explore the changing mandates under the Biden and Harris Administration. Key topics include direct air capture technologies, underground sequestration, and CO2 storage. The episode also touches on point source capture, technology advancements, tax credits, and incentives for carbon capture, including the extension of 45Q tax credits. Dr. Wilcox provides insights into the commercialization progress for carbon capture, market evolution, and the recent FECM carbon dioxide removal purchase pilot prize.The discussion covers the power and heat requirements of direct air capture (DAC) and point source capture, along with solutions for reducing atmospheric levels of other greenhouse gases, including methane. This is a jam-packed episode that at times, hits topics at a macro level and at other times swoops down deep into technical descriptions of DAC chemistries. Whether you're exploring a career in carbon capture or actively developing technology solutions, there's something for everyone in this episode. In this episode, we cover: [04:13]: Origins of Dr. Wilcox's 2012 book, Carbon Capture[06:16]: Progress of carbon capture technology over the past decade[12:32]: The transition from the Office of Fossil Energy to the Fossil Energy and Carbon Management[24:32]: Overview of direct air capture technologies and chemistries[32:29] Comparison of liquid vs solid sorbents for direct air capture[37:37]: Description of EPA's well classification system[44:36]: Point source capture and the state of carbon capture tech for industrial emissions[53:00]: Extension of 45Q tax credits to incentivize carbon capture[56:21]: DOE's first carbon dioxide removal purchase pilot[58:34]: Considerations around power needs for direct air capture[01:02:10]: Tech for direct air capture of methane and other non-CO2 GHGs[01:05:28]: Dr. Wilcox’s parting words on the need to rapidly scale up durable carbon removal solutionsGet connected: Dr. Jen Wilcox X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 24, 2023 (Published on Nov 27, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Tom Price is the founder and CEO of EcoSafi, and in today’s episode, we're diving deep into the challenge of access to clean cooking fuels in developing economies. EcoSafi builds cook stoves and biomass fuel pellets that aim to reduce deforestation, improve in-home air quality and health outcomes, and reduce emissions. They work in Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda. The challenge at hand, as Tom discusses at length, is that as of 2020, Project Drawdown estimated that 43% of families in low and middle-income countries worldwide cook food at home using stoves fueled by wood or coal. The gas and induction stove debate is not even relevant. This phenomenon drives all of these earlier outcomes from direct emissions to negative health implications to deforestation.Before we dive into this topic, we get to know Tom a bit. He's been working on this problem in Africa since 2017, first with a company called Inyenyeri, and now with EcoSafi since 2020. Our MCJ Collective venture funds are proud to be investors in EcoSafi. But, as you'll hear him describe, his path to working on this problem has been full of incredible zigs and zags that have given him a wealth of life experience and the confidence to be able to navigate and build a business with the complexities that EcoSafi demands. In this episode, we cover: Access to clean cooking fuels in developing economiesTom's background in communications and journalismHis experience in disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina and environmental management at Burning ManTom's time on the Environmental Advisory Committee for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter OlympicsHis work in clean energy in Africa, starting with solarImpact of cooking with wood or coal on emissions, health, and deforestationEcoSafi's cookstoves and biomass fuel pelletsBarriers to clean cooking in AfricaThe importance of carbon credits in the clean cooking marketIssues with existing carbon offset methodologiesEcoSafi's focus on verifiability and impact measurementVertical integration and technology in EcoSafi's business modelPotential for significant market growth in the clean cooking sectorImpacts of deforestation, drought, and additional topics to continue the conversationGet connected: Tom Price X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 12, 2023 (Published on Nov 16, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today, we're taking a slightly different spin. Instead of focusing on what it'll take to electrify homes, as we've heard in past episodes, we're talking about why it's currently not working as well as it should and the key barriers preventing us from moving faster on the home decarb adoption curve.Many of you know our guest as Nate "the House Whisperer.” Nate Adams is a longtime HVAC insulation and sealing contractor who lives in West Virginia and describes himself as "a bit unusual in the climate community," coming from the right side of the political spectrum. And he is one of home electrification's fiercest and most consistent advocates.Yin and Nate cover a lot of ground in this episode, including the dangers of positioning policy rebates and savings to consumers at the beginning of their purchase journey. We uncover that OEMs can convert most air conditioners in factories and warehouses into heat pumps, addressing the current market supply shortage, along with exploring the reasons behind the hesitation to do so. Finally, we discuss how going all-electric is not the solution that gets us to scale and that hybrid systems are the actual silver bullet. There are some controversial and counterintuitive bits coming up and if you want to ask Nate more questions after you listen, stay tuned for an upcoming AMA session with him on the MCJ Slack.In this episode, we cover: [04:01]: Nate's background and how he became "the House Whisperer"[06:58]: Issues with oversized furnace design and sizing[10:55]: The concept of definite optimism and indefinite optimism in relation to the future of electrification[13:12]: Friction between conservative contractors and climate-focused homeowners[16:32]: The importance of positioning policy rebates and savings to consumers[24:46] How IRA performance requirements disqualify 80-85% of equipment models[29:18]: Overview of the biggest barriers to electrifying homes[32:06]: Upstream vs. midstream and potential of converting all ACs to heat pumps[34:36]: Mandated heat pumps in Vancouver, BC[38:31]: Psychology as a barrier to electrification[41:02]: How hybrid systems can reduce fear of heat pumps for both contractors and homeowners[47:26]: Nate's HVAC 2.0 business model improves contractor and homeowner experience[49:57]: The launch of Nate's air sealing course and Home Comfort BookGet connected: Nate Adams X / LinkedInYin X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 13, 2023 (Published on Nov 15, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Kunal Sinha is the Global Head of Recycling at Glencore. Glencore ranked number 21 on the Fortune Global 500 in 2023. As one of the world's largest commodities trader and one of the world's largest natural resource companies, they have a very substantial role in the energy transition and in climate change. Over one-third of Glencore's 2022 revenue came from coal, so from a climate perspective, the company has a substantial impact. Today, they also have a significant oil and gas business. In Cody’s conversation with Kunal, we touched a bit on that, but we focus mostly on Glencore's mining and metals activities. This piece is part of what makes Glencore unique from most energy companies when it comes to the energy transition. Yes, it's in the business of fossil fuels, but it's also deeply in the business of extracting and processing a majority of key metals that will help us transition to an electrified future. In his role as Global Head of Recycling, Kunal not only works to understand how Glencore's primary mining business operates but also is driving its initiatives around circularity and reuse. Mining has a reputation as a dirty business, and Glencore has had its share of environmental issues and controversies in the past. We appreciate Kunal for not shying away from these challenges and also helping us understand the important role that mining and Glencore have to play in the future and the importance of natural resource circularity as part of it. In this episode, we cover: [3:02] Kunal's background and experience [7:43] His work with sulfuric acid at Glencore[13:54] An overview of Glencore and its recycling business[25:03] Glencore's collaboration and partnership with startups[29:49] An overview of Glencore's copper production and recycling [37:26] An overview of Glencore's process for cobalt [42:27] Kunal's predictions for recycled battery metals in EVs[52:27] An overview of battery passports and Glencore's commitment to high ethical social governance standards[1:01:13] Call for startups and mature companies to collaborate with Glencore in driving circularityGet connected: Kunal Sinha LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sept 27, 2023 (Published on Nov 13, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Hannah Sieber is the CEO and Co-founder of Artyc, a refrigerant-free battery powered cooling company. In this episode, we cover the cold chain. In short, the cold chain is how goods are transported if they need to be kept in certain guaranteed temperature ranges, with different logistics mechanisms that can maintain goods such as food or medicines, anywhere from room temperature to deep freeze. There are a few reasons why the cold chain is important for climate change. First, you can imagine that all of the refrigerated trucks, warehouses, and storage lockers use a lot of energy. Second, the refrigerants that are used to power the air conditioning or freezers that the cold chain uses are very potent greenhouse gasses with global warming potential that can be many times greater than CO2. Dry ice itself, which is often used to keep things cool, is basically pure CO2.Third, the cold chain today is pretty broken. A significant amount of food is wasted due to spoilage during transport, which itself can generate methane emissions if it's not properly disposed of. Not to mention the embedded emissions in our agricultural processes required to grow it in the first place. Hannah is going to tell us about all of this and how her product at Artyc aims to address these challenges while improving the traceability and accountability of goods in the cold chain. MCJ is proud to be a multiple time investor in Artyc via our venture capital funds.In this episode, we cover: [02:23]: Hannah's background living and working in China[07:44]: Founding EcoFlow with team from DJI to improve drone battery life[10:36]: Hannah's return to school for an earth science degree[12:10]: Her thesis on California power shutoffs and intersection with cold chain[16:06]: Overview of the cold chain, how it works, and where it breaks down[19:29]: Four different cold chains: ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and deep freeze cryo [22:29]: High global warming potential of refrigerants and tradeoff with ozone depleting refrigerants[29:33]: Artyc's mission of building refrigerant-free battery-powered cooling devices[31:26]: Their focus on durability, precise temperature control and stability[33:43]: Imagining an "infrastructureless" cold chain[41:38]: Use cases in healthcare and beyond[43:51]: Artyc's funding journey from grants to recent Series A[45:13]: Hiring and partnerships in developing new productsResource mentioned: After Cooling: On Freon, Global Warming, and the Terrible Cost of Comfort by Eric Dean WilsonGet connected: Hannah Sieber LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 28, 2023 (Published on Nov 9, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Jeff Johnson is managing director at Temasek, where he leads the US-based Sustainable Investing team. Temasek was incorporated in 1974 and is an investment company headquartered in Singapore. Supported by 13 offices across nine countries, Temasek owns about $382 billion or US$287 billion portfolio as of March 31st, 2023, mainly in Singapore and the rest of Asia. We have a great discussion in this episode about what the charter of the Sustainable Investing Team is, how Jeff found himself doing the work that he's doing today, what criteria they look for when they make investments, and, of course, how their investments fit into the broader climate tech landscape and the energy transition overall.Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:10] An overview of Temasek [4:13] Different lines of business at the firm and where sustainable living sits [8:44] Jeff's background and career history [18:58] The CEO's mindset for Temasek's approach[21:44] Jeff's role at the firm [24:22] Lessons he learned about the space and future projections for Temasek's impact [26:26] The balance between thesis-driven investments vs opportunistic ones [33:55] Temasek's direct and fund investments [38:39] The firm's performance measurements and market entry points [46:51] Temasek's role in debt financing [51:07] The types of companies and projects best suited for Temasek's capital[56:48] Jeff's response to folks who are worried about the risk of investing in climate tech [58:51] The need for a balance between experience and beginner's mindset in picking winnersGet connected: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInJeff Johnson LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 13, 2023 (Published on Nov 8, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Todd Paglia serves as the Executive Director of Stand.earth, an advocacy organization renowned for its strategic communication and research initiatives, challenging both corporations and governments to prioritize the well-being of communities, the environment, and climate. Notably, Stand.earth ranks fourth on Fast Company's 2023 list of innovative nonprofits.Although Stand.earth has been active since the early 1990s, they came to our attention in a LinkedIn article titled "Climate Groups Call On Health Systems to Divest Fossil Fuel Holdings." This article referred to a report from the Climate Safe Pensions Network, a campaign orchestrated by Stand.earth.As we've learned more about the organization, we've come to appreciate that Stand.earth embodies a contemporary form of activism, one that leverages data, social media, and virality to drive accountability and achieve tangible results. Enjoy the conversation with Todd as he sheds light on their impactful work.In this episode, we cover: [02:03]: Introduction to Stand.earth's history and activism approach[03:45]: Stand.earth's campaign pushing healthcare systems to divest fossil fuels[05:14]: Health impacts of fossil fuels show why healthcare divestment is needed[09:12]: Todd's perspective on engaging with fossil fuel companies[15:24]: Stand's work exposing who is buying Amazon oil and the banks funding it[16:23]: Origins of Stand.earth in 1990s and "War in the Woods" campaign[20:09]: Success of viral Starbucks "Cup Monster" and Victoria Secret campaigns[27:46]: Causes for recent growth of Stand.earth' staff[30:12]: The power of employees in influencing their companies' decarbonization[34:11]: Very few big retail brands doing relatively well (IKEA, Maersk)[35:15]: Using satellites for instant forest logging transparency[37:10]: Empowering local advocates through the Safe Cities campaign[40:12]: The "Amazon Prime Polluter" campaign to push Amazon.com for electric last mile delivery electrification[43:38]: Todd's lifelong connection to nature as motivation for activism[44:49]: How to follow Stand.earthGet connected: Todd Paglia LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Aug 31, 2023 (Published on Nov 6, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. On today’s MCJ Capital Series, we have two guests: Mark Berryman, Managing Director of Impact Investments, and Nick Flores, Managing Director of Impact Investing and Client Advisor for Caprock. Caprock is a multifamily office that provides customized, comprehensive and strategic financial solutions for a select number of families and foundations. They advise over $8 billion in assets of which over $2 billion has been allocated to impact investments. Caprock is a founding B corporation, which certifies that they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. In this episode, we cover: [2:05] An overview of Caprock[3:07] The roles and collaboration between the client advisory and investment research teams at Caprock[5:38] Caprock's approach to impact, due diligence and monitoring[8:48] The firm's emphasis on privates[18:21] Client demand for deeper and more niche impact investment opportunities[25:19] How Caprock thinks about return profiles[30:51] Criteria for manager and fund selection[34:13] Tracking specialists vs generalists[38:23] Nick and Mark's concerns and what excites them in the climate space[41:35] Caprock's interest in deep tech[45:00] Thoughts on first of its kind (FOAK)[47:31] Evolution of LP base and barriers holding it back[51:31] Continuous learning and knowledge sharing as a key aspect of Caprock's approach to impact investingResources mentioned: Caprock's Impact Investment Case StudyCorrection: In this episode, Jason mistakenly refers to Caprock as having over $8 billion in assets under management. Caprock advises over $8 billion in assets. Get connected: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInMark Berryman LinkedInNick Flores LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 12, 2023 (Published on Nov 1, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Elise Joshi, 21, is the executive director at Gen-Z for Change. She first gained widespread attention a few months ago when she interrupted a White House press conference being held by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. In the viral video, a visibly nervous Joshi asked about the Biden administration's approval of ConocoPhillips' $8 billion Willow Pipeline project in Alaska, despite over 1 million young people requesting President Biden halt the project. The video has been viewed tens of millions of times across news outlets and shows.In this episode, Elise makes the point that the Biden administration has done many wonderful things for climate, including the Inflation Reduction Act. However, she noted that for many young people, Biden's climate record will be defined by Willow. The months-long Stop Willow movement was significantly influential across social media. She pointed out that in Biden's first two years, the Bureau of Land Management approved more oil and gas permits than during Trump's first two years, despite Biden's pledge and executive order to halt federal land drilling. This highlights the need to incentivize renewables and electrification while weaning the economy off fossil fuels. For many, progress on the latter has seemed lacking.Elise and Cody have an insightful conversation about these climate policy dynamics and her work at Gen-Z for Change. It's an exciting discussion that provides perspective on how she believes millions of young people view current climate policies.In this episode, we cover: [03:30]: Elise's personal journey to climate advocacy starting in high school[06:10]: Origins and evolution of Gen-Z for Change during COVID[08:32]: Elise's role growing from member to executive director of Gen-Z for Change[10:04]: Tools and activist techniques used by Gen-Z for Change[13:26]: The viral Stop Willow campaign against Arctic oil drilling[15:20]: Gen-Z for Change's role in amplifying the Stop Willow movement[18:47]: Messaging that resonates most with young people on climate[22:57]: Elise's recounting of the moment she stood up to Biden's Press secretary [26:42]: Critique of Biden climate policy as too focused on carrots vs sticks[31:06]: Hopes for bolder climate platform and Green New Deal in 2024[33:33]: Gen-Z for Change's focus on bottom-up organizing for 2024 elections[34:30]: Distrust of the current system and political candidates among Gen-Z [39:01]: How to support Gen-Z for Change[39:44]: Distinction between 502(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) [41:00]: Open resources created by Elise to educate people on climate issues[42:34]: Parting words on public transit and reducing car dependency Get connected: Elise Joshi X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 29, 2023 (Published on Oct 30, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Peter Light is the CEO and Co-founder of Lumen Energy. Lumen Energy's software enables commercial real estate portfolio managers to identify the optimal clean energy mix for their buildings, then deploy via their marketplace. Lumen's Auto PPA product automatically generates power purchase agreements via software, eliminating the drudgery of bespoke underwriting. In this conversation, Peter notes that many companies want to improve portfolio emissions for competitiveness but don't know where to start or invest in building-by-building analysis. He explains how energy responsibilities vary by lease and tenant type, and touches upon the motivation behind pursuing clean energy projects, all while drawing from his extensive experience in the clean energy sector.In this episode, we cover: [02:38]: Peter's perspective on addressing climate problems[05:37]: His background in clean energy[14:44]: How he met his Lumen co-founder Dave through the MCJ community[18:22]: Overview of difference in energy billing structures by building type[20:43]: Increasing demands from investors and tenants to decarbonize buildings[28:45]: Key actors in commercial real estate decarbonization[30:00]: Lumen’s customer base[37:32]: Details of Lumen's financial modeling software for buildings[40:05]: Lumen's use of public data to provide initial analysis for customers[41:45]: The company's AutoPPA product for streamlined PPAs across portfolios[47:39]: Lumen's Series A and current prioritiesGet connected: Peter Light LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 6, 2023 (Published on Oct 26, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Chris Hook is the Global Sustainability Strategy Lead at Uber. Earlier this summer, Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, wrote a piece on Uber's corporate blog where he outlined a wide array of product features, partnerships, and initiatives at Uber designed to reduce emissions and waste from their footprint, including pulling Uber Eats into their sustainability roadmap for the first time.It's an interesting challenge. Famously, Uber doesn't own any cars on the road. The individual drivers do. And with Uber Eats, they don't own the restaurants on their platform or control what choices they may make around packaging and waste. They just dispatch drivers for food delivery. It would be easy for Uber to say that the emissions generated via their platform are not their problem, and yet they've done the opposite.Uber also has a lot of influence. They're able to use their scale to negotiate better EV rental, lease or purchase rates for drivers or better pricing on compostable packaging for restaurants. They're also a leverage point in introducing new products to people. They estimate that over 30 million riders to date have had a chance to experience riding in an EV via Uber, many of whom did so for the first time.Many folks tried EVs first by renting one via the partnerships that Uber has formed with leading rental companies and almost universally they enjoyed driving EVs more and it works out economically for them. And some, not all, have really done the math on that. We’re grateful to Chris for joining us and hope you enjoy this conversation.Have any questions for Chris? He’s spent the last decade working with businesses and institutions on sustainability topics. Join Chris for a special Ask Me Anything session on November 1, 2023 in the MCJ member Slack! Details here.In this episode, we cover: [4:20] Chris' background and his journey to working at Uber[9:00] Uber's sustainability commitments and company culture[13:20] Challenges of reducing emissions and waste from Uber's platform[16:45] Uber's efforts to make EV adoption more accessible and affordable for drivers, including partnerships with car manufacturers, rental companies, and financing providers[25:04] The Uber Green rider experience[27:17] The importance of charging infrastructure and the need to make it more convenient and affordable for drivers[33:02] Rider incentives[35:27] Sustainability efforts for Uber Eats[29:49] Opportunities for startups to help Uber in their missionGet connected: Chris Hook LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 4, 2023 (Published on Oct 23, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Shreya Mishra is the CEO and Co-founder of SolarSquare, a venture-backed startup dedicated to driving the growth of residential rooftop solar installations in India. In late 2022, they successfully secured a series A funding round led by Elevation Capital, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital and others.In this episode, Shreya and Cody discuss the elements necessary for market adoption of rooftop solar in India, including consumer sentiment, financing options, permitting, government subsidies, net metering policy, system maintenance, and even the form factor of the panel installation setup itself, due to the unique nature of many Indian rooftops. And she recounts the ways in which SolarSquare is supporting or innovating in each of these areas. She's building an ambitious company and we enjoyed learning about the Indian context surrounding rooftop solar. This is a big topic, and this episode covers a lot of ground. In this episode, we cover: [01:48]: Shreya's journey from fashion tech founder to solar entrepreneur[04:07]: How Shreya learned the ins and outs of the solar industry [07:22]: The evolution and key inflection points of the Indian solar market[11:33]: India's policies for residential solar[13:46]: How India is streamlining processes with a National Solar Portal[16:31]: The permitting process for homeowners with a solar setup[21:50]: Sectors and regions with the highest solar adoption rates[25:43]: How SolarSquare addresses challenges unique to the Indian market, including roof architecture, cyclone risk, and lack of professional solar service providers[28:03]: A deeper dive on SolarSquare's modular prefabricated solar pergolas[35:59]: The emergence of financing options for residential solar in India[43:08]: SolarSquare's staffing and focus on operational excellence over marketing [46:07]: The role of large corporate players in the solar market [48:34]: SolarSquare's financing history[52:02]: How India's economic growth is driving increased electricity consumption and Shreya's vision for the future[55:10]: SolarSquare is hiring!Get connected:Shreya Mishra LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Oct 3, 2023 (Published on Oct 19, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Rebecca Carland serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Builders Asset Management, where she leads a growing impact-oriented team investing globally across public and private markets. Builders Asset Management is the asset management team at Builders Vision, which is Lukas Walton's family impact platform that offers versatile philanthropic and investment tools to people and organizations building a more humane and healthy planet. Jason and Rebecca have a great discussion in this episode about Rebecca's journey to doing the work that she does, her work at Builders Asset Management, how that fits in to the overall Builders Vision umbrella, and where Builders Vision fits into the broader clean energy transition. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: Introduction to Builders Vision and its asset management armRebecca's background and journey to impact investingThe role of market forces in driving change and the need for collaborationBuilders Vision's focus areas: renewable energy, sustainable food and agriculture, and healthy oceansThe shift from family office to impact platformBuilders Asset Management's mandate The importance of ESG integration and standardizationThe gap between venture and infrastructure investment and the need for more capital in the missing middleChallenges and opportunities of company net-zero commitmentsThe launch of Builders Vision's inaugural impact reportGet connected: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInRebecca Carland LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sept. 22 (published on Oct. 18, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode of My Climate Journey features two guests: Tobias Ruckstuhl, Managing Partner at Persistent, and Bim Adisa, CEO at Beacon Power Services, which is a climate tech company providing data and software solutions for Africa's power sector.Bim joined the MCJ pod previously for an in-depth episode on Beacon in February 2021. If you're interested in a deeper dive on his business in particular, check out that episode from the archives.In today's conversation, we talk about the evolution of the startup funding landscape in Africa and the sources of capital that are available, the geographic startup hubs that are growing across the continent, the role model companies that are emerging, and the advice that Bim and Tobias have for founders looking to build in Africa.Africa is huge, and the diversity of business needs, policy environments, economic mobility, capital availability and opportunity varies greatly from country to country. But in general, there's a sense of rising tides floating all boats in Africa at present, and the numbers seem to back this up. While global venture capital funding has seen significant year-over-year declines of 50% or more according to Crunchbase, VC funding in Africa is up slightly according to recent reports, accounting for $6.5 billion in financings in 2022. The capital stack also looks quite different than in the US and Europe.In this episode, we cover: [03:38]: Overview and mission of Beacon Power Services[07:49]: Tobias's background and his work with Persistent[11:21]: Persistent's investments, exits, and locations[13:04]: How Bim and Tobias connected[15:50]: Bim's experience with the fundraising process and growth after Persistent's investment[18:17]: Overview of venture funding and climate tech startups in Africa[23:42]: Breakdown of the capital stack available to African startups[30:41]: Evolution of the venture market and examples of active venture funds investing in African climate tech[33:53]: Geographic hubs of entrepreneurship across Africa[39:14]: Challenges specific to the Francophone Africa market[41:12]: Bim's advice for foreign and local founders building in Africa[43:54]: What sectors are currently booming and Persistent's criteria for evaluating new climate tech sectors[48:52]: Leading climate tech companies in Africa that can inspire founders[51:25]: Balancing urgency and realism in deploying climate solutions at scale[53:31]: Persistent's LP fundraising process and investor prioritiesGet connected: Bim Adisa LinkedInTobias Ruckstuhl LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 14, 2023 (Published on Oct 16, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.David Holtzclaw is the founder and principle of Transduction Technologies, a small engineering firm based out of Omaha, Nebraska that provides science analysis, testing, and energy consulting services to residential and small commercial clients. In this episode, we are talking about weatherization and home energy efficiency.David and his team perform a number of services including energy evaluations, duct leak testing, ventilation testing, pressure mapping, combustion testing, infrared imaging and cost benefit analysis of implementing renewable energy systems as a whole. We discuss how the home energy efficiency market has grown over the past few decades, the top things you can do to your home to improve your energy efficiency, and both the tail and headwinds the IRA bill is bringing to consumers and contractors alike in Nebraska.In this episode, we cover: [03:11]: Origin of home energy auditing in the 1980s and creation of ResNet[05:29]: Home Energy Score (HES) for existing homes, Home Energy Rating System (HERS) for new homes[07:23]: ResNet's relationship with BPI (Building Performance Institute)[09:04]: Emergence of the first energy code for new construction, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code)[11:17]: The impact of high interest rates on the demand for energy audits[14:47]: David’s transition from aerospace and NASA to founding an energy efficiency company[20:43]: An overview of his customer base[24:27]: The main culprits of an energy-inefficient home[29:45]: David's approach to customizing homes during the design process[32:11]: Insights into mechanical ventilation[34:30]: How upfront investments like triple pane windows pay off[38:50]: Why cheaper heat pumps may be pushed over better models with the IRA[42:08]: The impact of politics on state energy efficiency funding[49:22]: Advice and cautions for listeners planning to electrify and weatherize their homes.Get connected: David Holtzclaw LinkedInYin X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Aug 17, 2023 (Published on Oct 12, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. David Helgason is a partner at Transition. Transition is a venture firm that partners with Seed and Series A founders to accelerate the climate transition. They've come together as founders, investors, operators, engineers, and scientists from across the world with a single mission: building an abundant and resilient society that can thrive within our finite planet.Prior to starting Transition, David was Co-founder of Unity Technologies, and served as the CEO until 2014. He's still on their board of directors. With his background in the gaming industry, David took interest in green gaming, before stretching that interest into mitigating and adapting to climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy. We have a great discussion in this episode about David's journey, the work that he's doing at Transition, how he got started in climate, what types of companies and projects are most interesting to him and his team, and how he sees transition evolving and playing out for all of us.In this episode, we cover: [02:43]: Introduction to Transition[05:07]: David's background in the video game industry[07:01]: His journey into climate tech investments, starting with angel investments[10:47]: His decision to focus on climate, and the choice of venture for climate impact[14:07]: Challenges faced by generalist venture firms when investing in climate tech[17:03]: Transition's approach to impact measurement using the Planetary Boundaries framework[19:08]: Risk assessment and capital intensity in Transition's investment process[23:10]: Exploration of the future of climate tech and the potential for every company to be a climate company[26:54]: The role of incumbents and collaboration in the energy transition[28:50]: The challenges and opportunities of working with oil majors[31:59]: The role of individuals in the transition[33:15]: Advice for those interested in working on climate tech problems.Resource Mentioned: Planetary boundaries - Stockholm Resilience CentreGet connected: David Helgason LinkedInJason Jacobs X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 28, 2023 (aired on Oct 11, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Ari Matusiak is the founder and CEO of Rewiring America. Rewiring America is a driving force in the movement to electrify everything. As our homes transition to using heat pumps for heating and cooling, induction stoves for cooking and electric vehicles for transportation, Rewiring America has established itself as the go-to expert resource to help us navigate this transition.Ari boasts an impressive background that informs his leadership of the organization. He has experience in affordable housing, philanthropy, and the Obama White House, where he served as a special assistant to the president and director of private sector engagement. In this role, he managed the administration's relationships with Fortune 500 CEOs, Wall Street firms, and other business leaders. He then held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Renovate America, the largest residential energy efficiency and renewable energy financing platform at the time. He was also a co-founder and chairman of Young Invincibles, a national nonprofit focused on creating economic opportunities for young adults.In addition to leading Rewiring America, Ari is the managing partner at Purpose Venture Group, an advisory firm and incubator focused on launching community-centered ventures to tackle climate change and economic inequality.In this conversation, Ari discusses Rewiring America's origin story, core work, and the home electrification measures in the Inflation Reduction Act. He provides perspective on the current status of US electrification progress and how each of us can contribute to advancing Rewiring America's mission.In this episode, we cover: [03:03]: The founding story of Rewiring America[11:51]: Hurdles of electrifying homes[15:58]: Tax credits available to homeowners through the IRA[20:27]: Stackable rebates and tax credits through federal, state and local programs[22:00]: Using Rewiring America's IRA Calculator to estimate benefits[26:40]: Empowering people to electrify their homes and become active community guides[30:50]: Countering the fossil fuel lobby with local storytellers and validators[33:49]: Insights from Rewiring America's Pace of Progress Report on electric product adoption[40:31]: Challenges and solutions to boost EV adoption[43:04]: State of rooftop solar in the Pace of Progress report[44:05]: Why rooftop solar remains essential [46:28]: Electrification options for renters and apartment incentives [50:16]: Ari’s outlook on electrification progress over the next decadeGet connected: Ari Matusiak LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Aug 24, 2023 (Published on Oct 9, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Andy Moon is CEO and co-founder of Reunion, and in this episode, we're diving into clean energy tax credits. Tax credits may not be the most exciting topic, but they play a crucial role in financing clean energy projects. The Inflation Reduction Act has given a significant boost to tax credits in two key ways.First, it has expanded tax credits to cover various project types, including solar, wind, battery storage, biogas, hydrogen, and carbon sequestration, among others. This broadening of eligibility creates more opportunities for tax credits. Second, it has made tax credits transferable, which means they can change hands. This change is expected to bring more capital into play, making it easier to finance these projects. Andy and Reunion estimate that the pool of clean energy tax credits in the U.S. currently stands at around $20 billion per year and could grow to $75-80 billion per year in the next five years.Reunion serves as a marketplace for clean energy tax credits. They connect buyers and sellers, making it easier to purchase and sell transferable tax credits to support various clean energy projects, such as solar, wind, battery, biogas, and more. During our conversation, Andy discusses his extensive background in clean energy, starting with his work at SunEdison in 2009 and founding SunFarmer in 2014. Most importantly, we explore how tax credits function and how transferability can boost the clean energy financing market.In this episode, we cover: [02:48]: Andy's background in renewable energy finance[06:28]: Overview of investment tax credits (ITCs)[11:52]: Overview of production tax credits (PTCs)[13:07]: Other types of tax credits opened up by the IRA[14:19]: What tax credit transferability means[16:21]: Diverse group of potential buyers interested in tax credits[17:49]: Example of a $100M solar project with $50M in ITCs[21:29]: Market size and growth projections for tax credits, new buyer profiles[23:36]: Using tax credit savings to fund corporate sustainability initiatives[29:24]: Reunion's role connecting buyers and sellers, streamlining diligence process[32:25]: Reunion's growth and the volume of credits on the platform[35:49]: The role of tax credits in corporate finance and potential buyers[38:02]: Expansion into different clean energy technologies[39:17]: Reunion's financing and future business model[40:46]: Who Andy wants to hear fromGet connected: Andy Moon X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 15, 2023 (Published on Oct 5, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores a diverse range of capital sources and the individuals who drive them. From family offices and institutional LPs to private equity, government funding, and more, we take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Christian Hernandez is a partner and Co-founder at 2150. 2150 is a venture capital firm focused on the built environment. They're building businesses that are changing how our cities are designed, constructed and powered for good. They hunt for “gigacorns,” which they define as the technology champions of the coming decades with the potential to benefit billions of people, create billions in commercial value, and lower gigatons of emissions. Jason and Christian have a great discussion in this episode about Christian's journey from being a technology operator to a generalist technology VC, and then his awakening about the magnitude of the climate crisis and his path to building 2150, from meeting his co-founders to the initial thesis to their approach to the different twists and turns on the way to getting that first fund raised, and of course where they're heading in the future. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:16] An overview of 2150 and Christian's background [8:51] Early days of starting the firm and its focus on the built environment [16:22] Christian's views on structure, stage, et.c plus how they evolved at final close [20:34] His thoughts on portfolio construction generally [23:39] 2150's reserves and follow on [26:57] Christian's thoughts on extensions, down rounds, and pay to play [30:22] How he measures impact and the balance between hardware and software [33:49] Advantages of being Article 9 Fund [35:08] Christian's early LP targets and how they played out[37:47] Risks and what 2150 is comfortable with [42:22] The firm's impact framework [44:31] The role of brand building and how Christian thinks about deal flow [46:26] The launch of Urban Partners[52:37] An overview of "gigacorns"Get connected: Christian Hernandez X / LinkedInJason Jacobs X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sept 26, 2023 (aired on Oct 4, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Julia Souder is the CEO of the LDES Council. "But what's LDES," you might be wondering? LDES stands for Long Duration Energy Storage, encompassing technologies capable of storing significant energy from 10 hours to weeks. The LDES Council, a global nonprofit membership organization, is dedicated to propelling the decarbonization of the energy system with a focus on affordability. They drive innovation, commercialization, and the implementation of long duration energy storage technologies, uniting technology and equipment providers, renewable energy firms, utilities, grid operators, investors, and end consumers. Julia's career is rooted in the crossroads of renewable energy and energy resilience. Her experience includes roles such as Director of Intergovernmental relations at NERC, the North American Energy Reliability Corporation, director of Western Renewable Grid planning at NRDC, and most recently, executive director of the Long Duration Energy Storage Association of California.We've previously explored various long duration energy storage solutions on the show, making this conversation with Julia even more intriguing. Often we hear the phrase, "The sun doesn't always shine and the wind doesn't always blow," in the context of renewables, leading to economic fluctuations and service intermittency. This is a challenge that LDES aims to confront directly. Although many long duration energy storage solutions are currently trailing renewable energy technologies in development and deployment, Julia explains that this is expected to change significantly in the coming years. In this episode, we cover: [02:51]: Julia's journey in renewable energy[04:19]: The 2003 Blackout Investigation[05:35]: The North American Electric Liability Corporation (NERC) [09:38]: The emerging need for energy storage[11:10]: Overview of the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council and their goals[13:43]: Long duration energy storage vs. short duration energy storage[15:51]: Overview of historical and new categories of LDES solutions [18:23]: Deep dive into thermal solutions[24:59]: Types of electrochemical batteries for LDES[27:44]: Chemical solutions[29:59]: Buyers and use cases of LDES solutions[35:27]: How LDES projects are sold and deployed globally[40:29]: Areas Julia is optimistic about, what needs attention, and evolution of capital for LDES[44:18]: Julia's parting words on the importance of LDESResources Mentioned:Net-zero heat, LDES Council24/7 Clean Power Purchase Agreements, LDES CouncilGet connected: Julia Souder X / LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective / Instagram*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Aug 23, 2023 (Published on Oct 2, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In this episode, Sandeep Nijhawan and Quoc Pham, founders of the startup Electra, talk to Cody about tackling the complex issue of steel decarbonization. Steel production is a formidable contributor to global emissions, accounting for nearly four gigatons annually, equivalent to approximately 8-10% of total global emissions. To put it in perspective, if steel were its own country, its annual emissions would rank third globally, following only China and the USA.The conversation dives into the intricacies of current steel production, shedding light on how the US approach differs from much of the world. The US has a head start on the path toward steel decarbonization, featuring fewer coal-based blast furnaces and substantial installed electric arc furnace capacity. The episode also explores various pathways for steel decarbonization, including point-source carbon capture and hydrogen utilization, and introduces Electra's pioneering electrochemistry method. Electra announced an $85 million funding round in Q4 2022, with participation from renowned climate tech investors and industry leaders, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon, and many more. Sandeep and Quoc are tackling one of the hardest problems in climate change head on. Time will tell if it works, but they certainly aren't shying away from the challenge.In this episode, we cover: [03:44]: Sandeep's background[08:01]: Quoc's background[15:38]: Overview of steel production and emissions[22:20]: Overview of supply chain and integrated steelworks concept[25:09]: Why the US is a leader in low carbon intensity steelmaking[30:50]: Contrasting McKinsey's roadmap with Electra's approach [34:22]: Environmental and safety risks of traditional iron tailings[37:10]: Electra's unique approach to the steel decarbonization problem[44:24]: How low-cost renewable electricity is crucial for Electra's solution [46:26]: Challenges in electrifying ironmaking vs. copper and zinc[48:39]: Hydrometallurgy for iron ore dissolution to minimize waste and extract value[49:05]: Core principles: decarbonization, sustainability, and circularity[55:59]: Electra's go-to-market strategy and commercial vision[58:42]: The company’s capital stack evolution and local project financing[01:02:51]: The importance of collaboration in this space[01:04:41]: Invitation for listeners to join Electra's teamGet connected: Sandeep Nijhawan LinkedInQuoc Pham LinkedInCody Simms X / LinkedInMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at [email protected], where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on Sep 12, 2023 (Published on Sep 28, 2023) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant