Inevitable

Anastasia Volkova is the CEO and Co-founder of Regrow, which was named Fast Company's number one most innovative company in agriculture in 2023. They empower the world's largest brands such as Kellogg's, Cargill and General Mills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chains. Their product began as a data and analytics offering to agronomists and farmers to help build a localized growing roadmap, identifying what crops to plant, what fertilizer and other inputs to use, how much of it to use, and an irrigation plan. By building this roadmap for growers, Regrow realized that it could then help food brands and processors have a much deeper knowledge of how the food they source is grown. Beyond expertise, Regrow's product helps companies proactively lower their supply chain emissions by incentivizing best practices across their grower network. In this conversation, Anastasia traces her journey from starting Regrow to the company it has become and discusses the agricultural practices that can make the biggest difference in emissions mitigation. The company raised a Series B of financing last year from Galvanized Climate Solutions among others, and is a leader in driving regenerative agriculture practice changes at scale.In this episode, we cover: [02:30]: Anastasia's personal climate journey[04:43]: Discovering the potential of satellite imagery for agriculture during her PhD[07:24]: Agronomists' crucial role as "crop doctors"[10:05]: Regrow's initial focus on providing agronomists with data[10:40]: How satellite imagery fits into Regrow's software[13:10]: Regrow’s product evolution[15:38]: Lack of visibility as the main challenge in understanding the agri-food supply chain[17:08]: Deep dive into the nuances of Regrow's product[19:30] Regrow's business model: Brands paying farmers for emission reductions[23:48]: The agri-food industry's significant contribution (31%) to global emissions[26:52]: Key emissions factors on farms, including machinery and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers[32:08]: Topsoil degradation and the regenerative agriculture movement[39:04]: Challenges with creating a carbon credit methodology around soil organic carbon[43:41]: Systemic challenges to scaling regenerative agriculture[45:09]: The need for financing the transition to regenerative practices[47:09]: Predictions for upcoming farm bills[48:04]: What's next for Regrow[49:34]: Who Anastasia wants to hear from and career opportunities at RegrowResources mentioned:Kiss the Ground DocumentaryGet connected: Anastasia Volkova 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 15, 2023 (aired Jun 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

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. Temple Fennell is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Clean Energy Ventures, an early-stage venture firm that funds disruptive capital-light technologies and business model innovations that can reshape how we produce and consume energy.Temple has been investing in climate tech (or "Cleantech" as it used to be called) for a long time, and has the learnings to show for it. This episode covers the origin story of Clean Energy Ventures, their approach, the mix of limited partners that back their fund, and their criteria for investment from an impact standpoint and a financial standpoint. A broader discussion follows about the climate tech capital stack, some of the learnings from Cleantech 1.0, why Temple believes this time is different, the state of institutional capital as it relates to climate tech fund investing, as well as what it will take to get more capital flowing in this direction.In this episode, we cover: [02:56]: Origins and overview of Clean Energy Ventures[04:50]: Distinction between Clean Energy Venture Group (CEVG) and Clean Energy Venture Fund[07:20]: Temple's background, family investments, and the clean energy space in Charlottesville, VA [11:11]: Overview of CREO (Clean Energy Renewable Environment Opportunities) syndicate[13:25]: Key learnings from Cleantech 1.0 [18:15]: CEVG check sizes, portfolio, and support for entrepreneurs[20:01]: History of CEVG's fund one and their use of SPVs (special purpose vehicles)[22:12]: Current investment focus and fund status[25:59]: Approach to impact measurement[30:20]: Approach to financial returns and causal link to impact[31:19]: Approach to selecting LPs[34:15]: Pension fund hesitance due to previous losses in Cleantech 1.0[38:18]: Why Cleantech 1.0 failed and how this time is different[41:02]: How limited DPI (distributed paid-in capital) poses challenges in attracting institutional investors [43:23]: Pricing, exit analysis, and the need for top decile returns[46:17]: State of the broader market vs. climate tech market, risk assessments, and team dynamics [48:56]: Gaps and opportunities in the capital stack, preference for capital-light companies, and importance of milestones [52:21]: Who Temple wants to hear from [54:58]: Closing thoughts on the differences between "Tech-tech" and CleantechResources mentioned:Simple Emission Reduction CalculatorVenture Capital and Cleantech: The Wrong Model for Clean Energy InnovationGet connected: Temple Fennell Twitter / LinkedInJason JacobsMCJ 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 26, 2023 (released on June 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

Michael Liebreich is the host of the podcast Cleaning Up, focused on leadership in the age of climate change. Michael was previously the CEO and founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance. He has been involved with the organization for 20 years, still serving as a senior contributor. Michael also runs an advisory firm, Liebreich and Associates, focused on clean energy and sustainable development, and he's an advisor to the UK Board of Trade. All of this is just scratching the surface of Michael's background, which also includes having been a member of the British Ski Team and a participant in the 1992 Winter Olympics.This episode explores Michael’s accomplishments and how he came to focus on climate and clean energy topics, how he started New Energy Finance and the decision to sell the business to Bloomberg, as well as the legacy that he created with the business. Michael and Cody then cover a hit list of topics, including recent climate legislation in the US and the EU, the topic of green protectionism and Michael's “five horsemen” of big challenges the world faces as we try to decarbonize.This conversation merely grazes the surface of Michael's climate-related interests, including his deep focus on hydrogen. So, for more from Michael, you'll need to check out his conversations on the Cleaning Up podcast.In this episode, we cover: [01:58]: Michael's unique background[06:49]: Transitioning to journalism in the early internet era[08:48]: Michael's personal climate epiphany in the Swiss Alps[12:34]: Starting a data-driven media company to fill the clean energy information gap[18:05]: Pivoting to insight services[18:57]: Bloomberg's acquisition of New Energy Finance (NEF)[22:21]: Running Bloomberg NEF as CEO[25:27]: Stepping away from NEF and growing his professional network[26:53]: Paid speaking engagements and transitioning to podcasting during COVID[28:10]: Michael's approach to the Cleaning Up podcast[36:31]: The struggles and advantages of being generalists[38:34]: Europe's energy situation over the winter of '22-'23 and the urgent need to address dependence on Russian energy[40:54]: The role of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in Europe[42:58]: European response to the Inflation Reduction Act and "Green Protectionism"[48:08]: Caution around the practice of recycling and re-exporting items for credits[51:22] Michael's main concerns for clean energy deployment, including rare metals and recycling[52:38] Addressing the speed with which societies can approve and build transmission[56:43]: Limited access to capital in developing countries[01:00:41]: Resilience and intermittency issues[01:03:49]: Closing thoughts and how to follow Michael's workGet connected: Michael Liebreich Twitter / LinkedInCody SimmsMCJ 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 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

John O'Donnell is the Co-founder and CEO of Rondo Energy. Rondo is tackling the massive emissions problem of industrial heat. Almost everything around us requires heat to be made, from chemicals, to paper, to cement, to steel, and historically, nearly all of that heat comes from burning fossil fuels. Renewable energy is now becoming cheaper to procure than fossil fuels, but as we know, it's intermittent, and a factory needs access to heat for its processes when it needs it. So how do we harness the fluctuating availability of renewable power and let industry turn it into a reliable and extremely high temperature heat as needed?John believes that figuring this out is the opportunity of a lifetime and one of the biggest levers to unlock decarbonizing our economy. The Rondo heat battery, in simplest terms, takes electricity and turns it into heat via an electric heating element, like those found in a toaster, and then circulates that heat across a condensed package of bricks that can currently achieve heat of up to 1500 degrees Celsius and store it at high efficiency for extremely long periods of time.It's a surprisingly low-tech sounding approach for a very complex problem. In this episode, John discusses the problems of industrial heat, how industry has historically solved them, some emerging technologies competing to decarbonize heat, and how Rondo works. We also talk about how project financing is evolving to consider not just the power generation capabilities of a renewable energy project, but how an end-to-end system such as renewable energy plus heat or storage can change costs for an industrial heat and power consumer. In this episode, we cover: [03:13]: John's background in computer science, building companies, and working in the solar thermal space[06:08]: Introduction to global industrial heat needs[08:17]: Why it's challenging to harness renewable energy for industrial heat[11:30]: Why using electricity off the grid isn't feasible[13:05]: Falling cost of renewables and policies driving decarbonization of industrial heat[14:58] Carbon capture and the concept of a “green premium”[17:12]: The new class of electric thermal energy storage technologies[19:14]: Pros and cons of alternative energy storage options[24:09]: Overview of Rondo's tech[37:26]: How Rondo can convert stored heat back to electricity for grid supply[39:03]: How John sees the evolution of Rondo[43:11]: Rondo's projects in operation today[45:24]: Partnering with manufacturers and exploring zero-emission cement manufacturing[51:32]: The size and makeup of Rondo's products[53:53]: How the project financing space has evolved[59:12]: John's closing thoughts and opportunities in the spaceGet connected: John O’Donnell 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 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 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. Melissa Cheong is the managing partner of Blackhorn Ventures. Blackhorn Ventures funds companies that are using technology to create unprecedented resource productivity in areas like construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, water, and energy. In this episode, Melissa discusses her journey from being an LP in a private family office to a general partner in a venture firm. We also talk about her sustainability journey, how, and why, and when she came to care about this problem, and when that intersected with her professional pursuits.In this episode, we cover: [01:49]: Origins and overview of Blackhorn Ventures[08:31]: How Melissa thinks about climate and climate equity[12:58]: Joining Blackhorn as a GP after being an LP[18:29]: How Blackhorn evaluates opportunities: IMP Framework, ESG and DEI policies[21:12]: How the LP base has diversified over time[26:15]: Blackhorn's four primary verticals: transportation, built environment, energy, and supply chain logistics[28:36]: Considering impact in parallel to the commercial thesis[30:40]: Frustration with the market and institutional capital allocation[32:09]: Optimism about new market entrants, particularly from Europe and Asia[33:28]: How traditional investors evaluate climate opportunities[36:14]: Melissa's views on, and experience with, placement agents[39:27]: AI and other areas Melissa is particularly excited about right now[41:14]: Melissa's parting advice to LPs and companiesGet connected: Jason JacobsMelissa Cheong 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 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

Narendra Taneja serves as chairman of the Independent Energy Policy Institute, a think tank based in New Delhi, and is a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. He presides over the World Energy Policy Summit and was president of the World Oil and Gas Assembly from 2001 to 2011. With expertise in energy policy, transition, geopolitics, governance, and energy security, Taneja is recognized as a powerful voice on energy and climate, especially in the context of the Global North and the Global South. Currently surpassing China as the world's most populous country, India is the world's fifth-largest economy and the third-largest electricity producer. Despite the country's vulnerability to climate change impacts, its historical cumulative emissions account for a relatively small portion, standing at 3.4%. This places India as the seventh highest emitter among nation states, according to Carbon Brief, with the United States and China leading at 20.3% and 11.4% of emissions, respectively. Taneja sheds light on India's energy landscape, leading our discussion from statistical insights to a dynamic exploration of global collaboration for the energy transition and climate change. His compelling arguments are highly engaging and thought-provoking, and will likely cause almost every listener of this podcast to stop and think.In this episode, we cover: [03:13]: Recent developments in India's energy economy[04:49]: How India views climate and energy as two sides of the same coin[07:02]: Overview of India's energy grid infrastructure[08:29]: India's energy mix and new government incentives[10:05]: The current grassroots solar revolution[12:52]: India's history with coal and energy security challenges[18:46]: The Global North bias in climate narratives[25:15]: Risks of excluding developing nations from global climate conversations[31:13]: The need for a new democratic climate governance order[33:45]: The risks and reasons for a lack of global energy governance[36:16]: The International Energy Agency (IEA)’s exclusion of India and China[39:59]: The need for a new global bank for climate finance[46:32]: What it takes to create a new global organization[48:01]: India and China's history and return to the global center of gravity[52:15]: The Global North’s resistance to change and how global power dynamics will shift in the next 30 years[54:42]: Narendra's thoughts on the European Union as a project[57:56]: India's investments in Russian oil[01:04:00]: Decentering the US and the "us or them" worldviewGet connected: Narendra TanejaCody SimmsMCJ 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 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

Kate Henningsen is Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Arcadia. Arcadia is a tech company empowering energy innovators and consumers to fight the climate crisis. Arcadia started as a way for consumers to gain access to premium renewable energy credits for their home energy consumption. They now claim to be the leading manager of community solar projects in the United States. They've expanded on that with the launch of the ARC platform in late 2021 and the acquisition of Urjanet in the spring of 2022, which together allow Arcadia to offer developer API access to data from over 10,000 utilities globally across electric, water, gas, and waste.Kate has scaled the business to hundreds of global employees, significant revenue, and hundreds of millions of dollars in capital raised. We talk about how she's managed her own transition from startup to scale and the advice she often gives to women looking to work in climate tech. We're thrilled to be multiple time investors in Arcadia via our MCJ Collective Venture funds. To us, they represent one of the standout success stories in terms of being a high growth digital company that's driving real impact on decarbonization.In this episode, we cover: [01:55]: Kate's background[05:08]: Arcadia's beginnings: Premium RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates)[07:48]: Arcadia's billing relationship with customers[09:41]: Arcadia's first core proposition: Matching everyone who wants it with clean energy[10:55]: Becoming the largest manager of community solar projects in the US[12:22]: Building relationships with utilities[14:40]: The popularity of community solar projects[16:46]: How the energy market has evolved in the last five years[18:34]: Sign-up process for community solar[23:00]: The savings benefits of community solar and its role in the market[26:16]: Origins and overview of the ARC platform and role of EV manufacturers[31:00]: Arcadia's acquisition of Urjanet[34:01]: How Kate manages as COO of two large businesses[36:47]: How to maneuver within the "monopoly system" of the energy market[39:31]: The need for humility and adaptability while scaling[41:12]: Kate's advice for women breaking into climate[45:42]: Advice for founders navigating today's market environment[49:33]: The future of Arcadia and how folks can get connectedGet connected: Kate HenningsenCody 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 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. Sandy Guitar is the managing director of HX Venture Fund. HX Venture Fund is a fund investing in venture capital funds and they are seeking to transform Houston into a world-leading hub for innovation by bringing together key players in the ecosystem, linking investors to startups and startups to capital. In this episode, Jason and Sandy discuss Sandy’s background and the origin story of HX Venture Fund. They delve into the fund's inspirations from various regions, highlighting the key factors contributing to its success elsewhere and the rationale behind applying their model to Houston. They also talk about the current standing of the firm, their investment criteria, and notable examples of their investments. Looking ahead, Sandy provides insights into the future direction of HX Venture Fund and her aspirations for Houston's future.In this episode, we cover: [3:03] An overview of HX Venture Fund [5:00] The firm's origin story [10:17] Sandy's background in venture capital [15:03] HX Venture Fund's portfolio split [15:47] Key learnings from the firm's first fund[18:52] Early VC focus on strategy compared to returns [20:20] How HX sources deals [21:28] The firm's energy transition investments [23:39] Venture Houston event on September 7, 2023[25:20] Houston's role in the energy transition and major players in the city [31:10] Criteria for evaluating funds in energy transition vs other categories [33:41] Traditional vs non-traditional portfolio construction and HX's position on the two [34:51] Generalists vs specialists in the energy transition category [36:34] Importance of impact tracking [39:12] How strategic LPs engage with HX Venture Fund and its portfolio companies [46:45] Sandy's thoughts on growth vehicles [51:13] Advice for emerging funds working with fund of funds vs directly with strategics [56:55] What success looks like for HX Venture Fund and measuring it beyond financial returns [59:43] How HX Venture Fund sets itself apart [01:03:29] Who Sandy wants to hear from and where HX needs helpGet connected: Jason JacobsSandy Guitar / HX Venture FundMCJ 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 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 new 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.Brandon Smith is a wildland firefighter and the co-founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program. Brandon graduated with a Bachelor's from UC Berkeley in Interdisciplinary Studies and Black Studies. After graduation, he worked in education and eventually found his way to wildland firefighting. We previously talked with a hotshot firefighter named James Sedlak to understand the day-to-day details of the job itself. In this episode, Yin and Brandon's discussion focuses on building the firefighting talent pipeline, bringing more awareness to this field of work, and getting more people into it. In this episode, we cover: Brandon's background and experience at “fire camp” while incarceratedFounding the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP)The recruitment processThe challenges FFRP facesFire prevention vs. suppression and indigenous burning practicesRecertification after incarcerationHistory of incarcerated people in firefightingThe skilled labor shortageHow folks can support FFRPCross-functional partnerships and breaking down silosGet connected: Brandon SmithYin 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 Feb 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

Dr. Julie Pullen is founding partner and chief scientist at Propeller, an early-stage venture fund focused on the intersection of the oceans and climate change. It recently announced that it had raised $100 million for its first fund. Coincidently, today (June 8) is also World Oceans Day, globally recognized by the UN as a day to foster public interest in the protection of the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources.Today's conversation is about the ocean, its critical role in regulating our climate, how humans have been damaging this balance, and what we can do about it. Julie's work is at the intersection of humanity and the oceans, and her expertise spans climate, weather, and hydro science, with a particular focus on high-resolution coastal urban prediction for flooding, heat waves, and other perils.Prior to her role at Propeller, Julie was most recently the climate strategist at Jupiter Intelligence, a startup delivering hyper-local projections of climate impact and business risk. And she's an adjunct research scientist at Columbia's Climate School. She was previously an associate professor in civil, environmental, and ocean engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she organized field studies globally to improve our understanding and prediction of the Earth's system. And we could go on further about her amazing credentials at the Naval Research Laboratory and more, but let's jump into learning from her about our oceans.In this episode, we cover: [2:39] World Ocean Day activities and awareness[4:22] An overview of Propeller and Julie's work[6:16] The reason behind the firm's ocean focus and its scope[8:00] Propeller's ocean investment categories including, carbon, organics, and industrials[10:04] Major challenges and concerns with oceans today[13:00] Implications of warming ocean waters[15:43] Transition points in ocean health that could lead to cascading effects[19:09] The role of venture capital in supporting ocean-based solutions[20:53] A brief overview of marine biogeochemistry[22:52] Solutions aimed at ocean carbon sequestration[25:36] Challenges with measurement and verification[28:43] The role of data simulation[34:13] Fisheries and food security solutions[35:40] Alternative proteins on the market[38:44] Julie's time at Jupiter Intelligence[41:32] Emissions reductions as a wedge to drive necessary change for our oceans[43:30] Ocean-specific pledges like 30x30[44:39] The importance of benthic environments and vital ecosystems[45:59] What Julie's excited for in the ocean industrials space[47:53] How people can get informed and involved in ocean preservationGet connected:Dr. Julie Pullen LinkedIn / TwitterCody SimmsMCJ 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 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

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Rick Zullo is co-founder and general partner at Equal Ventures, a firm that is purpose-built to deploy technology across society and industry. And as they say on their website, they back the non-obvious founders before it's obvious. There are a few categories where they spend most of their time in: retail, insurance, supply chain, care, and climate. Rick and Jason have a great discussion in this episode about the origin story of the firm, what makes them different, their strategy, their approach, what it was like to raise Fund I, where they're at today, what criteria they use when they make their investments, what their process is, and how their firm fits into the broader investment landscape in climate and beyond. In this episode, we cover: [00:00]: Intro[02:46]: Overview of Equal Ventures[04:23]: What sectors and stages Equal invests in[06:09]: Origins of Equal Ventures[08:35]: Rick's thoughts on the "conviction gap"[11:02]: Three big questions he asks for every opportunity[17:40]: Overview of Equal's Fund I[18:13]: Rick's thoughts on reserves[24:16]: Equal Venture's differentiators[28:07]: Their views on disciplined pricing and founder alignment[32:33]: Domain expertise, portfolio balancing, and power law dynamics[39:52]: Bandwidth constraints and scaling[44:44]: How the climate playbook differs from other sectors[51:01]: What Rick's most excited about in climate[54:13]: Who Rick wants to hear fromGet connected: Jason JacobsRick ZulloMCJ 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 Apr 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

Jessica Morse is the Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildland Resilience at the California Natural Resources Agency. Our topic in this episode is wildfires, in particular, megafires. Jessica leads California's statewide response to wildfire resiliency. Since 2019, she has secured billions of dollars for wildfire resilience programs, such as community home hardening, forest fuel management (including healthy thinning and fuel break establishment), and watershed health initiatives.Jessica coordinates and collaborates with state and local agencies, conservation groups, and public and private stakeholders. She works to streamline collaboration for quick and effective problem-solving, addressing the scale and urgency of the issue. Additionally, she navigates the state legislature's budgetary cycles to secure the necessary funding for these programs. For those living in California or other fire-prone areas, wildfires are one of the ways that climate change feels most tangible, and it's heartening to hear how strongly the state has responded to the escalation of extreme mega fires since 2018. In this episode, we cover: [00:00]: Intro[02:02]: Jessica's background in war zones and wildfires[03:37]: Her run for Congress[05:01]: Firsthand experience with the Camp Fire in 2018[07:53]: Joining the Newsom administration as Deputy Secretary for Wildfire Resilience[09:01]: Overview of California National Resources Agency (CNRA)[11:11]: Overview of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)[13:50]: The natural and cultural history of forest fire in California[16:13]: The legacy of the Forest Service's fire suppression policy[18:44]: Compounding crises of clear-cutting, drought, and pests creating mega fire conditions[23:02]: The three fronts of wildfire resilience[24:04]: Home hardening and community resilience[27:06]: Fuel breaks[31:34]: Landscape-level resilience[34:34]: Fire's impact on soil chemistry and reduction of water storage[38:18]: Securing significant funding for CAL Fire[46:52]: Scaling workforce development for wildfire projects[48:39]: How goats are helping to mitigate wildfires[49:45]: Challenges with woody biomass from slash piles[54:02]: Overview of California Vegetation Treatment Programmatic Impact Review (Cal VTP) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process[58:00]: Streamlining regulations to tackle environmental projects more efficiently[59:53]: Collaborating with diverse partners to drive reforestation[01:02:05]: Confronting seed shortages and biodiversity loss caused by fires[01:03:39]: How to get involved in wildfire mitigationRecommended Resources:Ready for Wildfires websiteCAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire AppGet connected: Jessica Morse Twitter / LinkedInCody SimmsMCJ 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 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

McGee Young is the founder and CEO of WattCarbon. WattCarbon knows the hour-by-hour carbon intensity of the grid for every building in the USA, and it helps identify the real-time carbon savings of distributed energy resources, such as heat pumps, rooftop solar, and storage in commercial buildings. This empowers project developers to sell these carbon savings as building decarbonization credits to companies and organizations with net-zero commitments, helping to accelerate the adoption of these more efficient technologies and speed up the decarbonization of the built environment.McGee started his career as an associate professor of political science at Marquette University, where he studied the history of political action groups in America. This led him to learn more about environmental movements. As part of his classes, he started having his students hack their way into political action by pulling publicly available data, making sense of it, and publishing their findings. This led McGee down an entrepreneurial journey that eventually saw him leave academia and go all in on a climate tech career. Rather than spoiling any more of his story, listen to hear it directly from McGee himself. In this episode, we cover: [2:22] McGee's background in academia [8:09] Early entrepreneurial pathways he explored with students [11:45] McGee's transition to starting MeterHero and its evolution to STEMHero[16:45] His time at Open Energy Efficiency and MRV learnings [20:09] The origins of WattCarbon [25:22] Challenges with how we think about carbon accounting today [26:42] An overview of WattCarbon's software solution [30:43] The process for companies using carbon credits as part of their toolkit [34:47] How WattCarbon works with new energy companies [42:04] The role of the IRA in accelerating local regulations[44:39] Tenant implications for building owners [46:34] WattCarbon's ideal customers [47:57] The company's status today [48:56] How listeners can get involved [49:52] McGee's takeaways from the recent Clean Energy Buyers Association SummitAdditional resources mentioned in this episode:Developing Interests: Organizational Change and the Politics of Advocacy by McGee YoungSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMcGee Young / WattCarbonMCJ 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 15, 2023 Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

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. Amy Francetic is Managing General Partner and co-founder of Buoyant Ventures. Buoyant Ventures partners with early stage companies that can rapidly deploy and scale bold solutions, homing in on software and simple hardware. They invest for financial results with a commitment to measure climate impact across their portfolio.Amy and Jason have a great discussion in this episode about Amy's journey to becoming a venture capitalist, the origin story of Buoyant Ventures, why it came about, how it came about, and some of the behind the scenes details of the process of raising their first fund. They also talk about their strategy for deployment, some examples of investments they've made to date, and how their work fits into the broader climate tech capital stack. In this episode, we cover: [01:28]: Updates since Amy was on the pod in 2020[03:54]: An overview of Buoyant Ventures[07:06]: Amy’s transition from consumer tech to climate[08:20]: Founding Evergreen Climate Innovations and Energized Ventures[10:48]: Challenges with fundraising for “deep tech” vs. software[12:33]: Amy’s views on sectors in climate and her focus on digital[15:44]: Measuring diversity, impact, and returns[23:31]: Young climate entrepreneurs[24:43]: Seeking investors who share Buoyant’s vision[30:40]: The role of supportive advisors, including placement agents[32:02]: Using sidecar investments and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to balance fund size[34:15]: Evaluating investment opportunities based on deep dive research and market map[42:52]: Amy's collaboration with generalist venture firms, especially in software and AI[46:04]: Evaluating reserves, product-market fit, and long-term commitment[49:12]: Buoyant's key differentiators and "in the trenches" expertise[53:44]: Amy's vision for the future of Buoyant and ESG in general[57:06]: Who Amy wants to hear from and job opportunities at Buoyant’s portfolio companies[58:44]: Jason's updates on MCJ 2023Get connected: Jason JacobsAmy Francetic 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 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

Michael Thomas is making a name for himself in independent investigative climate journalism. One of his earliest pieces saw him immerse himself in dozens of Facebook groups, organized around opposing local clean energy legislation. He used that exploration to pen a series on climate misinformation, which can be found on his newsletter at distilled.earth, and has recently started creating content on YouTube. He also created Carbon Switch, a Wirecutter-like guide to help people navigate home electrification, which he donated to Rewiring America.Michael is also a co-founder of Campfire Labs, a tech-focused content marketing agency that donates 50% of its profits to climate action. This has included a significant contribution to Climate Changemakers, a climate action platform co-founded by Cody in 2020.We started by discussing Michael's motivations for starting his investigative journalism efforts and his climate journey. We then delved into the stories he's written and the investigations he's done. Michael also shared his advice for anyone feeling the itch to get started with something that they might not have prior experience in. Spoiler alert, it involves a strong willingness to embrace and learn from failure.At MCJ, none of us had prior climate experience, but we believe that as long as you're willing to dive in and do the work, there's so much impactful progress to be made in the climate space. We're seeing more and more people like Michael being called into action every day.In this episode, we cover: [03:24]: Michael's background and early journalism career[06:16]: Moments that catalyzed his climate journey[10:02]: His interest in home electrification and founding of Carbon Switch[14:14]: Investigating the alarming health impacts of gas stoves[17:35]: The origins of Campfire Labs and marketing climate tech companies[20:49]: Rewiring America's acquisition of Carbon Switch[25:09]: Takeaways from his immersion in clean energy opposition Facebook groups[32:05]: Influencers in the clean energy opposition space and their misinformation playbooks[37:52]: Clean energy misinformation in right wing cable news and links to big oil[45:19]: How anxiety about mining is weaponized against clean energy[49:11]: How collective action transformed Amsterdam into a bike-based beacon of hope[54:24]: Michael's process for finding topics and publishing his writing[57:10]: Potential legal ramifications and dealing with online harassment[58:51]: How Michael funds his work, the generosity within the climate creator space, and advice for anyone wanting to jump in[01:05:20]: The essential role of popular movements in shaping climate policyGet connected: Michael Thomas TwitterCody SimmsMCJ 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 Apr 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

Brad Hartwig is CEO and founder of Arbor, and today’s topic is BiCRS. No, not the people in black leather jackets cruising down the highway, but rather the acronym for the process of biomass carbon removal and storage, BiCRS. Arbor is developing a process that transforms organic waste from forest thinning to prevent wildfires. The company’s process converts the carbon in the waste into stored CO2, while also producing clean energy and freshwater as byproducts. Specifically, Arbor's process runs wood waste through a light thermal treatment known as torrefaction, which is somewhat akin to roasting coffee beans. They take this torrefied biomass and gasify it into syngas and then combust it with pure oxygen to produce clean water and high purity CO2, which they then run through a highly dense turbine to create carbon negative electricity while injecting the CO2 into permanent sequestration.The plants that they will build to operate this process end to end will be significantly smaller than existing biomass energy facilities. And Arbor has an audacious vision to own and operate these carbon capture plants in a distributed nature near carbon injection wells and sequestration facilities, selling the excess power that they generate back to the grid or to the facilities themselves. We start the conversation going into Brad's inspiring background, which includes time as a rocket engineer at SpaceX and nearly a decade on the USA National Swim Team, while also volunteering for Marin County Search and Rescue and the California Air National Guard. We cover how he surveyed the entire carbon dioxide removal space before landing on the idea for BiCRS and how his aerospace background seemed particularly well suited for Arbor's specific approach.In this episode, we cover: [2:51] The movement of talent from the aerospace industry into climate [6:28] Brad's volunteer work with the California Air National Guard Rescue Operations and Marin County Search and Rescue[8:37] His personal background in aerospace and work at SpaceX[15:24] The importance of meaningful service work [19:57] Brad's motivations for getting into the carbon removal space and the thesis for Arbor[25:21] Differences between BiCRS and BECCS[27:47] How and where Arbor sources materials[31:49] Arbor's process for transitioning forest materials into biocarbon[35:07] An overview of torrefaction [40:37] The "trilemma" of biomass, CO2 storage, and load demand[43:38] How the company plans to scale based on organic waste feedstock availability[45:38] Arbor's integrated carbon sequestration and power generation business model[50:49] The carbon capture side of the business [51:38] Funding to date and plans for Arbor's future capital [54:27] The challenges of processing biomass[56:52] Who Arbor wants to hear fromGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInBrad Hartwig / ArborMCJ 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 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. Hampus Jakobsson is General Partner at Pale Blue Dot, a seed-stage venture capital firm that backs the most exciting climate tech startups across Europe and the United States.We were excited for this one because Hampus is a software engineer, turned founder, turned angel investor, turned VC. He also grew up working in areas of more traditional tech that didn't involve climate, and only recently pivoted to devoting all of his professional attention to building a climate investment firm, a story that's relatable to many.In this episode, we cover: [2:42] An overview of Pale Blue Dot [5:01] Hampus' feelings about the climate problem and how they've evolved [9:19] The early days of Pale Blue Dot's first fund [13:08] How Hampus balanced his time getting the first fund closed vs. planting the seed directionally with LPs [18:14] His strategy and thesis before going to market compared to where Pale Blue Dot is today[22:43] The firm's approach to the first check vs. follow on[27:50] Different areas of climate Pale Blue Dot invests in [31:02] The Pale Blue Dot founder [35:03] The firm's decision process on potential investments [43:23] Sector expertise and Pale Blue Dot's diligence process[52:57] Hampus' thoughts about impact and how Pale Blue Dot measures it[57:08] Reporting and important metrics[01:03:24] Pale Blue Dot's geographical footprint [01:06:31] The firm's mix of LPs [01:10:19] Hampus' thoughts on the role of fossil fuel companies in the energy transition [01:19:06] An overview of The Drop conferenceAdditional Resources: The Overstory by Richard PowersGet connected: Jason JacobsHampus Jakobsson / Pale Blue DotMCJ 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 April 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

Lori Lodes is the executive director of Climate Power, a strategic communications operation focused on building the political will and public support for bold climate action. It was founded going into the 2020 US presidential election and played a key role in establishing climate as core messaging pull through for the Biden campaign and Build Back Better agenda. Before stewarding Climate Power, Lori spent a handful of years in corporate communications at Apple. She was deputy director of communications for Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016, and she spent many years working on communication initiatives for the Affordable Care Act and healthcare.gov.We were looking forward to talking with Lori to hear how she's taking her learnings from managing communications efforts at the highest levels of corporate and political initiatives, and applying them to climate. In the few short years that Climate Power has been active, it's shifted from helping place climate on the Biden campaign agenda, to supporting the passage of landmark federal climate legislation, to now highlighting stories of successful policy implementation at the state and local level. It's an ever-shifting chess board, and our chat with Lori helped us recognize just how much the conversation on climate has evolved in the national discourse in a few short years. In this episode, we cover: [02:39]: Lori's background and initial reluctance to engage with climate[05:19]: Lori's move to Apple after working on the 2016 Clinton campaign[06:55]: How her experiences in government and at Apple have informed her communication strategy[11:49]: Lori's work with John Podesta and the origins of Climate Power[16:42]: Transitioning the climate conversation to the mainstream[18:38]: Climate Power's strategy to make climate a political issue and the urgency of the 2020 election[24:52]: The rise of climate as a "kitchen table issue" during the COVID crisis in 2020[26:40]: Aligning stakeholders and messaging to create favorable conditions for climate action[29:33]: The Inflation Reduction Act and clean energy job creation, particularly in Republican districts[32:03]: The challenges of the "implementation" phase of policy, and the importance of highlighting the benefits of climate action[36:34]: Climate social media influencers at the White House and "surround sound" communications[40:16]: How to get connected with Lori and Climate PowerGet connected: Cody SimmsLori LodesClimate Power WebsiteMCJ 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 April 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 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.Nathanael Johnson has spent the past 18 years as an award-winning journalist who has written features for Harper's Magazine, New York Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and produced stories for the likes of NPR and This American Life. Recently, Nathanael has switched career paths and now is training to become an electrician. In the past, we've chatted with folks on the show who've spent decades in the trades, but we wanted to hear the story of someone who's earlier in their journey in the field. More interestingly, we wanted to understand the motivations behind someone's decision to make the switch from a computer job to a skills trade job, and the joys, misconceptions, challenges and rewards that come with it.In this episode, we cover: [01:26]: How Yin and Nathanael got connected [02:37]: Nathanael's early exposure to nature and the “aesthetics of environmentalism”[05:13]: His liberal arts education and cutting through jargon in academia[07:43]: Starting his career as a newspaper reporter in rural Idaho[13:13]: Nathanael’s journey to becoming a climate reporter for Grist[15:01]: Falling out of love with journalism and discovering electrical work [17:51]: The clear and immediate impact of electrical work vs. uncertain impact of writing[21:18]: Fears about switching careers and dealing with internalized class stigma [25:29]: How we can “dewire” cultural stigmas about skilled trade careers[28:26]: The need to rebuild the educational pipeline and infrastructure for trade careers[30:33]: The issue of representation and redefining what an electrician looks like[32:20]: Nathanael’s advice on testing new career paths[35:41]: Pay, schedule, job security, and work-life balance as an electrician[41:47]: Nathanael's favorite moments as an electrician so farRecommended Resources: Scott Brown Carpentry (YouTube Channel)Get connected: Nathanael 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 March 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

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by MCJ partner, 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.Mohammad Barkeshli is the Vice President of Full Consequence Investing at Hall Capital Partners. Hall Capital Partners has a singular focus on building and managing large investment portfolios. Their clients include families, endowments, and foundations with over $40 billion under management. Mohammad focuses on the firm's impact investing efforts which they’ve coined Full Consequence Investing or FCI. He's responsible for research, identification, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring of investments across asset classes. Jason and Mohammad have a great discussion in this episode about Hall Capital's strategic approach, where it fits in the climate tech and capital stack, the criteria they use when making investment decisions, what they're hearing from their clients now, and how that's evolved.In this episode, we cover: [3:00] The benefits of increasing transparency across the capital stack and why Mohammad agreed to come on the show[4:35] An overview of Hall Capital[6:48] The firm’s approach known as Full Consequence Investing (FCI)[8:25] The average asset class for its clients[11:38] Hall Capital’s different investment vehicles[16:26] How the firm’s investing teams are divided across asset classes[21:00] Mohammad’s background[22:25] Where FCI fits into Hall Capital’s story and brand[28:06] FCI as a key diligence effort for the firm’s investment strategy[29:38] What falls within FCI and how Hall Capital evaluates opportunities across categories[34:00] The role of ESG across industries and investments[36:00] Hall Capital’s process for working with clients who are interested in building a portfolio that’s geared toward climate solutions[42:46] Balancing investments for profit, impact, and the public good[46:23] Limitations and challenges with time horizons[47:57] How Mohammad thinks about team and track record[52:55] Concessionary impact investments[1:00:57] Hall Capital’s involvement with philanthropic capital[1:04:36] Areas Mohammad would like to improve for his clients and their investments[1:06:51] Who Hall Capital would like to hear from and how people can helpGet connected: Jason JacobsMohammad Barkeshli / Hall CapitalMCJ 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 April 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

Katrina Erwin and Glennys Navarrete are program managers at the CLEO Institute and co-hosts of the House on Fire Podcast.The CLEO Institute is a 501C3 nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, exclusively dedicated to climate education and advocacy. Founded in 2010, CLEO, which stands for Climate Leadership Engagement Opportunities, works with communities across Florida to build climate literacy and mobilize climate action.Katrina focuses on helping youth activists leverage their power most effectively in state and local political settings. And Glennys leads CLEO's efforts at schools to educate students on climate issues and be more effective advocates.We jump into a number of different topics about youth climate activism, including what climate education programs look like in schools, how parents can be most effective at supporting youth climate action, when youth activists should focus on collaboration or on resistance, the role of social media in climate action, and lastly, how to inspire kids to care about climate change in the first place.In this episode, we cover: [02:32] Glennys’s background and climate journey[06:40] Katrina's background and climate journey[12:36] The history and goals of the CLEO Institute[16:03] Integrating climate curriculum into schools in an overly-politicized environment [18:15] Avoiding "Trigger words" and misinformation [19:25] How parents can play a role in youth climate activism[25:49] Creating spaces where young people can be heard, not tokenized[30:18] Empowering young people to engage in local politics[35:25] "Power mapping" and using social media to research and contact local politicians[39:22] Katrina's and Glennys's favorite climate influencers on social media, and the role of activists on social platforms[40:44] Shifting climate conversations from “doom and gloom” to solutions-oriented, and from “polar bear” imagery to local reality[45:08] The House on Fire podcast, and how to get involved with the CLEO InstituteGet connected: Cody SimmsCLEO InstituteKatrina ErwinGlennys NavarreteMCJ 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 April 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

Henrik Langeland is the Co-founder and CEO at Enode. Enode is building digital infrastructure to enable a coordinated, smart, and flexible energy system. In particular, Enode's software API connects over 400 smart devices like EVs, solar panels, and thermostats, so that they can work together to help a home run as efficiently as possible, both within itself and as a node in a larger energy system. The idea of energy demand response relies on the ability of each node in an energy system to be as smart as possible. And Enode is this digital glue layer between them.Cody and Henrik spend time talking about his background and the electrification progress made in Norway, where Enode is headquartered. They also talk about the role of software, climate, and energy systems, plus what Enode is and how it works. Henrik compares Enode's role in energy systems to Plaid's role in the banking world, as a service solution that creates more efficiency for all and solves a common problem that all actors in the system would otherwise need to build themselves. We're happy to be multi-time investors in Enode via our MCJ Collective Venture funds and hope you enjoy hearing from Henrik about what they're building.In this episode, we cover: [2:54] Henrik's background and early interest in energy [7:04] EV adoption in Norway and the inspiration for Enode's software solution [12:05] Enode's role in connecting and integrating different energy devices [16:58] The company's product offering [18:14] Enode's consumers including OEMs, energy retailers, etc. [23:08] Henrik's perspective on how software can make a difference in climate [26:22] Risks of deregulation of the energy system (e.g. ERCOT)[27:17] How Enode uses AI [31:51] Henrik's predictions for energy interoperability and his company's role in itGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInHenrik Langeland / EnodeMCJ 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 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 MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Will Tickle is a partner, senior investment advisor, and director of impact investing for Ballentine Partners. Ballentine Partners is a wealth management firm that prioritizes the needs of its clients while maintaining integrity and independence. The firm offers customized investment solutions and planning expertise to a wide range of clients, from individual professionals and entrepreneurs with liquid assets of $3.5 million to multi-generational families with assets worth over a billion dollars.In this episode, Jason and Will discuss his process for defining impact and which areas are important for his client’s portfolios. They also cover the balance of impact between the firm's contributions and those from the clients directly. Will shares how his clients' impact investments have evolved since the firm's first involvement in 2005. Lastly, they explore where climate and climate tech fit into all of this. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:49] An overview of Ballentine Partners[4:25] How the firm's clients inspired its approach to climate investing[7:09] Will's background and focus on impact[9:27] The firm's ethos to serving clients[11:58] How Ballentine Partners applies an impact lens to its existing portfolio of assets[14:10] What Ballentine is hearing from clients[17:01] Challenges of assessing impact across an entire portfolio[19:23] How Ballentine balances impact with returns[23:55] Capitalism and its role in the future of the clean energy transition ahead[29:24] Changes to inspire widespread adoption of impact investing[32:40] The role of shareholder activism[34:17] Ballentine's impact reports[37:35] Who Ballentine wants to work withGet connected: Jason JacobsWill Tickle / Ballentine PartnersMCJ 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 April 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

Dr. Jay Taneja is an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and the director of the STIMA Lab (Systems Towards Infrastructure Measurement and Analytics) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Dr. Taneja is a world-class expert on the clean energy economy of Kenya, which is our topic for today's discussion.Kenya's story is fascinating from a clean energy and climate change perspective. The country has made remarkable progress in expanding electricity access, with renewable sources providing the majority of its electricity supply. In 1990, only one million Kenyans had access to electricity. However, in the past few decades, Kenya has made impressive strides, doubling access to electricity from 30% of households in 2013 to approximately 75% in 2022.Despite being the least responsible from a cumulative emissions perspective, the African continent is likely to be the most impacted by climate change. Currently, the Horn of Africa, where Kenya is located, is experiencing a multi-year drought. Tune in to learn more about Kenya's clean energy economy, its impressive transition, and some hurdles ahead. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:46] Jay's background and expertise[7:35] His work at the STIMA Lab at UMass[12:39] An overview of life and electricity usage in urban vs rural communities throughout Kenya[20:46] Challenges with solar home systems and accessibility[23:57] Kenya's new president and his sentiments toward clean energy[27:20] The realized impacts of climate change throughout the country[30:38] Geothermal expansion in Kenya[35:12] The balance of nationalized priority and commercial capital in driving the region's clean energy transition[38:24] Kenya's blueprint and lessons for other countries[40:07] How Kenya could leverage COP27's Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable countriesGet connected: Cody SimmsJay TanejaMCJ 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 March 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 MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Today’s guest is Sarah Hinkfuss, a partner at Bain Capital Ventures. Bain Capital Ventures is a multi-stage VC firm investing across four core domains, fintech, application software, infrastructure, and commerce tech.Leveraging the unique resources of Bain Capital, they deploy targeted support at every stage of company building. For over 20 years, they've helped launch and commercialize more than 400 companies, and they also recently announced $1.9 billion in new funds.This is an insightful conversation as Bain Capital Ventures has not historically been a climate-focused investor, but they're increasingly paying attention to and getting active in this area, and Sarah's leading the charge.In this episode, we cover: [3:23] An overview of Bain Capital Ventures and Sarah's focus in the firm[5:35] BCV's exploration of climate tech and the firm's motivations[12:04] How the allocation of resources is influenced by time horizons[15:22] BCV's areas of focus through a climate lens[17:04] Sarah's climate journey from environmental justice and public service to early-stage startups and investing[23:07] Her experience leading the effort and formalizing BCV's climate approach[28:07] An example of the evolution of BCV's funds[31:37] The relevant types of expertise needed to make confident investments [35:45] BCV's insights into the role software plays in solving the climate problem [38:18] The firm's 6 areas of focus [44:48] Founder market fit and the importance of deep market strategy and commercial experience[50:00] How climate-focused investors should approach a company's more profitable opportunities in other markets[53:31] BCV's climate investments to date and other related efforts across its portfolio [57:12] The role of a changing climate in a company's evolution and BCV's approach [1:05:05] The value of authentic experiences and deep expertise[1:08:44] Founders BCV wants to hear from Get connected: Jason JacobsSarah Hinkfuss / Bain Capital VenturesMCJ 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 April 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 MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Today’s guest is Lucas Joppa, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Managing Director at Haveli Investments. Haveli Investments is a new and rapidly growing investment firm led by Brian Sheth, former president of Vista Equity Partners. Prior to Haveli, Lucas was the longtime Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft where he was responsible for Microsoft's overall environmental sustainability vision, strategy, and program execution. In this episode, Jason and Lucas have an in-depth discussion about Lucas's journey to becoming aware of and caring about climate change, how his views have evolved on the nature of the problem, and the best path forward from when he first started doing this work to today. They also talk about Microsoft's journey when it started caring about sustainability and its evolution to being one of the leaders in driving net-zero ambitions for big corporations. And finally we cover Lucas's decision to switch from wildlife conservation to the private equity world, his motivations and of course, Haveli's approach.In this episode, we cover: [2:10] An overview of Haveli Investments and Lucas's role at the firm [4:29] How Lucas came to work in climate and what got him to care about the problem [11:09] His experience at Microsoft[14:08] What inspired Microsoft to address the climate problem [16:32] The company's internal process[21:51] Influencing factors that led to climate action at Microsoft [28:57] Lucas's thoughts on corporate net-zero commitments[32:52] Weighing the implications of GHG reductions on biodiversity loss[38:40] Radical transformations vs. replacing current systems with sustainable alternatives[42:09] Challenges with private equity embracing sustainability [49:17] Haveli's internal net-zero operations [50:53] How founders should evaluate Haveli's portfolio management relative to other private equity firms[53:30] Lucas' work on sustainable softwareGet connected: Jason JacobsLucas Joppa / Haveli InvestmentsMCJ 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 March 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

Today's guests are John Bissell and Rich Riley, co-CEOs at Origin Materials, a carbon-negative materials company that turns carbon found in biomass into chemical outputs.John co-founded Origin Materials as an undergraduate at UC Davis in 2008. Rich became an investor in Origin in 2010, and joined as co-CEO in 2020 after a successful tech career, including most recently as the CEO of the music startup Shazam, which he sold to Apple in 2018. So what kind of opportunity brought a wunderkind chemical engineer and a seasoned software technology executive together? The way they tell it, it's the once-in-a-century opportunity to rebuild the world's material stack from one built on petrochemical inputs to one built on biomass.Recently, Origin Materials went public through a SPAC merger and is now finishing its first commercial plant, Origin One, in Canada. In this podcast episode, Cody delves into John and Rich's backgrounds, how they met, Origin's theory of change, its technical processes, the market it operates in, and the chemical outputs its customers purchase. They also discuss their vision for scaling the business. Almost everything we use in our lives is reliant on fossil fuel-based chemicals. However, Origin Materials is striving to change this by transforming the industry, as the world moves away from fossil fuels. Tune in to discover how they plan to achieve this goal.In this episode, we cover: [2:44] John's time at UC Davis and what prompted his idea for Origin Materials [6:23] Rich's story and how he got involved with the company [10:52] The decision process behind John and Rich's co-CEO structure[12:49] Original insight behind the company's focus[19:13] How Origin Materials fits into the value chain [20:26] Challenges of working with biomass and Origin Materials' process [23:52] The company's different product streams[27:22] Use cases and how Origin Materials works with partners and customers[35:09] The infrastructure side of the business[38:39] How the company raised funds for its first plant and the evolution of talent they're bringing into the company[42:43] Origin Materials' unit economics strategy and what's nextGet connected: Cody SimmsJohn Bissell / Rich RileyOrigin Materials MCJ 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 March 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

Scott Case is the CEO and Co-Founder at Recurrent, which provides EV battery reports for used EVs, helping consumers and dealers understand the residual health of the battery in a prospective purchase. Think of them as a Carfax report for EVs.New EV sales have boomed since the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in 2018. A year later, roughly 1% of new sales in the US were EVs. And in 2022, that number had increased to over 5%. The used EV market therefore logically will follow a similar trajectory, with a 3-4 year delay. In this discussion, Scott points out that a car can only be sold new one time but can be sold used many times over. Most of us have no experience buying a used EV because there just hasn’t been enough inventory. As that changes, so too will our used car buying experience. And when it comes to which factors to pay attention to, the battery's health rises to the top of the list.Scott and Cody have a great conversation about what impacts an EV battery’s health, how Recurrent gets the data to make health assessments, how Scott sees the used EV market evolving, and even what make/model EV he drives. It’s a jam-packed episode with information that’s sure to be personally relevant to many of us in the coming months and years ahead. In this episode, we cover: [3:02] Scott's background and how he got started in the used EV market[9:25] How Recurrent came to be[13:51] The early days of figuring out the company's approach and business model[17:54] An overview of the used EV market[19:97] How to determine the quality of a used EV battery[20:24] Recurrent's solution and battery assessment process[24:49] Battery issues associated with EVs and environmental factors that influence performance[30:11] Battery quality and price discrimination for used EVs[32:48] Recent volatility and future market predictions[35:19] How Recurrent's business model is adjusting and its plans for growth[40:19] The dealer's role in EV sales[44:45] Recurrent's progress to date and what's aheadGet connected:Cody SimmsScott Case / RecurrentMCJ 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 April 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

This episode is part of our new Capital Series hosted by MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Today’s guest is Mark Robinson, Founder and Managing Director at WAVE Equity Partners, an impact investing firm that seeks to maximize returns for investors, growth for portfolio companies, and impact for all. WAVE achieves this goal by investing in sustainability innovators that tackle our greatest environmental challenges on a global scale. Jason and Mark discuss the origins of WAVE, the timing of its launch, and some of the key lessons that Mark learned from Clean Tech 1.0. They also delve into why WAVE took a contrarian bet when it started and how its approach differs from other firms. Mark explains the company's investment stage, check size, sector focus, diligence process, and value-add post-investment. The episode also covers the industrial market landscape, where WAVE spends a lot of time. Jason and Mark explore various topics such as the ecosystem of founders, the regulatory and policy landscape, and the current capital environment. In this episode, we cover: An overview of WAVE Equity PartnersThe firm's origin story and path to focusing on clean energy, food, water, waste and recyclingEarly fundraising challenges for industrial solutionsKey lessons from Clean Tech 1.0Changes in the ecosystem since WAVE got started and how the firm addressed themWhat gets Mark up every day and the underlying decision to start the firmThe firm's investor makeup and LP shifts over timeWAVE's fund structureNon-starters and the types of risk WAVE is comfortable takingThe balance of fundraising vs domain expertise when building a companyThe role of the regulatory landscape and government funding when making investment decisionsWAVE's 6-month or longer diligence processThe firm's approach to defining and measuring impactMark's thoughts on doing things cleaner vs. reforming entire systemsThe role of government supportMark's wishlist for the future of the industrials marketGet connected: Jason JacobsMark Robinson / WAVE Equity PartnersMCJ 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 March 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 Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today’s guest on Yin Lu’s Skilled Labor Series is Alana Guzzetta, a 15-year veteran of the concrete-making business. Alana started as an intern, worked her way up to being a lab technician, and now runs the R&D lab at Vulcan Materials. She has both a bachelor's and master's of civil engineering. In this episode, Yin and Alana delve into the history of cement and how new technologies are disrupting an industry that dates back to the fourth century BC. They also discuss the environmental impact of cement, which is responsible for approximately 7% of total global CO2 emissions, a staggering number that highlights the significance of concrete as a material in the world and its carbon footprint.Alana shares her insights on the latest innovations in concrete-making, including the use of alternative materials and carbon capture technologies. She also sheds light on the crucial role that research and development play in the industry, and what her job as an R&D lab manager at Vulcan Materials entails. In this episode, we cover: [3:06] Alana's academic journey getting into the concrete industry[7:32] The difference between cement and concrete[8:57] An overview of concrete and supplementary cementitious materials[11:22] The carbon-intensive cement-making process[17:53] Alana's role managing the concrete lab at Vulcan Materials[19:30] An overview of Vulcan Materials[23:29] A few example projects Alana has worked on with architects and startups[25:00] What success looks like for Alana and her team[29:38] Her experience working with CarbonCure[32:04] A direct air capture project with Heirloom[35:54] New technology in the cement industry including zero carbon cement and utilizing waste products[41:07] Advice for people interested in working in the concrete industryGet connected: Yin Twitter / LinkedInAlana Guzzetta / Vulcan MaterialsMCJ 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 March 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

Today's guest is Jeff More, President and CEO of MineSense. MineSense provides real-time, sensor-based ore sorting and data analytics for mines. The company recently announced a $42 million Series E round led by JP Morgan's sustainable Growth Equity Group. MineSense technology platform includes a set of sensors that go into a shovel bucket, and at the moment of extraction, help identify the makeup of ore and rock with each new scoop. This helps mines reduce the amount of low-quality rock sent to milling and processing, which also helps mining operations use less power and water. Jeff and Cody dive into the state of mining today, MineSense's technology and how it's increasing efficiency. They also cover the company’s business model, and the adoption curves of software in the mining industry generally. And lastly, they talk about how mining is changing and how sustainability and climate factor into purchasing decisions around innovation. We've had a number of conversations on the pod recently about the state of metal supply chains, metal recycling, and related topics. But this is an excellent primer for how mining works generally and how MineSense is helping to drive optimizations into processes that have been in place for decades.In this episode, we cover: Jeff's backgroundThe state of mining today and its challengesSite selection and permitting processThe logistics behind setting up a new mine and long-term planWhat happens to wasteEnvironmental impact of the mining processAn overview of MineSenseThe company's hardware and softwareMineSense's focus on copper and other base metalsThe company's value proposition of increased profits and sustainabilityMineSense's business modelJeff's predictions for the future of the mining industryAdvice for founders/CEOs as they navigate their go to marketMineSense's funding to date and how the business plans to capitalize moving forwardGet connected: Cody SimmsJeff More / MineSenseMCJ 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 March 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 MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and its critical role in driving innovation and progress. Today’s guest is Grant Mulligan, a Vice President at Alvarium Tiedemann (AlTi). AlTi is a global wealth and asset manager that's in the business of turning powerful ideas into high-performing strategies and solutions. Whether they are individuals or institutions, foundations, or family-led businesses, AlTi offers its clients a connected ecosystem of advice, solutions, and investment opportunities from across their global network. As an institutional investor, AlTi is serious about impact. And Grant focuses specifically on the firm’s net-zero strategies and nature-based solutions. This conversation takes a fascinating dive into their approach, their origin story, how they measure impact, and how they allocate capital across many different asset classes. We also discuss the types of clients who prioritize impact investing and how this landscape is evolving over the past few years and into the future. Tune in to learn more about AlTi's mission to create enduring value. In this episode, we cover: [3:00] An overview of Alvarium Tiedemann (AlTi) and where Grant sits in the firm[7:12] The role of impact in AlTi's clients' decision making [12:23] Grant's theory of change and work in wildlife biology[17:56] What inspired him to transition upstream and join AlTi's mission [20:45] A deep dive into the forthcoming wealth transfer [25:21] How AlTi structures capital allocation[29:39] AlTi's theory of change for overall climate sustainability, decarbonization tech, and nature-based solutions[33:45] The role of changing perspectives on impact and asset allocation as a result of recent market fluctuations [39:26] AlTi’s impact assessment process[44:45] How Grant balances servicing existing client demand vs generating new demand [53:34] The role of client recommendations in deploying capital[57:12] Grant's thoughts on what's missing in impact investments [1:00:37] Where philanthropic capital fits in Get connected: Jason JacobsGrant Mulligan / Alvarium TiedemannMCJ 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 March 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

Today's guest is Lucy Piper, Director at WorkForClimate. WorkForClimate is a not-for-profit that provides individual employees with clear step-by-step playbooks to help influence and accelerate a company's decarbonization initiatives. Lucy and Cody discuss how climate change can be an intimidating topic and pushing for change inside your company can be risky. And yet it's clear that if the world's corporations don't change quickly to reduce emissions, the effects will be worse.So how do we quickly help employees feel educated and empowered to push for change? WorkForClimate solution comes from its playbooks and programs. They've identified four key areas of change that employees can impact: energy, emissions, money, and influence. Lucy and Cody chat about each of these, why they matter, and some of the steps that WorkForClimate recommends employees take to maximize their collective influence. And one thing that isn’t covered, but nonetheless important is that when we take personal agency around climate change, it inspires more people to do the same, encouraging more and more. As organizations realize that these well-informed asks aren't coming from some radical minority, but rather from a significant amount of their employee base, that's ultimately what drives change. In this episode, we cover: [4:22] Lucy's climate journey[7:39] Employees as influential stakeholders to drive climate initiatives within corporations[12:45] The power of strength in numbers despite risks[14:44] An overview of green teams[15:57] How formally organized groups and sustainability professionals factor into WorkforClimate's playbook[18:00] The areas WorkforClimate focuses on, including energy, emissions, money, and advocacy[23:04] The issue of greenwashing[25:46] An overview of WorkforClimate's playbooks[29:12] Pros and cons employees have to grapple with to inspire corporate action[33:00] WorkforClimate's emissions framework[40:05] The type of companies best suited to collaborate with WorkforClimate[47:15] The money category WorkforClimate addresses, including bank accounts, treasury, and retirement funds[54:28] The role of corporate influence on policyGet connected: Cody SimmsLucy Piper / WorkforClimateMCJ 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 March 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

Today's guest is Trevor Best, CEO and Co-founder at Syzygy Plasmonics. Syzygy is rethinking how chemicals are produced and pioneering a new technology that energizes chemical reactions via light. Their photocatalyst technology came out of the lab at Rice University. Toward the end of 2022, the company announced a $76 million Series C financing led by Carbon Direct Capital and a number of significant strategies in the energy, oil and gas, and automotive sectors.During the episode, Trevor and Cody delve into various topics, including Trevor's background, traditional petrochemical methods of chemical production, and the fortuitous discovery that led him and his co-founder to commercialize their cutting-edge technology at Syzygy. The discussion also covers the various chemical pathways that Syzygy is currently pursuing, such as zero-emissions hydrogen, low-emissions hydrogen, syngas, and methanol.In this episode, we cover: [2:46] Trevor's background and Syzygy's origin story [7:37] The relationship between fossil fuels and the chemical industry [9:48] Other emerging alternatives in the space[11:39] Origins of Syzygy's photochemistry technology and its implications [20:59] Syzygy's decision to focus on hydrogen pathways [24:32] An overview of dry reforming [27:40] The company's business model [30:14] Sygyzy's scale-up progress and plans for the future[36:47] How Syzygy balances adding new capabilities to its reactors [42:09] Trevor's thoughts on the future and where Syzygy needs helpGet connected: Cody SimmsTrevor Best / SyzygyMCJ 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 March 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 MCJ partner, Jason Jacobs. This series will explore 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'll take a deep dive into the world of capital and the critical role it plays in driving innovation and progress. Today’s guest is Jacqueline van den Ende, founder and CEO of Carbon Equity. Carbon Equity pools capital to provide individuals with access to world-class private equity funds, while their team of experts handle the research, management, and investment work. Their approach allows investors to build a diversified portfolio of climate startups and scaleups. In this episode, Jacqueline and Jason delve into Carbon Equity's origin story, their unique approach, and what sets them apart in the industry. They discuss the firm's journey so far, the challenges they've encountered, and the exciting trends that they believe will drive progress in the field. They also examine how Carbon Equity fits into the broader climate capital stack, as more funds and limited partners enter the space.In this episode, we cover: [2:20] An overview of Carbon Equity [4:41] How Jacqueline's original idea for climate investing came about [9:19] Carbon Equity's focus on the mass affluent market today [13:55] How they raised early funds and who they targeted [17:50] Differences between US vs Europe investor limitations [21:27] Carbon Equity's diligence process [28:12] The firm as a diversification provider [30:57] Jacqueline's thoughts on sector expertise and mission alignment [35:25] Carbon Equity's milestones since January 2021 [39:59] The firm's plans for thematic funds [46:02] Some of Jacqueline's key learnings from her journey and the difficult questions she's asking[50:31] An overview of MCJ's journey and funding progress to date[53:22] Who Jacqueline wants to work with and her parting words, including job opportunities with Carbon EquityRecommended Resources:The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth KolbertGet connected: Jason JacobsJacqueline van den EndeMCJ 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 March 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

Today's guest is Will Steger, an educator, activist, photographer, and polar explorer. Will is a prominent spokesperson for the preservation and understanding of the Arctic and is the creator of the Will Steger Foundation, which exists to educate and empower people to engage in solutions to climate change.Will was the fourth person ever to have reached both Earth's poles. He led the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole in 1986. In 1989 and 1990, he led the first dogsled traverse of Antarctica, a 3,471-mile journey, to raise awareness of the need for international cooperation to ban mining and oil exploration in Antarctica. This journey became a worldwide media phenomenon, leading to meetings with multiple global heads of state.Will and Cody talk about how he built and leveraged his platform, the current priorities of his foundation, his childhood, how he started exploring, and how he's seen the world change in his lifetime, both physically and in terms of the understanding of and support for climate action. Lastly, they talk about survival, how Will manages to do it in the bleakest moments of an expedition, and how he thinks humans will do it in the face of climate change. In this episode, we cover: [2:15] Will's early expedition to Antarctica which gained global recognition in 1986[7:45] An overview of the Antarctic Treaty and Will's experience with diplomacy and building awareness and cooperation among global leaders[10:15] Reflections on his first trip to the Antarctic and landing on the Larsen A Ice Shelf[12:40] An overview of the Will Steger Foundation[15:58] His work to bring climate into school curriculums and the shifting youth attitudes toward the topic[20:58] Will's upbringing and early interest in exploration[26:40] How he got involved with dogsledding and an overview of working with dogs[29:30] Will's first journey to the North Pole in 1986[33:16] An overview of Will's new Steger Center for Innovation and Leadership[34:28] Observations that have been most effective in helping people understand the implications of climate change[42:14] How to follow Will's travels at https://stegercenter.org/Get connected: Cody SimmsWill StegerMCJ 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 March 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 Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today's guest is Dylan Welch, Plant Manager at AMP Robotics. Dylan grew up in the foothills of California and Arizona, before going to school in Colorado. He’s had quite a non-linear career path. Dylan started his career building custom motorcycles out of his garage and then became a carpenter and subcontractor, before joining the team at AMP Robotics, where he oversees facility operations. AMP Robotics develops and deploys AI and robotics technology that enables a recycling facility to drive efficiencies across its sorting process, lower the cost of its operations, and produce higher-value commodities. As proud investors of AMP Robotics via our MCJ venture funds, we’ve excited to share yet another perspective from the company and learn about Dylan’s personal journey. In this episode, we learn a lot from Dylan the recycling industry, and how Dylan applied his interest towards a career addressing the waste problem.In this episode, we cover: Dylan's early interest in machinery and his professional backgroundHis career path as a carpenter, contractor, and running a recycling plantAn overview of AMP Robotics and how Dylan landed his current role A deep dive into recycling and its shortcomings Dylan's day-to-day experience running a secondary MRF (materials recovery facility)How he interacts with folks outside of the plant Dylan's perspectives on how automation can close the staffing gap in the recycling industryHow Dylan combined his personal interests with his role at AMP Robotics Advice for people interested in learning how systems work but aren’t sure where to startGet connected: Yin Twitter / LinkedInAMP RoboticsMCJ 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 January 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

Today's guest is John Kinney, Founder, CEO and Managing Partner at CleanFund. CleanFund specializes in PACE financing, an innovative way for property owners to finance public good improvements to their buildings, including clean energy, efficiency, and resiliency through their property taxes. CleanFund got its start in Berkeley, California in 2009 and initiated the first privately funded PACE transaction focused on solar power. Since then, PACE financing options have taken hold in dozens of states across the USA, and CleanFund serves as an enabling mechanism in all of them. CleanFund specifically focuses on C-PACE or Commercial PACE, which means that it's wholly focused on commercial buildings. C-PACE can be applied to new construction or building retrofit projects, and the types of projects that qualify for C-PACE vary by state or locality. It's going to take new ways of thinking about things for us to drive the decarbonization of our economy as fast as possible. With CleanFund, John is focusing on the huge emissions footprint of the built environment and is helping property managers and lenders unlock new tools to finance needed clean energy upgrades. In this episode, we cover: John's transition from fitness into climateAn overview of PACE or “Property Assessed Clean Energy”Difference between residential and commercial PACEImpacts of building regulations and penaltiesNew Hyatt construction example in Salt Lake CityAn overview of CleanFund and its role in PACEWho's on the capital side of PACE productsHow CleanFund interacts with green banks at the state levelForecasting the future of energy efficiency in the built environmentInnovative approaches to addressing emissions in the spaceThe challenges of working in commercial real estateHow to engage with CleanFund and learn more about PACE at CleanFun.comCleanFund's plans for expandingGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInCleanFundMCJ 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 February 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

Today's guest on the My Climate Journey Startup Series is Jack Morrison, Co-founder and CEO at Scythe. Scythe recently announced a $42M Series B round of financing led by Energy Impact Partners to grow and scale their product line of autonomous electric commercial lawnmowers. When discussing the need to electrify everything, we tend to focus on electric vehicles and home efficiency. But over the next 5-10 years most of us will be surprised by just how many things in our daily lives will move from loud, smelly, gasoline-powered engines to quiet, odorless electric motors. This podcast has featured electric solutions for pleasure craft boating, motorcycles, passenger buses, semi trucks, and even cargo shipping. And in most cases, the business models of the electric versions of these things are innovative in some way or another too.The Scythe team is pioneering a new usage-based model for their mowers and the company believes it offers a more sustainable way for landscaping companies to manage their cashflows and help their employees get the job done. In this episode, we cover: [2:00] Jack's background in programming and robots [4:00] His transition from 3D scanning to landscaping [6:48] Climate impact of the landscaping business and Scythe's role in helping curb the emissions footprint[11:03] Scythe's M.52 mower product [13:17] Why Scythe chose an electric and autonomous solution [18:16] The safety side of the company's tech[22:36] Impacts on landscapers' day to day [27:45] Technology barriers for incumbent mowing companies [30:18] Scythe's early traction, progress to date, and market shareGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInJack Morrison / ScytheMCJ 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 March 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

Today's guest is Robert Piconi, CEO and co-founder at Energy Vault, which develops and deploys utility-scale energy storage solutions. The company's offerings include proprietary gravity, battery, and green hydrogen energy storage hardware technologies supported by a technology-agnostic energy management system software layer. They can deliver short- and long-duration energy storage with the goal of helping carbon-free energy be as cost-effective as possible at all times of the day and night. Robert and Cody have a great conversation about why energy storage matters, the different types of energy storage today, and some unique insights from Bill Gross at Idealab that led to the earliest version of Energy Vault. They talk about the rapid iterations Energy Vault has done on its gravity storage model, and how they've raised capital. Energy Vault went public via SPAC one year and one day before Rob and Cody had this conversation. It's incredible to see such an infrastructure-heavy company grow and iterate so quickly. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:41] Robert's background and interest in the energy sector [6:55] Challenges of energy storage[10:19] Energy Vault's history as a company and exponential growth [15:16] The energy storage space broadly and its shortcomings [19:09] How Energy Vault landed on its solution and a description of its tech[26:17] Feedback from customers and the evolution of the company's tech [29:04] An overview of the company's EVX platform [30:55] Differences between long vs short storage [34:36] Energy Vault's latest project announcements [42:25] Tailwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act [45:45] The 24/7 carbon-free energy market [49:40] Talent and partner opportunities with Energy VaultGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInRobert Piconi / Energy VaultMCJ 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 February 15, 2023 Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Today's guest is Heidi Kujawa, founder and CEO at ByFusion. ByFusion is solving the global plastic waste crisis by turning unrecyclable plastics into building materials.Plastics are lightweight, durable, strong, low-cost, and built to last. Those qualities are fantastic in reducing the cost and weight of shipping and packaging items. And those qualities are equally terrible when it comes to waste. Not to mention, virgin plastics come from fossil fuels and are providing an increasing amount of the value of a barrel of oil. ByFusion is looking to take advantage of plastic's positives while obviating its negatives by turning waste plastic into durable building blocks.Heidi and Cody have a great conversation about her background, the different types of plastics, and what's recyclable and what's not (side note: we can all probably do better when it comes to recycling). They also talk about how ByFusion works with municipalities and waste management companies to source materials, what the company’s ByBlocks look like, who is building with ByFusion and what they are building, the evolution of plastic waste credits (which are similar to carbon credits) and how Heidi is financing the company and its product development. This is a jam-packed episode and we hope you enjoy it! In this episode, we cover: [2:09] Heidi's background and how it fed her experience building ByFusion [4:31] How she decided to focus on plastic waste[6:58] An overview of ByFusion and the company's ByBlock product [9:44] Recyclable vs non-recyclable plastics [13:34] Different use cases for ByFusion's construction materials [17:14] ByFusion's municipalities customers, unit economics, and who's paying [21:36] The company's business model [23:51] The plastic diversion/credit market [25:43] ByFusion's upcoming projects [28:34] State and country-wide policies around plastic and their implications [30:50] The company's financing to date [34:37] Where ByFusion needs help todayGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInHeidi Kujawa / ByFusionMCJ 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 January 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

Today's guest is Martin Wainstein, Founder and Executive Director of OpenEarth Foundation, a California-based nonprofit that creates and supports the deployment of open-source software at the intergovernmental level to further climate understanding and action.When we think of blockchain, our brains are mostly wired to think of cryptocurrencies and for-profit schemes. OpenEarth Foundation, however, is applying blockchain principles to United Nations-scale carbon accounting efforts to aid in the understanding of and deployment of software that can support an open and accountable data layer for critical carbon accounting. As carbon offsets are retired, as renewable energy credits are traded, and as compliance and voluntary carbon markets grow in prominence, how do we ensure that these systems can understand each other across borders, governments, and methodologies?After all, a ton of CO2 should be a ton of CO2, and yet orchestrating agreement and dialogue across major stakeholders including governments, markets, and corporations, is never an easy task. Martin and Cody have a great conversation about his journey into the climate space and the origins of OpenEarth Foundation, which was inspired in part by his time at Yale Open Lab and his work on digital currencies at MIT Media Lab. We also cover the state of carbon accounting at the nation-state level today, the innovative ways that OpenEarth Foundation has raised money to date, and some of the big ideas that they're thinking about for the future. In this episode, we cover: [3:01] Martin's climate journey [9:38] An overview of the OpenEarth Foundation[14:25] Leveraging technology for the common good [17:32] Carbon accounting and where the data comes from today [24:10] Openclimate.network and other digital tools [29:48] Transparency challenges on the national and subnational levels[34:25] How OpenEarth is helping large global entities with consensus building [40:44] OpenEarth's initial funding via NFTs and plans moving forward [49:38] Some of OpenEarth's current projects [55:07] Where OpenEarth needs helpGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMartin Wainstein / OpenEarth FoundationMCJ 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 February 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

Today's guest is Megan O'Connor, CEO and Co-Founder of Nth Cycle. Nth Cycle uses a metals processing technology that allows battery manufacturers to convert lower-grade critical metals into EV-battery grade on-site. The company’s approach obviates large portions of cumbersome and dirty metal supply chains for crucial EV battery metals like nickel. Megan claims that Nth Cycle's technology can be applied to existing batteries just as it can be to newly mined ore, thus accelerating circularity for the lithium-ion battery and battery recycling.One significant component of the Inflation Reduction Act is the formalization of US EV tax credits, and a qualification requirement that automakers must source at least 40% of their EV battery components - by value - in the United States or countries with which the US has a free trade agreement starting this year, with escalation to 100% by 2029.With this change in the backdrop, Megan and Cody have a great conversation about the state of EV battery metal supply chains and battery recycling today, how Megan started working on this problem in the first place, how Nth Cycle works, and what her plans are for the company. We have focused quite a bit recently on EV batteries and the underlying metals that power them on the podcast. If you want to learn more about the topic, check out past episodes with Simon Moores, Jigar Shah and Ajay Kochhar, and Impossible Metals. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:18] How a molecule of metal turns into a battery [7:18] The embodied carbon in an EV [10:03] Different refining mechanisms, their limitations and environmental justice concerns[17:55] The origin of Nth Cycle [23:21] How Megan gained the confidence to change her PhD and focus on battery metals[27:23] Megan's entrepreneurial journey as a grad student [29:36] An overview of Nth Cycle's solution [33:12] A description of the company's system [35:20] How the Inflation Reduction Act is changing the supply chain for nickel and where Nth Cycle fits in [37:35] How the technology can be applied to all critical metals [41:56] The company's capital history [43:40] Job opportunities with Nth Cycle [46:14] Megan's predictions for the futureGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInMegan O’Connor / Nth CycleMCJ 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 January 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

This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today is Zach Gallant, Head of Maritime Operations at Fleetzero. Zach grew up in Maine and attended the Maine Maritime Academy after high school. He spent 15 years on board ships of all types and sizes. His career started on freighters carrying bulk cargo such as iron ore in the Great Lakes. Then Zach worked at Transocean, the world's largest offshore drilling contractor, for over a decade. He recently transitioned to Fleetzero, a startup building a fleet of electric ships to help address and reduce the carbon emissions from the shipping industry, which accounts for about 3% of total global emissions. As investors in Fleetzero via the MCJ Collective venture funds, we’ve also spoken to co-founders, Steven Hendersen and Mike Carter, in a previous Startup Series episode (listen here). In this episode, we cover: [2:00] Zach's background and experience as a marine engineer[7:42] A career working on the deck side of ships vs the engineering side [11:13] Different types of maritime ships and propulsion systems [15:33] Zach's firsthand experience witnessing the impacts of climate change[18:41] The process of setting up an exploratory drill well [24:33] Zach's decision to transition out of oil and gas into a climate tech maritime company [27:51] Technological shifts in the maritime industry[30:05] Shortage of maritime workers and how to encourage more people to get involved[32:23] What keeps Zach optimistic Get connected: Yin 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 December 21, 2022. Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Today's guest is Harry Tannenbaum, Co-founder and President at Mill. Mill developed a household bin that not only collects uneaten food but also shrinks and deodorizes it. The company’s solution aims to keep food in the system and prevent it from ending up in landfills or waste systems, which would otherwise generate significant emissions. Mill recently exited stealth and we're proud to be multi-time backers of the company through our MCJ Collective venture funds alongside other leading climate tech funds such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Lower Carbon Capital, Prelude Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, and John Doerr. In this episode, Cody and Harry delve into the issue of food waste and what inspired him to tackle it. They discuss the qualities of a successful consumer product and how Harry and his co-founder, Matt Rogers, applied the lessons they learned at Nest to their work at Mill. Additionally, they examine Mill's product and logistics framework, and the intersection between consumer behavior change and systems change. They also explore the network effect that Mill hopes to create between the two. Finally, the conversation covers the pros and cons of building a company in stealth, as Mill did during the product development process.In this episode, we cover: [2:42] An overview of the food waste problem[6:04] The life cycle of food waste and the role of city municipalities[11:15] Harry's journey and experience with Nest[14:13] How he met his co-founder and decided to focus on waste[20:00] The genesis for Mill's hardware solution and how it evolved[25:28] Critical team members and how the company's final produce came to be[29:47] Mill as a systems change company[30:35] An overview of the Mill bin and membership experience[37:07] Where chickens fit in[45:19] The theoretical debate of systems change vs. personal responsibility[54:00] The company's partnership with the city of Tacoma, Washington[57:27] Where the company is looking to hire talent[59:06] Pros and cons of building in stealthGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInHarry Tannenbaum / MillMCJ 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 February 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

Today's topic is ERCOT (The Electric Reliability Council of Texas), and we have two guests. Eric Goff is President at Goff Policy, an infrastructure consulting firm focusing on ERCOT market energy transition issues. Eric serves as the sole representative for residential consumers in the ERCOT stakeholder process. Jaden Crawford is director of policy at David Energy, a modern energy retailer that operates in multiple markets, including Texas. David Energy is also an MCJ Collective portfolio company. From an electrons perspective, the Texas energy grid is unique because it's relatively isolated from the rest of North America. It's also a deregulated market, which means that energy retail or selling power to end consumers is separate from energy generation or the act of creating power. Therefore, there's a robust B2B market between retailers and generators in addition to a direct-to-consumer retailer market. All of this has created a vibrant entrepreneurial energy ecosystem in Texas.Companies in Texas are relatively free to experiment with new models and technologies, and the open market rules the day. But when Texas suffered wide-scale energy outages after Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, declared that ERCOT reform would be an emergency priority for the state legislature. In late January of this year, news about some of the ERCOT reform proposals brought Eric and Jaden to our attention, and we’re so grateful for their time in shedding light on this topic. Enjoy! In this episode, we cover: Eric's background in ERCOTJaden's experience and transition to focusing on energyAn overview of ERCOT and its membersHow it fits into the broader energy and electricity picture in the U.S.How Texas deregulated its energy marketDeregulation's influence on driving the adoption of renewables, entrepreneurialism, and innovationEnergy failures during Winter Storm Uri and changes that are being madePricing caps and market dynamicsAn overview of the Performance Credit Mechanism (PCM) and ancillary servicesThe role of gentailorsDoes Texas need more energy generation?How people living in Texas can get involvedGet connected:Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInEric GoffJaden CrawfordMCJ 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 February 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

Today, we have two guests, Sonia Kastner, Founder and CEO at Pano, and Bill Clerico, Founder and Managing Partner at Convective Capital. Both Sonia and Bill are keynotes in the emerging category of fire tech and in the subcategory of climate tech that's referred to as adaptation solutions, technologies that can help deliver resiliency in the face of an increasingly unstable planet. At Pano, Sonia is developing technology that creates actionable intelligence for wildfire management. They're deploying a network of high-definition cameras across our forests to help generate faster and more informed fire response.At Convective Capital, Bill is investing in technology startups that are solving the problem of extreme wildfires, including Pano. Cody, Sonia, and Bill dive into the issue of wildfires, how and why they've grown in severity, the traditional response mechanisms that fire agencies have used and how that's changing, what types of technologies are being developed to support their efforts, and of course, some details about Pano's product offering. We also touch on the talent that's flowing into fire tech and how critical it is for us to continue to fund and develop new ways to adapt to a changing planet, try as we might in parallel to reign in the emissions and trapped heat that are causing climate change. In this episode, we cover: [3:00] Sonia's background and catalyst for working in climate adaptation at Pano [5:05] Bill's background in FinTech and inspiration to start Convective Capital [7:33] The mega wildfire crisis today and trends over the last two decades [11:54] Universal factors contributing to wildfires across different geographies [14:28] Solutions to wildfires including Pano's technology[16:49] An overview of firefighting today, early detection, and rapid initial attack [21:09] How suppression efforts could change based on fire characteristics and the need for collaboration [24:58] Challenges of building a tech company in the wilderness[27:37] How Pano is leveraging Starlink to create solutions for their customers[29:14] An overview of the company's physical product and buyers [31:52] How Convective Capital approaches companies like Pano who sell primarily to fire agencies [34:27] How organizations like CAL FIRE are changing their approach to work with tech companies [36:19] Skills needed and where talent is coming from [38:40] What's next for Pano and Convective CapitalGet connected:Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInSonia Kastner / PanoBill Clerico / Convective CapitalMCJ 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 January 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

Today's guests are Ajay Kochhar, President, CEO, and co-founder at Li-Cycle, and Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office at the United States Department of Energy. Jigar is a multi-time guest on the show and a friend of the pod, and he reached out to us to see if we'd want to record an episode discussing Li-Cycle's experience in applying for and receiving a conditional commitment from the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office for a loan of approximately $375 million to help Li-Cycle scale up their work with a production facility in Greece, New York near Rochester. We cover a lot of ground today. We reintroduce Jigar and the Loan Programs Office. For those of you who want to go deeper, you can visit the My Climate Journey pod archive for other episodes featuring Jigar, including one from a year ago with him and Rob Hansen of Monolith Materials. We also introduce Ajay and the business he's building with Li-Cycle to recover and recycle critical lithium-ion battery metals. Then we spend most of the conversation talking about how the Loan Programs Office works with prospective applicants as well as what Li-Cycle's experience was as an applicant. We learn how the LPO helps companies define and lay out their plans across a wide array of considerations, including, of course, financial and technical, but also their plans for community involvement, workforce development, environmental impact, permitting, and so much more. The LPO provides a unique role in the funding landscape for climate tech. Venture funding can help a company grow, and it can help a company navigate initial market risk. But for us to make a real dent in the climate problem, it's going to take moving atoms at scale. For infrastructure-heavy businesses, there's a need for sizable capital to put steel in the ground and build a production facility. It’s possible for a startup to leverage a small pilot facility to prove that its technology can work, but to provide a commercial solution at a fully deployed scale, it may need to invest tens or hundreds of millions of dollars into infrastructure and facilities, and oftentimes, the venture debt markets are reticent to fund large, first of its kind build-outs. This is where the LPO plays a key role. A major takeaway from Ajay and Jigar's discussion is the significant partnership between the LPO and a company during the application process as they collectively uncover and work through assumptions and hypotheses together. In this episode, we cover: [4:43] Introduction to the Loan Programs Office [9:20] An overview of Li-Cycle and the company's success[14:14] $375 million loan from LPO to help scale Li-Cycle's hub and spoke approach [16:43] Importance of community engagement [20:28] An inside look at Li-Cycle's processing facilities and attention to safety[25:52] How the DOE evaluates projects and determines where investments are needed [29:12] Li-Cycle's first commercial facility in Rochester[31:09] How and why Li-Cycle decided to partner with the LPO [36:07] The application process for working with the LPO [42:42] The government's role in the diligence side [47:37] Ajay's thoughts on how the LPO terms may differ from future commercial loans [50:51] How Jigar has streamlined the LPO's process [54:23] Tips for companies seeking a loan from the U.S. DOEGet connected: Cody Simms Twitter / LinkedInAjay Kochhar Twitter / LinkedInLi-CycleJigar Shah Twitter / LinkedInLoan Programs Office MCJ 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 February 15, 2023. Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected] with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Today's guest is Carlos Araque, co-founder and CEO of Quaise Energy. Quaise is seeking to unlock the power of geothermal energy by drilling into deeper and hotter parts of the earth than ever, using microwave-based technology rather than traditional mechanical drill bits.Carlos has a fascinating background; he grew up in Medellin, Colombia, during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, matriculated to MIT, and then found himself working in oil and gas for a while before transitioning to geothermal and Quaise. In this episode, Carlos walks us through how geothermal energy is harnessed today and what has held it back from a scale perspective. He also offers a unique futurist point of view that there are only three forms of energy that have the potential to offer abundant clean energy to humanity at scale on a multi-decade or century-scale timeframe: fission, fusion, and deep geothermal. From his perspective, the energy density profiles of wind and solar relative to their land use requirements will eventually cause them to hit limitations.If you’re curious about geothermal but need a primer on how it works, this one eases into the topic by going into the state of geothermal today, then spending some time on Quaise's tech solution and business model. We conclude by getting Carlos' take on the future of energy. Enjoy the show! In this episode, we cover: [2:50] Carlos' background and serendipitous path to starting Quaise[9:22] How Carlos became interested in geothermal and his thoughts on the three solutions for deploying clean energy at scale[14:25] An overview of geothermal[18:04] Different use cases and geothermal's potential[21:37] Tthe different types of geothermal, including hydrothermal and EGS systems[23:32] What's holding geothermal back today[25:40] Quaise's approach[29:55] How Quaise repurposes oil and gas capabilities to deploy their different technology[35:28] Core assumptions the company is working towards in the lab[38:37] Challenges associated with scaling[40:58] The role of regulation[45:37] Quaise's business model[48:37] How Carlos evaluates risks associated with his business[52:44] Geographic footprint required for other forms of renewable energy[55:01] Where new skills are needed from a talent perspective[57:01] What's next for Quaise and where they need helpGet connected:Cody Twitter / LinkedInCarlos LinkedIn / QuaiseMCJ 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 January 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 Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.Today's guest is James Sedlak, who leads Operations and Community Engagement at Kodama Systems, a startup developing automated ways of thinning overcrowded forests and utilizing low-value biomass, which we'll learn more about in the episode. From 2019 to 2021, James was a wildland firefighter for three seasons working on fire suppression and mitigation in the El Dorado National Forest. He has also worked on climate resilience projects for local and state agencies in California, such as the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, and the Tahoe Conservancy. In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of the day of the life of a wildland firefighter and learn about the future of firefighting and what the space will entail. After hearing about the dedication and dangers associated with wildland firefighting, you’ll walk away with a much deeper appreciation and gratitude for the work being done around the mitigation and suppression of fires. And lastly, we at MCJ Collective are proud to be investors in Kodama via our venture capital funds. Enjoy the show!In this episode, we cover: [2:00] James' background and how he landed his current role at Kodama [5:43] An overview of the El Dorado National Forest and James' work in wildland fire [7:04] Different types of firefighting and how to get started[10:31] Courses and the interview process [12:02] Career progression for working in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS)[17:51] An overview of hotshots [19:27] What it's like to be a firefighter and the typical experience during a fire season [22:41] The importance of pre-season training and supporting mental health programs for firefighters[26:43] Challenges with retention in the federal wildland firefighting workforce [28:21] An overview of mitigation suppression to prevent wildfires [30:27] Wildfire trends from out on the frontlines and within the workforce [32:49] James' work at Kodama [38:01] Implications of recent flooding on the fire season for this year and years to come James’ Earth Refuge interviewGet connected:Yin’s 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 January 13, 2022. 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