CC Pod

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Sway is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry Gershenson, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!Plastics are a climate issue — and Sway is tackling it head-on. On this week’s CC Pod, host Dimitry Gershenson sits down with Julia Marsh, Co-founder & CEO of Sway, a California-based materials startup scaling seaweed-based, home-compostable packaging. Their patented tech mimics the performance of plastic, plugs into existing infrastructure, and decomposes into healthy soil. Alongside Co-founder & COO Matthew Mayes, the team has developed patented tech that matches the performance of plastic, integrates into existing infrastructure, and decomposes into healthy soil.Julia shares her journey as an "ocean kid" from the Monterey Bay area, where her love for the ocean and design converged to inspire her work at Sway. The company’s patented products aim to replicate the performance attributes of conventional plastics while being environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional plastics, Sway’s materials are derived from abundant, regenerative seaweed, which decomposes into healthy soil after use, making them a sustainable alternative.The episode delves into the significant challenges posed by plastic pollution, especially flexible plastics, which account for a vast majority of plastic waste. Julia highlights that over 5 trillion bags, wrappers, and pouches are produced annually, with less than 3% being recycled. This staggering statistic underscores the urgency of Sway's mission.Sway's innovative approach utilizes various types of responsibly farmed seaweed, allowing the company to avoid over-reliance on a single species. The seaweed is processed into pellets that can be used in existing plastic manufacturing systems, enabling a seamless transition to more sustainable materials. Julia explains the complex process of blown film extrusion, where these pellets are transformed into films for products like grocery bags and packaging materials.Throughout the conversation, Julia emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. She recounts the arduous journey of developing a viable product, which involved numerous trials and iterations. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community support, she notes that the climate tech sector fosters a unique spirit of camaraderie among entrepreneurs.Listeners are encouraged to support Sway by following their journey on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. This episode not only sheds light on Sway's groundbreaking work but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential for innovation in the fight against climate change.To learn more about Sway, visit https://swaythefuture.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In this special episode of the CC Pod, we're diving into the why and how of climate angel investing—and why NOW is the time to get involved. Sherrie Totoki is joined by Nishant Mani and Vijay Rajendran, two seasoned investors and instructors for Climate Angels, our six-week program designed to equip the next wave of climate tech investors.For more information on Climate Angels, read our latest CC Insights! Show Notes:Nishant, a partner at Climate Capital, shared insights into the program's mission to engage more angel investors who are passionate about addressing climate challenges. He highlighted that while the climate crisis continues to escalate, the number of entrepreneurs developing solutions is also increasing. However, access to capital remains a significant hurdle for many founders. The Climate Angels program aims to bridge this gap by fostering a community of informed investors who can provide the necessary support.Vijay emphasized the importance of demystifying angel investing, noting that many potential investors feel intimidated by the complexities of the field. He pointed out that one doesn't need to be an expert in every aspect of investing; rather, building a supportive network is crucial. This community allows investors to share knowledge and collaborate in supporting founders dedicated to creating sustainable solutions.The episode also touched on the evolving landscape of climate investing, with both guests predicting a shift toward sectors focused on adaptation and resilience. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, there will be an increasing demand for businesses that enhance supply chain robustness and address climate-related challenges.The Climate Angels program stands out as a unique initiative that combines practical experience with expert insights. Over six weeks, participants learn about the fundamentals of angel investing while gaining knowledge about specific climate topics. The program features guest speakers from the industry, providing valuable networking opportunities and equipping participants to make informed investments in the climate tech space.Listeners interested in making a meaningful impact through their investments are encouraged to join the Climate Angels program. With a special discount available for podcast listeners, this initiative offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future.To learn more about Climate Angels, visit https://www.climateangels.vc/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Cambium is a portfolio company at Climate Capital Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!On today’s episode, Ben Christensen, founder of Cambium, joins CC Pod with host Kirthika to discuss Carbon Smart™ wood—transforming waste into sustainable materials at scale.Wood is ubiquitous in our lives, from the floors we walk on to the furniture we use. However, the traditional wood supply chain is fraught with inefficiencies and environmental concerns. Currently, the U.S. consumes about 60 billion board feet of lumber annually, and a staggering 58% of this could potentially be replaced with reclaimed wood. Yet, less than 1% of wood used today is recycled. This presents a massive opportunity for Cambium to step in and make a significant impact.Ben explains that the wood industry often relies on virgin timber, which can lead to deforestation and other unsustainable practices. Cambium aims to substitute this with salvaged wood—material that is currently wasted but can be repurposed. The company focuses on three main sources of reclaimed wood: unmanaged urban forests, deconstructed buildings, and biomass from forest management practices aimed at reducing fire hazards.Cambium's mission is to simplify the use of waste materials at scale. To achieve this, the company is building a robust supply chain platform that connects large buyers—such as architects, builders, and furniture manufacturers—with reclaimed wood sources. Some key technological components of Cambium's approach:* Supply Chain Management: Cambium is developing technology to streamline the logistics of sourcing, moving, and processing reclaimed wood. This includes tools for lumber and sawmill industries to manage their inventory and capture waste wood effectively.* Data Analytics: By creating a data layer that tracks material movement through the supply chain, Cambium can provide live carbon reporting. This transparency allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about sourcing and sustainability.* Local Processing: One of the critical innovations is the focus on local processing of reclaimed wood. By reducing the distance wood travels—often from thousands of miles to just 20 miles—Cambium minimizes carbon emissions associated with transportation.* Circular Economy: Cambium emphasizes full circularity in its operations. The company not only aims to reuse wood but also reinvests in new tree planting initiatives, ensuring that the cycle of sustainability continues.Cambium has achieved several significant milestones since its inception, including a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $18,000 by selling cutting boards made from reclaimed wood. The company has also received grants to explore the potential of urban wood waste and has begun processing millions of board feet of material from waste streams.Looking ahead, Cambium plans to scale its operations nationally, focusing on expanding its supply chains and enhancing its technology platform. Ben emphasizes the importance of internal processes and effective communication as the company grows, ensuring that they can maintain high standards of sustainability and efficiency.To learn more about Cambium, visit https://cambiumcarbon.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Metalmark Innovations is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!Guest host Dimitry Gershenson sits down with Sissi Liu, CEO and Co-founder of Metalmark Innovations, to explore the intersection of air quality, health, and climate change. Learn how Metalmark drives innovation to combat wildfire smoke and reduce building emissions. Sissi's background is shaped by her experiences growing up in China and later moving to Texas. Her early memories of air pollution in China left a lasting impression, fueling her desire to make a difference in the realm of environmental health. Over the past two decades, she has built a career that spans sustainability, entrepreneurship, and venture investing, ultimately leading her to co-found Metalmark in 2018.Initially focused on outdoor air quality, Sissi and her team quickly recognized the critical link between outdoor pollution and indoor air health. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of air quality, shifting public perception and increasing awareness of airborne pathogens. This pivotal moment allowed Metalmark to pivot its focus toward developing technologies that enhance indoor air quality.Metalmark Innovations has developed two key products that address the urgent need for improved air quality in commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals:* Sierra Smoke Safe Filter: This cutting-edge filter features a specialized coating designed to effectively capture wildfire smoke particles, which are significantly smaller than those typically filtered by conventional HVAC systems. Traditional filters often fail to remove these hazardous particles, leaving indoor environments vulnerable. The Sierra Smoke Safe Filter not only enhances air quality but does so without increasing the pressure on the HVAC system, making it a practical solution for building owners.* Tatama Air Cleaners: These self-renewing air cleaning systems provide comprehensive air purification tailored for commercial spaces. Designed for easy retrofitting, the Tatama Air Cleaners are ideal for schools and hospitals, where air quality is paramount. They offer hassle-free operation and come equipped with data tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor their effectiveness in real time.Sissi candidly discusses the challenges faced by hardware startups, particularly in scaling innovative materials. The journey is often fraught with obstacles, including the realization that initial technologies may not perform as expected. Metalmark encountered significant hurdles during its development, but through collaboration and decisive leadership, the team was able to pivot and focus on solutions that truly meet market needs.For those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys, Sissi offers valuable insights. She stresses the importance of listening to diverse perspectives while maintaining the confidence to make tough decisions. Building consensus can be difficult, but ultimately, the responsibility for the company’s direction rests with the CEO. By grounding decisions in data and evidence, leaders can effectively communicate their vision and rally their teams around it.As air quality continues to be a pressing global issue, innovations like the Sierra Smoke Safe Filter and Tatama Air Cleaners represent significant advancements toward creating healthier indoor environments. For more insights into Metalmark Innovations, visit https://www.metalmark.xyz/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here.Disclaimer: For full disclosure, SparkMeter is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Joris, works as a Partner.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In the latest CC Pod, Joris van Mens talks with Dan Schnitzer, CEO of SparkMeter, about how low-cost metering solutions are transforming energy access across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. SparkMeter is helping underserved communities unlock growth through reliable electricity.For more insights into SparkMeter, visit https://www.sparkmeter.io/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Impossible Metals is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!In the latest CC Pod, host Kirthika chats with Oliver Gunasekara, CEO and Co-founder of Impossible Metals. Learn how they're transforming seabed mining through robotics, enabling the sustainable extraction of battery metals while protecting marine ecosystems.Oliver founded Impossible Metals after recognizing the urgent need for sustainable mining practices. With over $12 million in seed funding secured, the company is on a mission to revolutionize the way we extract essential minerals from the ocean floor, particularly those needed for clean energy technologies like batteries.Deep sea mining has become a focal point of environmental discussions, especially following a recent segment by John Oliver that highlighted the potential dangers associated with this practice. However, Oliver emphasizes that mining is fundamental to civilization and that the minerals extracted from the ocean are crucial for the transition to renewable energy. As land-based resources become increasingly scarce and environmentally damaging, the ocean presents a viable alternative.What sets Impossible Metals apart is its commitment to using cutting-edge technology to minimize environmental impact. The company has developed autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. These vehicles, named Eureka One and Eureka Two, are designed to operate at depths exceeding one mile while preserving the delicate marine ecosystem.Oliver explains that the technology enables the extraction of minerals without the destructive practices commonly associated with traditional mining. Instead of dredging the seabed, which can devastate habitats, Impossible Metals’ autonomous vehicles can selectively gather resources, ensuring that the surrounding environment remains intact. This approach not only mitigates ecological damage but also positions the company as a leader in sustainable mining practices.The journey of Impossible Metals has been marked by significant milestones. After successfully developing their robotic systems, the company is now focused on scaling its operations and refining its technology. Oliver shares that they are currently fundraising to build a full-sized version of their autonomous vehicle, which will enhance their capabilities and allow for larger-scale operations.In addition to technological advancements, Oliver highlights the importance of partnerships in their go-to-market strategy. By collaborating with other companies in the industry, Impossible Metals aims to accelerate the adoption of its innovative solutions and contribute to a more sustainable future.Oliver discusses the challenges of public perception in the climate tech space. He acknowledges that as a small company, it can be difficult to influence public opinion, especially on complex topics like deep sea mining. However, he believes that educating the public about the intricacies of the issue is crucial for fostering understanding and support for sustainable practices. As the world grapples with the urgent need for clean energy solutions, companies like Impossible Metals are at the forefront of creating a balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship.For more insights into Impossible Metals, visit https://impossiblemetals.com.Frequently Asked Questionshttps://www.youtube.com/@impossiblemetals Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. If you’d like to manage your Climate Capital Substack subscription, click here. Disclaimer: For full disclosure, EcoSafi is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where our host, Katie Durham works as a Principal of Climate Capital Syndicate. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!Excited to have Tom Price, CEO and Founder of EcoSafi, on the CC Pod with our host Katie Durham! EcoSafi is transforming cooking in the developing world by providing clean, affordable biomass stoves that protect health and the environment.EcoSafi is tackling the environmental and health issues associated with traditional cooking methods that rely on charcoal and other polluting fuels. Price explains that many families, even those living in urban settings with modern amenities, still resort to lighting charcoal fires multiple times a day for cooking. Recognizing the need for a better alternative, EcoSafi has developed a cutting-edge biomass stove equipped with a computer brain and fans to control the flame, providing a cleaner and more efficient cooking solution.The company's business model is reminiscent of the "printers and ink" approach, where EcoSafi provides families with the advanced stove at no upfront cost and generates revenue through the sale of clean cooking fuel. This model not only makes clean cooking accessible but also creates carbon credits that help fund the business, aligning economic viability with environmental sustainability.Price emphasizes the importance of actively listening to team members and fostering a positive workplace culture, which he believes is crucial for driving innovation and impact in the climate tech sector. With recent traction and a vertically integrated approach that has reduced costs, EcoSafi is poised to make significant strides in the clean cooking market.For more insights into EcoSafi, visit https://ecosafi.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe