Inevitable

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

We kicked off New York Climate Week with a live podcast recording with Kim Zou and Sophie Purdom, co-founders of CTVC. CTVC’s data-driven insights have been featured in channels including NYTimes, Bloomberg, Reuters, Financial Times, and TechCrunch.Kim serves as the CEO of CTVC. She was previously a climate tech investor at Energy Impact Partners. Prior to joining EIP, Kim was part of JPMorgan's Tech M&A investment banking team and graduated from Johns Hopkins University.In addition to her work with CTVC, Sophie Purdom invests in and supports early-stage climate tech founders and their companies via her venture capital fund Planeteer Capital. Prior, Sophie launched an ESG fund at a major endowment, learned to make pretty slides at Bain & Co., published a book on sustainable investing, and helped found an agricultural technology company that makes carbon-negative ammonia fertilizer.Special shout-out to everyone who came out to the live recording, and to our hosts at P&T Knitwear for lending their beautiful space in the Lower East Side. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:33] How Kim and Sophie met and the early days of CTVC[6:37] Kim's background [10:14] The pair's early venture experience[13:22] Sophie's background[17:05] The origins of Planeteer Capital [20:18] CTVC's evolution into a market intelligence company [25:42] CTVC's Climate Tech Capital Stack: https://www.ctvc.co/the-sophisticating-climate-capital-stack/[28:51] Early stage dry powder[31:36] Project finance and infrastructure financing [36:56] Public funding and philanthropy [40:06] Trends in philanthropic catalytic capital [43:45] Corporate strategics[46:34] The role of banks[50:08] Insurance [51:18] Sophie and Kim's predictions for the market in the near termGet connected: Kim Zou X / LinkedIn Sophie Purdom 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 September 18, 2023 (Published on September 25, 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.Mary MacPherson, a program manager in the Office of State and Community Energy Programs at the DOE, oversees energy efficiency and electrification workforce development programs funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the IRA.In this episode, Mary and Yin discuss residential energy efficiency training programs, addressing crucial challenges in the skilled labor workforce. They explore the underlying reasons for the workforce gap, from an aging labor force to accessibility barriers in education and certification processes.Funding is a significant lever to address these bottlenecks. In mid-July of 2023, the US Department of Energy announced that states and territories could apply for a pool of $150 million to train the next generation of residential efficiency and electrification contractors. These include electricians, energy auditors, HVAC contractors, plumbers, and more. The ultimate goals include lowering training costs, enhancing certification support, fostering diversity in the energy efficiency workforce, and providing economic mobility opportunities while promoting high-quality contracting in the residential sector.In this episode, we cover: [02:46]: Contractor Training Grants in the IRA[04:23]: Mary's clean energy background[07:08]: Overview of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)[09:39]: The role of State Energy Offices [13:00]: Skill and accessibility gaps in the energy efficiency trades[15:27]: Challenges in the residential heat pump workforce[18:11]: Reducing barriers to entry[20:10]: The significance of certification and testing[22:56]: State examples: Maine and Illinois[25:24]: How DOE allocates funds to states[28:34]: How to help funds flow to your state[30:52]: Community benefits and advancing Justice40 goals[33:55]: Mary's vision for success in 2030Get connected: Mary MacPherson 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 Aug 11, 2023 (Published on Sep 22, 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. Fabian Heilemann is the founder and CEO of AENU. Fabian is a long-time entrepreneur, and after several successful exits, he became very concerned about climate. He started with his personal carbon footprint and then evolved to looking at what he could do internally when he was a traditional, financially-oriented venture capitalist. He looked at the footprints of the portfolio companies of that firm and then ultimately came to realize that he wanted to build a new kind of investment firm that puts impact front and center without being concessionary in any way from a return standpoint.Jason and Fabian have a great discussion about his journey to starting AENU, some of the core principles the firm stands for and how they go about it, where they are on that journey, how they got going, and where Fabian sees AENU going in the future. And of course how that fits into his thoughts on the broader transition and what we can do collectively to accelerate progress. In this episode, we cover: [4:21] An overview of AENU [5:59] Fabian's decision to work on climate [12:58] His firm's early structure and evolution [19:26] AENU's initial vision and its current strategy [28:50] The relationship between new technologies, sustainability, and their impact on established industries, corporations, and policymakers[39:10] Fabian's experience trying to start a climate sleeve in traditional VC [50:07] AENU's check size, portfolio construction, and the firm's scope [54:23] Fabian's thoughts on the need for collaborationGet connected: Fabian Heilemann X / LinkedIn Jason 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 6, 2023 (Published on Sept 20, 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 three guests: Lissie Garvin, Ayakha Melithafa, and Dysmus Kisilu, and we are diving into youth empowerment around climate.The IPCCs AR6 synthesis report from earlier this year includes a heartbreaking graphic that shows the extent to which current and future generations will experience a hotter and different world. It should come as no surprise that younger generations today will face a world that changes more dramatically than any generation has previously experienced. And yet, according to Lissie, less than 1% of all money going into climate change is going to youth movements.Lissie Garvin serves as the Foundation and Fellowship Program Director at 776, an organization founded by Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder and former CEO of Reddit. The overarching mission of the 776 Foundation is to fight inequity worldwide starting with a youth climate fellowship program, which recognizes and supports outstanding individuals under the age of 23 who are actively engaged in pioneering solutions to address climate change. Recipients of this program receive $100,000 grants to further their innovative efforts in tackling climate-related challenges. Ayakha Melithafa, a 21-year-old Pan-African climate justice activist, has represented youth voices from the Global South on prominent global platforms, including the World Economic Forum and COP26. She holds the distinction of being the youngest commissioner on the South African Presidential Climate Commission.Dysmus Kisilu, 24, is the founder of Solar Freeze, a company specializing in solar-powered cold storage units for smallholder farmers in Kenya, significantly boosting agricultural productivity. He also founded "Each One, Teach One," an initiative within Solar Freeze that mentors young agricultural leaders in Africa in renewable energy solutions, benefiting over 100 young people.Ayakha and Dysmus are among the first 20 recipients of 776 Fellowships. Together with Lissie, we explore the program's purpose, operations, and its impact. We also hear from Ayakha and Dysmus about their stories and the work they're doing to affect change.In this episode, we cover: [08:36]: Overview of the 776 Fellowship[10:42]: Youth activism's big impact[15:00]: How 776 funding allowed Ayakha to maintain her authentic voice[17:52]: How speaking up led Ayakha to the South African Presidential Climate Commission[22:10]: Ayakha's personal experiences during the "Day Zero" water crisis in 2017 that ignited her climate activism[29:07]: Her reflections on becoming an activist[33:38]: Her vision for South Africa to be a global leader in the energy transition[37:33]: Dysmus' experience with Ag Tech at UC Davis and origins of Solar Freeze[40:01]: Recent historic drought in Kenya[41:18]: Overview of Solar Freeze's solution and services[45:09]: The company's rapid growth and work with Kenyan farmers[47:35]: Dysmus' Each One, Teach One program[50:21]: How Dysmus and Ayakha learned about the 776 Fellowship[52:01]: Lissie's reflections on selecting the first 776 cohort[54:18]: Ayakha's experiences in the program and highlights from other 776 fellows[59:50]: Ayakha's advice for other young people in the climate space[01:03:06]: How people in the Global North can support youth in Africa working at the forefront of the climate crisisGet connected: Ayakha Melithafa XDysmus Kisilu X / LinkedInLissie Garvin X / 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 Aug 7, 2023 (Published on Sep 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.Robert (Bob) Blake is a tribal citizen of the Red Lake Nation, which covers 1200 square miles in northwestern Minnesota. He's the founder, owner and CEO of a solar company called Solar Bear, which has a nonprofit associated with it called Native Sun Community Power Development.Solar Bear focuses on solar project development and installation for commercial real estate. Whereas Native Sun focuses on workforce development, K-12 education and exploring ways to build infrastructure beyond solar to improve energy reliability on tribal land. Robert believes that the true power of clean energy transition is to tackle multiple systemic issues at once: diminishing poverty and mass incarceration with employment opportunities, strengthening tribal and energy sovereignty by ending a reliance on fossil fuels, and of course, mitigating climate change. In this episode, we learn what has shaped Bob’s thinking and why he's so hopeful for the future. In this episode, we cover: [02:30]: Introduction to Red Lake Nation and impact of federal policies[05:34]: The concept of tribal sovereignty[08:05]: Bob's background and racism in Minnesota[10:37]: Unique opportunities within tribal nations for innovation and energy sovereignty[13:49]: Reversing colonial capitalistic systems[15:48]: Origins and overview of Solar Bear[20:01]: Examples of Solar Bear's customers[23:37]: Solar Bear's nonprofit counterpart, Native Sun Community Power Development[25:33]: Working with K-12 and college students [28:57]: Solar workforce development for incarcerated people[31:04]: Funding sources for Bob's work[34:43]: Policy work and the Tribal Energy Advisory Board [38:48]: Reimagining how energy is distributed in the transitionResources Mentioned: From Prison to a Career in Solar Sierra ClubGet connected: Robert Blake LinkedInYin 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 Jul 5, 2023 (Published on Sep 14, 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. John Tough is Managing Partner at Energize Capital, a leading climate software investor. Energize partners with best-in-class innovators to accelerate the sustainability transition, and they have both an early-stage traditional venture vehicle as well as a growth vehicle.In this episode, Jason and John delve into the firm's origins and John's motivations for co-founding it. They explore his early career at Kleiner Green Growth and his pivotal role as employee number three at Choose Energy. The discussion also covers Energize's approach, LP composition, evolution, and the alignment between LPs and the venture and growth vehicles.They then examine the shifting macro environment's impact on LP investments in climate tech, company criteria, check sizes, leadership roles, diligence procedures, thesis-driven aspects, and the comprehensive post-company support offered by Energize.In this episode, we cover: [02:34]: The origin story of Energize Capital (formally Energize Ventures)[07:26]: John's insights from being both a VC and an entrepreneur[09:01]: His decision to anchor in the Midwest[12:35]: Launching an early-stage venture firm[15:30]: The pitch to GMs[17:34]: Impact and thesis-driven vs. opportunistic approaches[19:53]: Traditional venture vs. growth strategies[22:31]: Energize Capital's current thesis [25:15]: Value for founders working with Energize [27:28]: LP base evolution[30:43]: Tailored corporate engagement strategy[31:59]: John's answer to "why software only?"[35:55]: Current climate tech observations the role of international deal flow[40:28]: Current (late 2023) LP sentiment amidst market uncertainty[44:39]: Rise of dedicated institution-based climate capital pools[46:38]: Energize Capital’s evaluation criteria [50:42]: Controllable and uncontrollable factors in this space[52:59]: Who John and Energize want to hear fromGet connected: Jason Jacobs X / LinkedInJohn Tough 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 Aug 16, 2023 (aired on Sep 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

Janelle Kellman is the former mayor of Sausalito, an active member of the Sausalito City Council, and the founder and CEO of the Center for Sea Rise Solutions. Janelle's career spans environmental and policy roles, including leadership positions at the Environmental Protection Agency, PG&E, and advisory roles for organizations like Project Drawdown, Marin Clean Energy, and San Francisco Baykeeper. She chaired the Sausalito Planning Commission from 2016 to 2020, before joining the City Council in 2020.In this episode, Janelle discusses recent initiatives she's been prioritizing, what coastal resilience means, and how she collaborates with neighboring cities and coastal cities around the world to prepare for the inevitability of rising sea levels.On top of that, Janelle is an ultra-marathoner and a two-sport Division I athlete with degrees from Yale, Oxford, and Stanford. She also makes an exciting announcement at the end of the episode about her political future in California. You'll have to listen to the end to hear what it is!In this episode, we cover: [04:06]: Janelle's background in sports and leadership[08:39]: Navigating the challenges of 2020 as a mayor [10:45]: Origins of Center for Sea Rise Solutions and climate risks in Northern California[16:14]: Distinction between "sustainability" and "resilience"[19:34]: Key priorities and needs around sea level rise resilience[24:32]: Similarities between wildfire and sea level rise resilience[26:18]: Janelle's international collaborations and knowledge sharing on sea level rise [28:30]: International conferences like COP vs working with subnational leaders around the world[31:14]: Janelle's tips on getting involved local government, climate work, and finding your "ikigai"[39:01]: Natural overlap between outdoor athletes and climate activism[41:17]: An exciting announcement from Janelle on her political future[44:26]: How folks can follow and connect with Janelle [45:07]: Shinrin-yoku, Friluftsliv and other conceptsResources mentioned:Toxic Tides, UC Berkeley Sustainability And Health Equity LabKatrina: A History, 1915–2015, by Andy HorowitzGnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad by Steven KolterGet connected: Janelle Kellman 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 11, 2023 (Published on Sep 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

Gonzalo Fuenzalida-Meriz is the CEO and co-founder of Andes, a startup that employs microorganisms to tackle CO2 removal. Specifically, they introduce microorganisms into soil alongside agricultural seeds. As these microorganisms grow with plant roots, they expedite the transformation of CO2 into minerals, which contributes to soil inorganic carbon.The MCJ pod has featured startups exploring methods to amend soil for carbon removal, including biochar and enhanced rock weathering. It’s intriguing to hear how Andes utilizes microorganisms to achieve a similar result.Gonzalo and Cody delve into the company's origins, revealing their initial focus on enhancing crop resiliency, and their transition to carbon removal. Beyond the concept of microbial carbon mineralization, Andes also harnesses a different microorganism, one they genetically modify, to increase corn's ability to affix nitrogen into the soil and thus reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. There's a lot to unpack in this one.In this episode, we cover: [02:08]: An overview of Andes and its origins[05:45]: Current challenges in crop resiliency[07:52]: Natural history of microbes and their relation to plants and humans[12:37]: Andes' two programs: microbes for nitrogen and CO2 capture[15:22]: In-depth look at Andes' nitrogen program[20:41]: Andes' second program and overview of organic carbon[24:57]: Soil inorganic carbon and the role of lime in farming and carbon capture[29:25]: How Andes' solutions are applied on farms and economics of business model[34:54]: Andes' Microbial Carbon Mineralization (MCM) methodology and potential for carbon credits[39:49]: How Gonzalo thinks about scaling and fundraising[43:48]: His advice for entrepreneurs looking for opportunities in this spaceGet connected: Gonzalo Fuenzalida-Meriz 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 Aug 29, 2023 (Published on Sep 7, 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. Ian Smith is the Director of Investments at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), where his primary responsibilities include managing due diligence, research and portfolio oversight across public equity, fixed income, and impact and diversity offerings. TNC is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. They were founded in the US through grassroots organizing in 1951, and they've grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. As a formidable force in the NGO world, TNC also has a pretty big endowment and they're investing that endowment as good fiduciaries to generate market-beating returns, but they also have this broader mission to reckon with as an organization. This makes for a fascinating conversation that digs into how TNC handles balancing impact and profit, and how they think about climate investing, private investing, and investing in general. In this episode, we cover: [2:21] An overview of TNC and its investments[5:59] TNC's endowment asset allocation[7:47] Ian's background[11:55] Benefits of TNC's transition from outsourced investing to in-house portfolio management[16:46] Diversification of TNC's endowment capital[19:40] The org's decarbonization strategy[24:29] Integrating sustainability without sacrificing market-grade returns[26:38] TNC's criteria for evaluation[28:49] Ian's assessment of the state of climate tech venture as an investible asset[34:34] How he views and measures impact[37:06] An overview of TNC's privates' portfolio[40:51] Ian's suggestions for balancing investible assets and grant-making[44:25] His thoughts on how the transition is going to pan out[48:09] Why this time is different than Cleantech 1.0[50:53] Ian's thoughts on the term 'impact investor'[52:04] TNC's perspective on carbon capture and the role of big oil in the transition[57:58] How Ian thinks about direct investing[1:02:58] His concerns about climate tech innovation and what he's excited aboutGet connected: Ian Smith 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 Aug 9, 2023 (Published Sept 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

Mario Molina is the Executive Director of Protect Our Winters (aka POW). POW was founded in the late 2000s by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. They've grown to 130,000 supporters that consist of passionate outdoor athletes motivated to protect the places they live and love from climate change. POW's goal is to give a voice to the outdoor sports community (or the Outdoor State, as they call it) and channel it into political will to help get energy transition and related climate change policies passed.Mario has been working in climate for many years. Prior to POW, he was the international director of the Climate Reality Project, which was created by former Vice President Al Gore. Before that, Mario led strategy and programs as deputy director at the Alliance for Climate Education.Politics generally follows culture, not the other way around. In other words, political movements grow from cultural movements. By harnessing people's love of outdoor recreation and helping them share stories of how they directly observe the world changing around them, POW is helping to channel the cultural agenda around climate change. And by giving their supporters tangible things to do, policies for which to advocate and candidates to support, they're seeking to influence actual outcomes that can make a difference. You'll want to listen to this one in its entirety as Mario has a bit of a surprising announcement at the end. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:38] An overview of Protect Our Winters (POW) and its origins [5:36] Athlete stories that highlight the impact of climate change [8:22] POW's theory of change and applications to the 'Outdoor State'[14:44] Examples of athlete engagement in policy[17:39] How POW determines which projects to support[21:44] The org's 501(c)(4) arm that allows POW to endorse or campaign for certain candidates[23:50] Challenges POW faced in getting brand partnerships[26:21] What has proven effective in bridging cultural awareness with political action, and where tension still lies[30:06] Mario's background and accomplishments[36:42] Where POW needs help and how listeners can get involvedGet connected: Mario Molina LinkedInProtect Our Winters X / LinkedIn / InstagramCody 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 2, 2023 (Published on Sept 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 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.Alyssa Thomas oversees the workforce development program at SunPower, a residential solar company, that services all 50 states in the US and has been around since the mid-1980s.The transition to clean energy is expected to generate 10 million net new jobs globally by the year 2030. Most of the anticipated job gains will likely be in the power generation, automotive, and electrical efficiency sectors. How we develop the talent to meet the job demands falls under the category of workforce development, which we've talked about before on the show. Today, we'll dive deep into what it means for the solar industry. In this episode, Yin and Alyssa discuss what workforce development encompasses for a private-sector solar company, and why more private companies are focusing on it now as a part of their business model. We also talk about the three key levers that the US should focus on to address labor shortages in the clean energy sector, bringing back career technical education curriculum into every American high school, building a stronger social services net to provide support for people transitioning into the trades, and investing more into building and maintaining apprenticeship programs. In this episode, we cover: [1:43] Alyssa's background and role at SunPower[7:23] How she landed in the solar industry[9:25] Differences between Alyssa's work in the public vs. private sector[13:46] Non-obvious things pushing us to think about workforce development[20:01] Where new talent in the trades might come from[23:06] Successful partnerships for moving folks into solar[28:59] Internal and external pathways for hiring[33:10] SunPower's work on policy[37:19] The role of community colleges in workforce development[39:11] Addressing diversity and inclusion[44:49] Programmatic barriers and key levers to getting more people in the tradesGet connected: Alyssa Thomas LinkedInYin 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 July 7, 2023 (Published on Aug 31, 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. Jonah Goldman was a longtime managing director at Bill Gates' firm, Breakthrough Energy. Breakthrough Energy is dedicated to helping humanity avoid a climate disaster through investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy, and other activities. They're committed to scaling the technologies that we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Jonah helped establish the firm in 2015 and served as primary architect for all of the programs and funds. Currently, Jonah serves as the founder and Principal at North Cascades Strategies where he works with clients and partners to creatively commercialize critical climate technologies. He also serves as a Senior Advisor for Public Affairs at Generate Capital and a Senior Advisor at the Boston Consulting Group. We have a great discussion in this episode about the origin of Breakthrough, how Jonah found himself doing this climate work to begin with, how Breakthrough is set up, the different areas in which they operate, how they've evolved over time, and how that fits into the broader problem of climate change and the broader solution set. We then cover the nature of the problem of climate change, the best ways to address it, and some of the biggest opportunities and challenges with accelerating the transition.In this episode, we cover: [03:28]: Jonah's background[04:50]: The focus on traditional climate solutions at the 2015 Paris COP[06:56]: Breakthrough Energy’s inception as a bridge between public research and private capital[08:34]: Bill Gates' commitment to real capital and the challenge to the public sector[09:49]: Factors that contributed to people saying "yes" to Breakthrough Energy[11:56]: Bill Gates' leadership and the global commitment to addressing climate change[13:12]: Differences between Breakthrough Energy One and traditional venture capital[14:12]: Need for purpose-built investment vehicles for climate technologies[16:04]: The firm's goal of creating a commercial environment for hard technologies[17:56]: Distinguishing climate-focused investments from general investments[19:19]: Integrating climate considerations into all sectors[22:10]: Perfecting purpose-built vehicles for climate investments[23:52]: Aligning financial incentives and solving challenges to drive investments[30:08] The need for existing players willing to take new models[36:52] Government’s role in the clean energy transition[41:24] Need for a multifaceted approach to solving climate[45:15] BEV's focus on investing in hard tech[47:41] Jonah's thoughts on company climate commitments[52:34] His feelings about carbon markets[55:55] The role of behavior change[1:00:17] Jonah's current projects and who he wants to hear fromGet connected: Jonah Goldman 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 Aug 4, 2023 (aired on Aug 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

Dr. Vanessa Kerry is the co-founder and CEO of Seed Global Health, a nonprofit organization focused on health system strengthening and transformation through long-term investments and training of the health workforce. Under her leadership, Seed has helped educate more than 34,000 doctors, nurses, and midwives in seven countries, helping to improve healthcare for more than 73 million people. Dr. Kerry was also recently appointed as WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. She'll play a pivotal role in amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging and undertake high level advocacy. The intersection of climate change and health is important, and a topic that doesn't get talked about enough. Dr. Kerry has such a unique perspective and there's no one better to learn from on this important topic. In this episode, we cover: [02:43]: Dr. Kerry's background in healthcare[05:08]: Origins and overview of Seed Global Health[06:20]: Climate change's impact on global health [09:09]: The healthcare sector’s role in climate change response[12:03]: Healthcare viewed as a cost, not an investment, despite potential ROI[16:03]: Valuing health and wellbeing over GDP [18:38]: The role of leadership, private sector, and individuals in the transition[22:37]: Dr. Kerry's role at the World Health Organization (WHO)[28:45]: WHO's climate change policies, strategies, and funding[30:24]: Overview of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH)[32:04]: Funding sources for WHO and challenges of operating like a nonprofit[33:39]: Balancing energy access in developing nations with sustainability[35:34]: The private sector's role in shifting from shareholder to stakeholder value[36:59]: Exploring greener alternatives and the need for a systemic shift[37:41]: Balancing pragmatism and urgency in the transition[41:31]: Finding common ground on climate change in a partisan society[43:01]: How individuals can help change the conversation [44:30]: The need for more time, funding, and team building at WHO [45:38]: Seed Global Health's current priorities [47:12]: Embracing the butterfly theory of impact[48:51]: Jason's key takeaway from the conversationGet connected: Dr. Vanessa Kerry Twitter / LinkedInJason Jacobs Twitter / 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 Aug 7, 2023 (Published on Aug 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

Toby Kraus and Ben Parker are co-founders of Lightship, an all-electric RV. Their first model, the L1, is a tow trailer with a sizable solar array on top, electric heat pump HVAC, an induction stove in the kitchen, an 80 kilowatt hour battery and an EV range extending or gas mileage boosting feature wherein the tow trailer provides some on-road power to the vehicle that's pulling it. Ben is a former mechanical design engineer at Tesla who contributed to the Model 3. Toby also worked at Tesla, first in finance then as product manager for the Model S. He later assumed an executive position at Proterra, an electric bus company. Despite Proterra's recent bankruptcy, it played a pivotal role in advancing large vehicle electrification. In 2020, Toby and Ben teamed up to establish Lightship and unveiled the L1 for pre-orders in March 2023.This conversation not only covers the founders' backgrounds and the L1's feature set, but also how they have sized the RV market, how the electrification of the RV will help drive the electrification of the pickup truck sector overall, and how the L1 can serve as a power source to a home when it's not in use as an RV. MCJ Collective is proud to be a multi-time investor in Lightship via our venture capital funds, and we still learned a lot during this conversation. In this episode, we cover: [03:06]: Ben's background and Tesla experience[05:43]: How electrifying food trucks led Ben to work on RVs[09:07]: Ben's experience in Formula 1 student racing[10:37]: Toby's background: finance, Tesla, Proterra, and Eclipse[16:46]: RV categories and the market landscape[20:30]: The role of aerodynamics in trailer design [23:08]: Potential for Lightship L1 to unlock electrification in pickup trucks[25:05]: The hodgepodge of fossil fuel systems in legacy RVs[27:20]: Prioritizing a game-changing product with sustainability as a bonus[28:24]: An in-depth overview of the Lightship L1 trailer's sleek design[30:58]: Details of the L1’s solar paneled roof, HVAC, and stove[34:51]: Pricing and target customer demographics [40:23]: Addressing range anxiety with existing RV campground infrastructure[42:25]: Lightship L1’s battery and potential as a home backup power source[49:50]: Tackling the problem of embedded emissions with durability[53:51]: How Lightship finances their businessGet connected: Toby Kraus LinkedIn / Ben Parker LinkedInLightship LinkedIn / XCody Simms LinkedIn / XMCJ 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 Aug 10, 2023 (Published on Aug 24, 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 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 Aronoff is Chairman and General Partner at MCJ Collective. David has been in the venture space for nearly 28 years and joined MCJ a few years ago. His role has transitioned from LP to advisor to executive chair, and finally the last two years plus to his current role and chairman and general partner. Jason and David go in-depth, not only into David's journey, but also into the transition he made after a long career in traditional VC towards seeking more purpose, how he combines purpose and profit more squarely in this next chapter, plus his journey to finding MCJ. Then we have a fun grilling session where Jason gets to role play and ask David all the questions we get asked from LPs as the partners have been out raising the fund.Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [3:56] David's background and decision to join MCJ Collective[9:42] His journey exploring climate and solutions [13:00] David's thoughts on MCJ's early rolling funds [20:02] His mission-driven transition back to full-time work and building MCJ Collective the firm [24:01] The thought process behind the launch of MCJ's traditional fund structure [29:32] David's previous fundraising role vs. his role at MCJ [33:00] His thoughts on MCJ's stack, data room, and preparation[38:48] MCJ's overall strategy [44:33] David's perspective on ownership and MCJ's portfolio math[49:04] The diligence process[55:21] Time allocation of MCJ's five partners[58:38] MCJ's decision-making process [1:00:16] David's views on how the team will scale [1:02:32] MCJ's fundraising status to date, investor breakdown, and closing plans[1:08:36] David's thoughts on the future of MCJ's venture fund [1:20:10] The "why" behind his work at MCJ and who he wants to hear fromGet connected: David Aronoff Twitter / LinkedInJason Jacobs Twitter / 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 August 14, 2023 (Published on August 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

Bill Caesar is President at Generate Upcycle, a subsidiary of Generate Capital. Generate Upcycle reduces the environmental footprint of businesses, farms, cities and consumers by diverting organic waste from landfills and producing renewable fuels, electricity, and organic fertilizers. Bill's journey from the CIA to McKinsey to waste management, culminating in his role at Generate, is fascinating.Cody and Bill talk about his journey and break down Generate Upcycle's key businesses, including anaerobic digestion, composting and mechanical vapor recompression, a relatively new method of wastewater management. Lastly, the conversation touches on areas that Bill is eyeing as disruptive technologies on the horizon. As the world population continues to grow, so will our waste footprint, and by finding profitable and lower emissions means of harnessing and reusing our waste, Generate Upcycle is betting that they can turn trash into treasure.In this episode we cover: [02:08]: Generate Upcycle's relationship with Generate Capital[04:30]: Bill's background: Russian studies, CIA, McKinsey, waste management[07:11]: His experience in waste management and recycling[14:01]: Moving from waste to Generate Capital[17:50] Bill's confidence in the anaerobic digestion business[23:08] His "waste to value" work at Generate Upcycle[26:21] An overview of anaerobic digestion[27:22] Generate's composting business[28:55] The company's wastewater treatment business[31:57] Logistics challenges in anaerobic digestion[37:47] Tipping fees[39:52] The percentage of waste going to landfills and the climate impact[43:44] Landfill diversion incentives[46:54] The energy outputs of Generate's digesters[50:44] What's on the horizon for Generate Upcycle and how folks can get in touchGet connected: Bill Caesar Twitter / LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 Jul 26, 2023 (Published on Aug 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

Josh Silverman is the CEO and founder of Windfall Bio, which transforms methane into nitrogen-rich organic soil nutrients using naturally occurring methane-eating microbes. With a strong background in biotechnology, Josh has founded multiple successful ventures in the field, raising over $300 million in equity financing and generating a cumulative exit value exceeding $1.7 billion.After co-founding Calysta, a cellular agriculture company that converts methane into sources of protein for livestock and other food ingredients, Josh turned his attention to other ways to tackle the problem of atmospheric methane, which led him to start Windfall. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) gets the bulk of attention in the greenhouse gas removal space, but methane is responsible for a significant portion of the planetary warming that we are experiencing. Methane is up to 80 times more potent than CO2 from a heat-trapping perspective and is significantly more diffuse than CO2 in the atmosphere, making it challenging to capture or remove it once released. While there are growing sources of anthropogenic methane released via natural gas infrastructure, livestock, rice cultivation, as well as landfills and waste processing, there are also significant naturally occurring pockets of methane released in the oceans and arctic tundra, which are likely to only increase on a warming planet, a case study in feedback loops leading to climate change tipping points.Josh and Cody dive into the problem of methane, as well as Windfall's solution and how Josh has grown the business. They also cover Josh’s background and experience in the space. The MCJ Collective Venture Fund is a proud investor in Windfall, and we’re grateful to Liron Gitig at EDF for introducing us to Josh as part of EDF's Climate Tech Convening event in the fall of 2022. In this episode, we cover: [03:41]: CO2 vs. methane attention and short-term impact[06:03]: Methane breakdown into CO2 over time[07:18]: Sources of methane: natural and human-created[09:16]: Challenges with methane release and feedback loops[11:49]: Diffuse methane release sources like rice farming[12:58]: Connections to biological CDR solutions[14:46]: Windfall's work with methane-eating microbes (MEMS)[18:24]: Energy value and economics of methane capture[20:36]: Windfall's digester use on farms for methane reduction and fertilizer production[25:18]: Potential for branding "Low Greenhouse Gas" ag products[26:37]: Market for methane removal[28:05]: Decrease in natural MEMS despite methane increase[30:53]: Josh's biotech background and methane work[34:20]: Windfall's branding and company status[35:27]: Where the company stands today, scaling, and low technology risk[37:01]: Windfall's patented natural MEMS[38:58]: Scaling MEMS for diffuse methane sources[41:27]: Following and connecting with WindfallGet connected:Josh Silverman LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 Aug 8, 2023 (Published on Aug 17, 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. Ben Kortlang is a partner at G2 Venture Partners, or G2VP. Ben, alongside his partners, Brook Porter, David Mount, and Daniel Oros founded G2 Venture Partners in 2016 while working together as senior partners at Kleiner Perkins Green Growth Fund. Ben and Jason have a great discussion in this episode about Ben's path to venture capital and his path to climate investing, his thoughts on the Cleantech 1.0 wave and some of the lessons learned, the formation story of the firm, their investment approach, how that's evolved over time and what they look for when they make investments. They also discuss the broader investment landscape and the clean energy transition overall, some of the blockers and some changes that Ben thinks could unlock faster progress. In this episode, we cover: [02:13]: G2 Venture Partners’ origin story and overview[04:10]: Ben's initial interest in alternative energy[06:11]: Takeaways from his experience at VC firm Kleiner Perkens[14:51]: G2VP’s 2016 spinout during the darkest hour of the "cleantech winter" [18:13]: Key lessons from cleantech investing[20:25]: Examples from Tesla's 20-year journey to success [22:30]: Cleantech's hardware challenge, software vs. hardware dynamics[24:34]: The need for resilience after Cleantech 1.0 skepticism[26:54]: G2VP's fundraising process and "inflection point investing" strategy[30:13]: Their fund structure and expansion across verticals[33:27]: LP composition changes and other differences between Fund 1 and Fund 2[35:22]: Geography, capital intensity, and regulatory risk considerations[39:32]: Balance between thesis-driven and opportunistic investments[40:48]: How the firm and their LPs approach impact [46:23]: Importance of deep research to identifying winners in B2B contexts[50:32]: Ben's thoughts on valuing companies and confidence in exits[53:43]: Addressing the "capital gap" for first-of-a-kind projects[55:38]: Climate's potential integration across sectors, similar to mobile tech[57:08]: "Additionality" in climate investing[59:24]: Ben's take on institutional capital's hesitance to invest in climate[01:03:10]: His take on whether we'll solve the climate crisis and how the world has to change [01:06:31]: Ben's messages to CIOs of university endowments, founders of successful companies, and independently wealthy peopleGet connected: Ben Kortlang LinkedInJason Jacobs Twitter / 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 Jul 25, 2023 (published on Aug 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

Danielle Deiseroth is the Executive Director of Data for Progress. Data for Progress produces polling, database messaging, and policy generation for progressive causes, campaigns and candidates. Danielle joined in 2020 and built the climate and environmental polling practice. She became interim executive director in December 2022 and was named executive director in June 2023.We have a robust conversation on what polling is and how it works, and then we dive into what polls are revealing about climate change from a messaging perspective and from a policy perspective. Cody and Danielle touch on trigger words in climate messaging and talk about popular policies related to climate change and policies that still concern folks. Spoiler alert: range anxiety with EVs is still very real. Lastly, we talk about some focus group work that Data for Progress recently conducted to get local insights from community members in a handful of geographies that are being considered for the Department of Energy's direct air capture (DAC) hubs program. Political polling can feel like a dark art, but we're grateful to Danielle for taking the time to help demystify it.In this episode, we cover: [2:40] An overview of Data for Progress and Danielle's background[7:38] The organization's earned media success[9:02] How Data for Progress is structured and the skill sets that contribute to its rapid response[13:02] Polling results regarding climate messaging and trigger words[21:00] Polarization around electric vehicles[23:36] The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and popular electrification rebates[26:10] Polling results from states that are receiving financial benefits from the IRA[27:32] The role of resiliency messaging[30:46] Direct air capture (DAC) hubs and regional differences in sentiment[35:42] The importance of environmental justice and workforce development in the clean energy transition[37:29] What's next for Data for Progress leading up to the 2024 election[40:53] How people can helpResources mentioned:New Bluegreen Alliance Data Visualization Identifies Hard-Hit Areas of the Country That Stand to Benefit from Federal Investments ShareYale Program on Climate Change CommunicationsGet connected: Danielle Deiseroth Twitter / LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 August 3, 2023 (Published on August 14, 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 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. Steve Simon is the founder of Simon Equity Partners and owner of the Indiana Pacers. Steve is not the ordinary guest you'd expect on a climate podcast. Beyond his professional pursuits, he has become more involved in climate-related matters behind the scenes for quite some time. This involvement spans various domains, including investment, advisory roles, and philanthropy. In this episode, Jason and Steve have a great discussion about Steve's journey to caring about climate, how he got started, how his thinking and activities have evolved, and where he'd like to see them go directionally, both for him and his family generationally. In this episode, we cover:[03:52]: Steve's real estate roots and early investments in retail and conscious consumer brands[06:43]: Transitioning from a traditional family office approach to impact investing with aligned values and returns[08:21]: Family office structures and how generational dynamics influence investment decisions[12:16]: Steve's early awareness of climate change and his involvement in conscious consumerism [15:02]: Flexibility in investment flavors, ranging from returns-focused to impact-driven investments[17:19]: Opportunistic climate investing across various sectors, focusing on regenerative ag, waste, electrification[18:51]: Optimizing learning, accountability, and data-driven impact assessment in investments [20:34]: The iterative process of investments driving learning, and learning influencing investments[24:23]: Leveraging family assets and competencies for positive impact on investments [24:49]: How insights from Pacers Sports & Entertainment ownership inform impact strategies[25:31]: Mentorships and partnerships (Scott Jacobs at Generate, Nat Simons the Energy Foundation)[27:35]: Merging policy advocacy with investments for impactful outcomes, focusing on regenerative ag opportunities in Indiana[28:26]: Balancing short-term self-interest (sports and entertainment) with planetary well-being [33:16]: Dealing with generational guilt and maintaining a positive mindset amid climate anxiety [39:26]: Exciting opportunities in Indiana: wind/solar growth, coal retirement, ag reinvention [41:13]: Why Steve became a MCJ Collective LP[45:26]: What Steve hopes to accomplish in the next 10 years [46:25]: Who Steve wants to hear from [47:13]: Steve’s call to action for other family offices Get connected: Steve Simon Twitter / LinkedInJason Jacobs Twitter / 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 July 13, 2023 (Published on August 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

Alan Leung is SVP of Threat Intelligence on the Global Security team at Macquarie Group, a global financial services firm. They're one of the world's largest infrastructure asset managers. Alan is an active MCJ community member who a year or so ago started writing his own personal newsletter on climate and geopolitical risk at securingclimate.substack.com. The conversation in this episode is inspired by much of what Alan has written and shared there. Cody and Alan cover a range of topics, starting with a framework for how to think about systemic climate risk, to climate change-influenced conflict, to national responses to the energy transition, and lastly to how Alan thinks adaptation and resiliency responses will evolve.In this episode, we cover: [02:01]: Alan’s framework for defining “hazard” and “risk”[04:23]: Examples of climate hazards and impacts[06:19]: Understanding climate's nuanced impact on security and conflicts[09:18]: Early warning signs and triggers for conflict; climate's role in exacerbating risks[10:25]: Water scarcity's role in conflicts in different regions (e.g., Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uruguay, India, South Africa)[14:52]: The need to accommodate for more extreme swings in weather[18:01]: Rebuilding with resilience and new tech after conflict[21:10]: Global cooperation vs. local protectionism and “geopolitical realities” in the energy transition[27:03]: The need for more investment in resilience and adaptation strategies[30:03]: How insurance companies are reacting to increasing climate risks[33:56]: How organizations can connect risks with opportunities[37:43]: Advice for other risk professionals looking to develop knowledge in the climate space[40:25]: COVID-19's impact on risk thinking, agility, and value of actionable insights[42:50]: An overview of Macquarie Group and Alan’s role in the firm[44:47]: Areas where Alan sees opportunities for risk analysis and security in climate solutions[46:39]: How traditional ecological practices especially among indigenous cultures may offer the most resilient solutions[48:41]: Water security and innovation in cooling systemsResources mentioned: Chatham House climate change risk assessment 2021Get connected: Alan LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 Jul 28, 2023 (Published on Aug 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

Leopold Spenner is CEO and Co-founder of alcemy, which is accelerating the decarbonization of cement and concrete via software. Concrete is one of the most abundant manmade materials on earth, and it's exceedingly hard to decarbonize. Most of its emissions footprint comes from the production of cement, the materials that provide concrete with its strength. By most estimates, cement is responsible for upwards of 8% of global emissions. Cement production generates emissions in two major ways. One is from a chemical reaction during the cracking of limestone that's used to produce cement. And the other is from the extreme heat that this process requires. Many cement plants around the world have begun employing carbon capture technologies on premises to get to net-zero. Beyond that, there are companies working to lower cement emissions by changing the ingredients mix or by trying to take away the need for extreme heat. It's a hard problem, but alcemy introduces another possible solution: efficiency. Their software helps cement and ready-made concrete producers to create product more efficiently, which should result in less waste and in less limestone that needs to be heated and cracked. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:07] Leo's background and how he got involved in decarbonizing cement[5:57] Innovation in the cement and concrete industry [10:39] The production challenges of cement and concrete [13:34] An overview of limestone[16:28] The 28-day quality sampling process for cement and concrete [18:58] Emissions reductions potential for both [21:24] alcemy's predictive analytics software [23:35] How the company's tech improves quality, cost, and emissions reductions [25:09] alcemy's results to date [26:03] How the company helps to create concrete mixes[29:30] The scaling hurdle of integrating with legacy software systems [33:55] The role of clinker efficiency and what it entails [37:02] alcemy's traction to date and funding milestones [38:12] Who Leo wants to hear from and what's next for alcemy [41:20] How the market is evolving around lower carbon cement, including the carbon market Episodes mentioned: Startup Seres: Sublime SystemsStartup Series: Enhanced Rock Weathering w/ Lithos Carbon & Eion CarbonEpisode 224: Rebecca Dell, ClimateWorks FoundationGet connected:Leopold Spenner LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 July 27, 2023 (Published on August 3, 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. James Lindsay is a principal on the Builders Initiative Investment Team, which is part of Builders Vision. In late 2021, Walmart heir Lukas Walton publicly launched Builders Vision, a platform that combines philanthropy, direct investment, and advocacy in four key areas: food, ocean health, energy transition, and community building. At Builders Initiative, James leads an investment vehicle focused on the energy transition and climate justice, in addition to co-leading a key effort to promote innovative funding in the ocean space. Both platforms attempt to provide innovative solutions and invest in emerging venture capital and private equity fund managers, accelerators, and emerging startups. We have a great discussion in this episode about James' journey, the important work that they're doing at Builders Vision, and most importantly, how to get other significant family offices to pursue similar work, putting impact front and center.In this episode, we cover: [02:13]: An overview of Builders Vision (BV), its mission, and origin story[07:18]: Collaboration among BV's teams and programs[08:25]: BV’s involvement in the 1000 Ocean Startups coalition tracking ocean sector investments[11:29]: How BV is distinct among family offices[13:10]: James’ transition from oil and gas to impact investing[18:04]: Overlaps and distinctions between BV and Seed 2 Growth (S2G) [24:18]: BV's core fund size preference [26:33]: How the company measures impact and thinks about returns[32:23]: BV's distinct strategies for oceans (opportunistic) and energy (thesis-driven) [36:33]: Accelerating adoption of new technologies in hard-to-abate sectors [39:35]: Potential for market-rate investors with creative structuring[44:08]: Barriers holding back other ultra-wealthy families from impact investing, including generational divides and reluctance towards hard tech [47:53]: BV's approach to the built environment, with a focus on retrofits and microgrid improvements[50:50]: BV’s involvement in policy discussions and the need for clearer federal and regional policies[54:35]: The importance of investing in harder tech solutions to accelerate the transition[55:40]: Parting words: Builders Vision is hiring!Get connected: James Lindsay LinkedInJason Jacobs Twitter / 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 Jul 3, 2023 (Published Aug 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

Antti Vihavainen is the Co-founder and CEO of Helsinki-based Puro.earth, a leading crediting platform and registry for engineered carbon removal. In 2021, NASDAQ acquired a controlling stake in Puro, helping further establish its credibility in the marketplace. Puro is actively offering engineered carbon removal credits today for a few dozen projects that primarily consist of biochar and bio-construction initiatives.In addition, Puro has an initiative called Puro Accelerate that enables buyers to purchase essentially futures credits for other forms of carbon removal that still need to produce at scale, but which Puro has deemed highly credible and likely to produce in the near term. Puro Accelerate’s projects include efforts in direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (or BECCS) geologically stored carbon, woody biomass burial, and additional biochar projects.Antti and Cody trace how Puro came to be, and cover the details of their current registry offerings and futures offerings. They discuss Puro's business model and how they compare to other carbon credit and offset registries. Additionally, Antti shares his thoughts on how he sees carbon removal scaling in the years to come. In this episode, we cover: [02:46]: Antti's background and climate journey[04:14]: Starting Puro.earth and creating a new asset class [06:29]: Puro's focus on projects with measurable atom-level carbon removal[07:26]: The company’s initial methodologies, including biochar, carbonated building materials, and woody elements[10:52]: Collaboration with NASDAQ [11:56]: How Puro issues CO2 Removal Credits (CORCs)[14:52]: How Puro Accelerate supports emerging carbon removal technologies[17:34]: Risks and benefits for companies buying pre-CORCs[21:18]: Qualification process for pre-CORC futures credits[23:02]: Early demand for pre-CORCs from pioneers and future market expansion[25:25]: Potential for third-party innovation to address verification, payment, and capitalization bottlenecks[29:36]: Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)[31:41]: Speculative buying in pre-CORC space and innovations in bottleneck problems[34:59]: Potential for blockchain-based solutions in this space[37:05]: Research listings and supporting R&D for emerging technology, like enhanced rock weathering [39:08]: Antti's invitation to large companies and capital deployers to engage with PuroGet connected: Antti LinkedInPuro.earth Twitter / LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 Jun 14, 2023 (Published on Jul 31, 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.Christof Franzsen is head of the Apprenticeship Program at Forge, a residential construction company based out of Boston, Massachusetts. In this episode, we learn how this novel program is being designed to meet the growing job demands in the residential construction industry through small cohort-based learning versus the traditional one-on-one model. They do this through a super intentional focus on mastering four skills: windows, cabinet, trim and door installations. Forge uses video technology to help apprentices get more face time with seasoned mentors while on the job. We also learn about Christof's journey leaving his job as an actuary to take a risk in becoming a carpenter and finding his way to becoming an instructor of woodworking. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [01:53]: Overview of Forge and its focus on workforce development[02:58]: Forge’s services[04:18]: Forge’s Apprenticeship Program[05:46]: Joining a crew as an apprentice and on-the-job training[08:55]: The traditional path to becoming a carpenter and drawbacks of one-on-one training[11:29]: The diversity of applicants to Forge’s Apprenticeship Program[12:44]: Christof’s background and connection to carpentry[16:01]: His transition from a white-collar career to woodworking[17:06]: How Forge measures success: crew contribution, financial performance, and a happy workforce[20:45]: How Forge supports apprentices financially during their training[22:50]: Key elements of Forge’s apprenticeship curriculum[26:23]: How climate change figures into Forge’s work[27:49]: The company’s aim to reduce climate impact through reduced drive time, accurate measurements, technology, and creating a trained skilled labor forceGet connected: Forge Instagram / LinkedInYin Twitter / 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 Jun 28, 2023 (Published on Jul 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

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by Jason Jacobs. This series explores various 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. Irena Spazzapan is Managing Partner at Systemiq Capital, the climate-tech VC spin-off from the world's largest pure-play climate advisory firm, Systemiq. Irena built the current team and led most investments in Fund I, including companies like Charm Industrial and Brimstone. And in 2022, she led the spin-out of Systemiq Capital from Systemiq with the launch of Fund II, which continues to back early-stage companies across the UK, EU, and North America. In this episode, Irena and Jason have a great discussion about the origin story of Systemiq Capital, their approach to climate investing, and how they evolved over time. We also cover a bevy of related topics, including what's been happening in the macro, some of the bottlenecks that are holding up progress, what we can do to accelerate progress and, of course, where Systemiq Capital and early-stage climate tech innovation generally fit in. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:17] An overview of Systemiq Capital [3:17] The fund's origin story spun out of McKinsey [5:17] Irena's background and professional journey [7:26] The impetus for Systemiq's investing efforts[10:49] The fund's investing matrix and their rationale for it[14:42] The role of family offices in Systemiq's pilot fund [16:43] Systemiq's goals for its pilot fund [18:36] Systemiq's views on impact vs returns [21:21] Why are LPs mostly climate folks? [24:36] The working relationships and collaboration between Systemiq and Systemiq Capital[27:27] How learnings from Systemiq's Fund I informed Fund II[31:27] The importance of timing and impact on returns [33:38] Irena's thoughts on regulation and upcoming directives [35:45] Risks Systemiq is comfortable taking vs. non-starters [37:13] FOAK projects and Irena's views on how they should be funded [40:06] Differences between real assets experts vs. Silicon Valley founders [44:19] Differences between climate tech innovation in Europe vs. the US [47:05] Challenges of getting financially-driven institutional capital allocators to invest in climate[52:32] Systemiq's current deployment status and returns [54:05] Types of capital Systemiq doesn't take and Irena's thoughts on the topic generally[59:21] How Systemiq measures and tracks success[01:01:16] Irena's theory of changeGet connected: Jason Jacobs Twitter / LinkedInIrena Spazzapan 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 July 11, 2023 (Published on July 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

Giana Amador is Executive Director at Carbon Removal Alliance. Carbon Removal Alliance was announced earlier this year in February 2023 as a trade organization focused on advancing policies that support a diverse set of carbon removal technologies. Its membership consists of 20 plus companies in the carbon removal space, including technology startups like Charm Industrial, Heirloom, and Noya, as well as carbon removal purchasers and investors. Giana has been working on carbon removal since 2015 when she co-founded Carbon 180, a leading NGO focused on carbon removal. In this episode, we trace Giana’s journey from university at UC Berkeley to founding Carbon 180, her leap to start Carbon Removal Alliance, why carbon removal matters, what Carbon Removal Alliance aims to achieve, and what policy pathways she hopes to see. Lastly, for the policy wonks in the house, we conclude with a conversation on four specific pieces of budding federal legislation and one state level item that Carbon Removal Alliance is engaging on at present. In this episode, we cover: [02:19]: Giana's climate journey and realization of carbon removal's potential [05:13]: Her transition from Carbon 180 to Carbon Removal Alliance [10:01]: Carbon Removal Alliance's focus on US federal policy[11:00]: Overview of why carbon removal is necessary to reach targets [13:45]: The current state of carbon capture and how much carbon has been captured to date [15:10]: Distinction between land-based and engineered solutions[18:34]: Carbon Removal Alliance’s technology-neutral approach [20:25]: Membership growth and vetting process for new members[22:14]: Need for standards and protocols to ensure market integrity and boost confidence for carbon removal purchasers[24:36]: Decarbonization challenges in hard-to-abate sectors [25:24]: Cost barrier for traditional industries adopting carbon removal vs. cheaper offsets[26:15]: The need for internal climate teams to vet carbon removal projects[26:54]: Incentives and market structures to encourage technology development [27:28]: The tendency to emphasize tech solutions over regulation in US climate policy[28:32]: Near-term priorities for federal policy[30:00]: Challenges in securing first-of-a-kind project finance for carbon removal companies[34:12]: Ensuring equitable support, standards, and incentives for technologies through federal policies[49:40]: Important upcoming federal legislation: Create Act, CREST Act, Federal CDR Leadership Act, Farm Bill[53:27]: How folks can get involved: Open Air Collective and Carbon 180's policy trackerGet connected: Giana Amador Twitter / LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 Jun 28, 2023 (Published on Jul 20, 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.Aubrey Streit Krug is the Director of the Perennial Cultures Lab at the Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. The Land Institute is a nonprofit and one of the global leaders in sustainable agriculture research and education. Aubrey grew up in a small town in Kansas where her parents farm wheat and raise cattle. She is a writer, teacher, and researcher who studies stories of relationships between humans and plants. Aubrey gives us a crash course in understanding the perennial grain ecosystem, its history, the research behind how to develop new crops, and the labor needs to sustain production. We also cover the education required to introduce new crops for human consumption, equity considerations on access to crops, and why the ability to grow grains year-round is key to sustaining global food stability. In this episode, we cover: [03:03]: Aubrey's background and connection to farming[05:27]: Her interest in community and diverse perspectives in agriculture[07:19]: The semi-arid grassland ecosystem of the Great Plains[08:28]: The Land Institute's focus on developing sustainable alternatives, including perennial grain crops[12:26]: Paradigm shifts in food and agriculture throughout human history [15:00]: The need to undergo another paradigm shift, from annual grain crops to diverse perennials [17:45]: Two pathways to creating perennial crops: hybridization and domestication [22:21]: Domestication as a process of human co-evolution and interdependence with plants [23:41]: Perennial rice and Kernza perennial grain success stories[27:07]: The diverse skilled labor roles needed to sustain perennial grain agriculture[29:55]: Ensuring just and equitable distribution of perennial crops with inclusive research processes [32:11]: The Land Institute's civic science program and community participation[35:17]: Challenges posed by climate change and the need for resilient agricultural systems[37:27]: What gives Aubrey hope and joy Resources Mentioned:The next era of crop domestication starts nowGet connected: Aubrey Twitter /The Land Institute TwitterYin Twitter / 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 May 4, 2023 (Published on Jul 20, 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. Vikram Raju is Managing Director, Head of the 1GT Platform and Head of Climate Investing for the private credit and equity division of Morgan Stanley Investment Management.Morgan Stanley, of course, is a big player in the investing world, and seeing that they are entering climate tech and doing so at the growth equity stage is intriguing. Jason and Vikram cover a lot in this episode, including Morgan Stanley's journey to standing up this 1GT Platform and also Vikram's journey to doing the work that he does. We also discussed the energy transition generally, barriers holding it back, and changes that could unlock faster progress. In this episode, we cover: Morgan Stanley and Vikram's role within the firmMorgan Stanley's 1GT strategy for private capital in the climate spaceVikram's personal journey and professional background that lead him to his current role in climate investingMorgan Stanley's focus on CO2 emissions and how it came aboutHow the firm assesses carbon reductions and the transparency of its methodologyWhere impact assessment kicks in during the deal processSources of capital for Morgan Stanley's 1GT strategySome of the areas that Vikram spends most of his time on, including mobility, energy, circular economy and food and agricultureSome of Morgan Stanley's investments to dateOpportunities for Morgan Stanley to provide crucial capital to promising climate tech companies during a challenging investment landscapeVikram's thoughts on the gap between venture capital and project financeHis skepticism toward the regulatory landscapeThe importance of working with incumbents while also disrupting the system to make progressVikram's perspective on fossil fuels and the role of asset owners and big banks in helping steward the clean energy transitionWho Vikram wants to hear fromESG and the politicization of the wordGet connected: Jason Jacobs Twitter / LinkedInVikrum Raju 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 June 28, 2023 (Published on July 19, 2023) Disclaimer from Morgan Stanley: This a general communication, which is not impartial and all information provided has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy. The views and opinions and/or analysis expressed are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors or the investment team. 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

Adam Minter is an opinion columnist at Bloomberg covering Asia, technology and the environment. He's written two books, Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade, and Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale. Adam is a global expert on the circular economy, and we spend the first chunk of the conversation covering the recycling market and the role of China therein. We then go into the reuse market and talk about textiles and clothing. Lastly, we cover some of his recent reporting, which spans water and agriculture before bringing it back to climate and China. Adam is deeply knowledgeable about a lot of topics, and he has a knack for uncovering the global market forces that shape local economic situations and trends. This conversation is rapid-fire and covers a lot of ground.In this episode, we cover: [02:00]: Adam's background and family history in the scrap metal business[03:28]: The existing circular economy as a theme in Adam's work[05:33]: The role of recycling in China's rise in the industrial economy[08:51]: The U.S. investment in recycling EV batteries[10:25]: Adam's thoughts on "green protectionism" [11:15]: The global market for used consumer goods[13:26]: The role of secondhand clothing in developing countries and the impact of South and East Asian apparel manufacturers[19:22]: The pros and cons of big U.S. brands engaging in recommerce [21:02]: The true environmental value of extending product lifespan[25:10]: Challenges of mining and recycling rare earth minerals[27:44]: An overview of plastics recycling, the role of consumer demand, and limitations of recycling technology[34:25]: Adam's shift into the water and agriculture topic space[36:09]: His recent pieces on water scarcity due to groundwater depletion[42:07]: The complexities of water rights and regulation in the U.S.[45:57] Adam's thoughts on why the 2023 Farm Bill should support climate-positive farming practices[47:45]: How crop insurance policies can sometimes exacerbate food crises[51:36]: Adam's thoughts on China and the climate crisisGet connected: Adam Minter Twitter / LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 May 11, 2023 (Published on Jul 17, 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. Steve Davis is the head of Climate Science at Watershed. Watershed is a leading provider of carbon accounting software. They help large companies such as Walmart, Airbnb, Sweet Green, BlackRock, and many others measure, report, and reduce their emissions. They announced a $70 million series B financing on a $1 billion valuation co-led by Sequoia and Kleiner Perkins in February 2022. And Steve joined Watershed shortly after that in July 2022.Steve spent the last decade as a professor in the Department of Earth System Science at the University of California Irvine. At Watershed, he works to help close the gap between science and business, ensuring that the pathways that Watershed offers to its customers are scientifically viable. He's also a contributor to the Energy Systems chapter of the most recent IPCC report and the lead author of the National Climate Assessment mitigation chapter.In this episode, Steve and Cody dive into his background, why he jumped into a startup from academia, what Watershed is and does, an overview of carbon accounting, the decisions Steve sees companies make around decarbonization priorities, and the advice he has for startups hiring their first climate scientist and vice versa. In this episode, we cover: [2:18] Steve's climate journey from law to science and climate [3:57] What makes the Rocky Mountains particularly unique (Steve's Ph.D. focus)[5:28] Steve's decision to transition to work on climate [7:13] His primary research focus at the University of California Irvine: international trade and its effects on emissions [10:22] Steve's transition to the private sector at Watershed [13:19] Challenging areas for decarbonization[15:10] The National Climate Assessment and Steve's work on it [17:28] An overview of Watershed and its mission[19:40] Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions [21:47] Reporting standards and requirements for company disclosures [24:32] Watershed's acquisition of Vital Metrics [26:02] The data challenge of Scope 3 emissions [27:50] Creating roadmaps for how companies can reduce emissions over time [29:17] The lowest-hanging fruit of direct decarbonization[31:56] Advice for companies considering emissions reductions and some examples including Sweet Green, Imperfect Foods, etc.[36:26] How data usage factors into a company's footprint[40:49] Opportunities for scientists to get involved in climate tech and solutionsGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInDr. Steve Davis Twitter / 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 June 26, 2023 (published on July 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

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. Sebastian Heitmann is a partner at Extantia Capital. Extantia Capital is a platform to invest in breakthrough technology solutions that address the climate crisis via mitigation and adaptation. The 300 million euro platform includes Extantia Flagship, which backs scalable deep decarbonization companies; Extantia Allstars, which partners with mission aligned climate tech, venture capital fund managers; and Extantia Ignite, a sustainability hub, advancing knowledge and competence in climate innovation and ESG practices.In this episode, we cover: [02:02]: An overview of the Extantia platform and its investment strategies[03:03]: What Extantia looks for when evaluating opportunities[05:14]: Sebastian's background and the origin of Extantia[08:32]: The changing market and political environment that created opportunities for Extantia[12:19]: The unique skillsets and expertise within the Extantia partnership[16:10]: The evolution of Extantia, starting with a pilot fund[18:06]: Extantia's extension projected impact calculation (EPIC) methodology for measuring impact[19:43]: The current fund structure and status of fundraising for Extantia's Flagship fund[20:18]: Extantia's focus on B2B tech solutions that address the "energy trilemma"[22:25]: Investment opportunities in the hydrogen economy and breakthrough cooling tech[25:29]: How Extantia thinks about returns and why Sebastian doesn't like the term "impact fund"[27:44]: The kinds of LPs the firm targets, including pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, and corporates[31:14]: The need for successful exits in the climate tech space[33:00]: How current energy models underestimate the impact of innovation[38:56]: Alignment between the US and Europe in climate tech innovation and investment[43:43]: The types of clean energy tech Sebastian is most excited about[45:54]: Advice for people seeking a career transition into the climate sector[47:24]: Who Sebastian wants to hear fromResources mentioned:Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now (John Doerr)How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need (Bill Gates)Get connected: Jason Jacobs Twitter / LinkedInSebastian Heitmann 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 June 20, 2023 (published July 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

Dr. Scott Moore is the director of China Programs at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the book, China's Next Act: How Sustainability and Technology are Reshaping China's Rise and the World's Future. China is a complicated climate topic: on the one hand, China is the largest solar energy producer in the world and has the largest EV industry in the world, each of which rose from being nearly non-existent 15 years ago. On the other hand, China generates more than 60% of its electricity from coal and is the world's largest annual emitter of greenhouse gases. Scott and Cody cover a lot of ground, including how the Chinese economic and political system operates, how the solar and EV industries came to be, China's climate policies, global commitments, and the country's current climate, tech and innovation priorities. Given China's role and impact in just about everything, we probably should do another 100 or more MCJ episodes on topics related to China. Hopefully this initial primer can help us all get oriented. In this episode, we cover: [02:36]: Scott's background and climate journey[06:08]: An overview of China's economy and its "two big bets"[08:11]: The nationalist, protectionist, and authoritarian approach to policy in China[10:24]: An overview of target-setting and policymaking[14:55]: The role of "corporate innovation parks" and local government in innovation[17:47]: China's role in technological development versus deployment[19:53]: Four big factors that led China to go all in on solar PV manufacturing[26:00]: The emergence of the EV industry[29:15]: Two distinct advantages China has in the clean tech ecosystem[30:38]: China's current energy mix[32:38]: The country’s emissions sources and intensity[35:35]: China’s two headline policy goals regarding emissions[38:19]: The country's compliance carbon market, the China Emissions Trading Scheme[39:39]: Entrepreneurial activity and emerging tech innovation in China[43:48]: China's current climate tech priorities, including hydrogen and thorium fission[45:16]: Scott's thoughts on competition and cooperation during the global energy transitionGet connected: Dr. Scott Moore Twitter / LinkedInCody Simms Twitter / 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 June 2, 2023 (released on July 10, 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.Mark Martin is the regional director for advanced manufacturing for the Bay Area Community Colleges. He works with community college manufacturing programs to help build upon and develop innovative approaches to train students in meeting the needs of the local manufacturing industries. A veteran of the industrial manufacturing sector, Mark also sits on the boards of the Association of Manufacturers Bay Area and the Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence. We've talked about labor force needs in solar, HVAC, electrical work on the show in the past, but today we touch upon another critical sector of the skilled trades: manufacturing jobs. This means machining, welding, technical maintenance jobs, programmable logic control jobs, etc. We talk about why these jobs are so critical to climate tech solution scaling and how the State of California, through a role like Mark's, is helping match the talent supply to the growing demands for these skill sets. In this episode, we cover: [02:11]: Mark's background in engineering and manufacturing[03:27)]: An overview of Mark's current role and the California Community College system[05:02] Overview of career technical education paths (CTEs)[08:01]: Why Mark's role exists[10:19]: The process of creating a new program at a community college[15:48]: The knowledge gap and building awareness of skilled trades career pathways[18:44]: The importance of exposing more young people to skilled trades[21:22]: Mark’s vision for a career exploration class for young students[23:35]: The intersection of climate and manufacturing jobs[28:45]: Anticipated needs in climate tech manufacturing, the role of automation, and generational gaps in manufacturing labor[31:27]: International case studies of "earn and learn" apprenticeships[34:38]: Current tailwinds and opportunities driving innovation in manufacturing tradesGet connected: Mark Martin LinkedInYin Twitter / 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 May 3, 2023 (released on Jul 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 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. Rob Day is Partner and Co-founder at Spring Lane Capital. Spring Lane Capital provides hybrid project capital with equity for small-scale systems and projects across food, water, energy, transportation, and waste markets. They also bring experienced tools and capabilities to help developers and entrepreneurs succeed with their project deployments. Rob has been around the block in climate tech even before it got its name, and he’s learned a lot of useful lessons. Not to mention, Spring Lane has an innovative approach that plays in the capital gap, that so many people talk about between early-stage venture capital and project finance. In this episode, we cover: [2:36] An overview of Spring Lane Capital and the firm's origin story [4:49] The large gap between venture capital and project finance[8:05] Spring Lane Capital's broad approach to different areas of climate [10:52] Capitalizing early-stage companies, scaling, and the role of equity and debt[13:42] Advice for entrepreneurs thinking about different types of capital at various stages of a company's lifecycle [16:06] Triggers for founders to understand when equity is optimal vs debt (Rob's Atlas Organics example)[22:22] How terms vary with Spring Lane Capital's deals vs more traditional lenders [24:43] Where first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects fit in [30:41] Spring Lane Capital's fund two and its institutional investors[33:19] Skillsets required to be successful in Spring Lane's capital allocation[38:23] Success milestones and Spring Lane's role[40:46] Changing macroeconomics and their impact on Spring Lane's corner of the industry [43:48] Spring Lane's process, key steps, diligence, etc. [50:17] Issues with financing FOAK projects and Spring Lane's plans to address themGet connected: Jason Jacobs Twitter / LinkedInRob Day Twitter / 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 Jun 14, 2023 (aired on July 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

Sara Harari is the Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Advisor to the president at Connecticut Green Bank. Connecticut Green Bank was established in 2011 and was the first Green Bank in the USA, of which there are now dozens that are live or in formulation. They look to accelerate the green economy by using public dollars to catalyze private investment into clean energy and other environmentally positive solutions. CT Green Bank started with a focus on residential solar deployment, and at 2021 expanded their model to include new areas of environmental infrastructure including climate adaptation and resiliency, land conservation, parks and recreation, agriculture, water, waste and recycling, and environmental markets, including carbon offsets and ecosystem services. In this episode, we cover: [01:56]: The concept of a green bank[06:45]: The origins of CT Green Bank[10:07]: How CT Green Bank determines its priorities[12:32]: Sara's background and early interest in clean energy[15:31]: Her work at National Grid[17:13]: The Green Bank's EV charging carbon credit program[20:45]: How their scope expanded to include broader environmental infrastructure[23:05]: Innovative financial incentives and structures to support parks and land conservation[25:32]: What Green Bank looks for when hiring[27:30]: Green Bank's open rolling RFP for project ideas and investments made to-date[32:28]: Areas of innovation Sara is excited about, including the Innovative Energy Solutions program[34:58]: Federal funding opportunities, including the EPA's Clean School Bus Program and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund[39:54]: How Green Bank hopes to support the contractor community with workforce development training and pre-apprenticeship programs[42:52]: Environmental justice at the core of the Green Bank's mission, and examples of working with low and moderate-income homes[45:56]: How the Green Liberty Notes program works[47:08]: What Sara is most excited about right nowGet connected: Sara Harari LinkedinCody Simms Twitter / 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 June 20, 2023 (aired on July 3, 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