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, Zeno is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Noah Margo-Dermer, General Manager of Climate Capital’s Climate Angels program.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. But first: Network Fund & Climate Angels→Invest in the Network Fund. Large fund access with micro-fund minimums.→Join Climate Angels. Sessions w/ top investors, discounted carry, community & more.Don’t miss an episode from Climate Capital!For millions of commercial motorbike drivers across emerging markets, fuel is one of their biggest operating costs. In some African markets, drivers can spend $2,000-$3,000 a year just to keep their motorcycles running. That creates a compelling case for electrification: when an electric vehicle can cut operating costs by roughly 50% while increasing driver income by 25-35%, the transition is no longer just about emissions. It is about economics.In this week’s episode of CC Pod, Noah Margo-Dermer speaks with Michael Spencer, Founder and CEO of Zeno, about building electric mobility around that opportunity. Zeno is developing purpose-built electric motorcycles, battery-swapping infrastructure, and distributed energy systems across East Africa, with a focus on making EVs cheaper and more practical for commercial drivers.The company has taken a decidedly full-stack approach. Instead of adapting petrol motorcycles or relying on off-the-shelf components, Zeno built its own powertrain, firmware, vehicle control units, operating system, and charging profiles. Its team includes talent from Tesla, Apple, Lucid, Gogoro, and Sun Mobility, and its vehicles underwent more than half a million kilometers of testing before commercial launch. The goal was simple: build an electric motorcycle that could compete with a 150cc petrol bike without asking customers to compromise.The same principle drives Zeno’s approach to charging. Drivers can swap a roughly 30-pound, 2 kWh battery at compact stations, fast-charge to around 90-95% in about 45 minutes, or charge overnight at home. Because customers pay for the motorcycle but access batteries through a pay-as-you-go energy model, Zeno can separate the cost of the vehicle from the cost of energy. The result is a motorcycle priced roughly 6-7% below a comparable petrol bike and an estimated 50-55% lower total cost of ownership.But the more interesting opportunity may sit beyond the motorcycle itself. Zeno’s growing network of more than 200 locations across Kenya and Uganda combines solar generation, battery storage, IoT connectivity, and software to manage energy and demand. What begins as a battery-swapping network can become distributed energy infrastructure, creating potential revenue streams across virtual power plants, edge computing, and carbon credits. Spencer sees the network evolving into something closer to a new kind of utility.That broader vision points to a powerful climate-tech thesis: in emerging markets, electrification can scale when it delivers better economics first and climate benefits second. Zeno reports strong repayment performance among financed customers, while drivers are using their savings to travel farther and spend more on essentials such as food, education, healthcare, and housing. If electric mobility can simultaneously lower costs, increase incomes, and build distributed energy infrastructure, the transition could be driven less by subsidies and more by the basic economics of a better product.To learn more about Zeno, visit https://zeno.earth. 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, Dispatch Goods 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!For this week's CC Pod episode, Kirthika Padmanabhan chats with Lindsey Hoell, Founder and CEO of Dispatch Goods, about how they’re cutting costs and boosting brands with sustainable, returnable packaging.Lindsey's path to entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. With a background as a perfusionist—where she operated heart-lung machines during open-heart surgeries—Lindsey transitioned to the world of sustainability after witnessing firsthand the environmental challenges in Hawaii. Her involvement with the Surfrider Foundation and the launch of the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program ignited her passion for sustainability, leading her to identify a critical gap in the market: the need for effective circular packaging systems.Recognizing the limitations of traditional waste management practices, Lindsey envisioned a new infrastructure that businesses could leverage to shift from linear, wasteful practices to sustainable, circular solutions. This vision culminated in the founding of Dispatch Goods.Dispatch Goods operates in a sector where single-use packaging is rampant. In the U.S. alone, approximately one trillion single-use food service packaging units are consumed each year, with the vast majority ending up in landfills or incinerated. Lindsey highlighted the staggering statistic of 15 million gel packs being manufactured daily for meal and grocery deliveries, most of which contribute to environmental pollution.The mission of Dispatch Goods is clear: to create the circular supply chains of the future by focusing on reuse. The company has developed a three-pronged approach that includes:* Durable Packaging: Dispatch Goods engineers packaging that is both cost-effective and durable, ensuring it can withstand multiple uses.* Cleaning Facilities: The company has established cleaning facilities where used packaging is sanitized and prepared for reuse, ensuring safety and quality.* Circular Logistics: By partnering with a network of delivery services, Dispatch Goods manages the logistics of collecting used packaging and distributing clean, reusable items back to businesses.Since its inception, Dispatch Goods has made significant strides in reducing waste. The company has successfully diverted over 8 million items from landfills, with a recent milestone of achieving its first million-item quarter. This impressive growth underscores the potential for circular solutions to not only benefit the environment but also provide cost savings for businesses.Looking ahead, Dispatch Goods aims to expand its infrastructure and technology. Lindsey shared insights into the development of a custom software platform that enhances warehouse management, labor planning, and inventory tracking. The company is also exploring advancements in automation and computer vision to streamline operations further.Dispatch Goods is at the forefront of transforming how businesses approach packaging and waste management. Tune in to the full episode for more insights from Lindsey and learn how you can get involved.To learn more about Dispatch Goods, visit https://dispatchgoods.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, Scalvy is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Nick van Osdol works as a Venture 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 this episode, Nick van Osdol sits down with Mohamed Badawy, CEO of Scalvy. Scalvy is redefining how electrical energy moves. Initially focused on electric mobility powertrains, surging demand for Scalvy’s modular integrated technology has driven expansion into stationary energy storage and data centers. With 6+ patents and Fortune 500 partnerships, Scalvy is driving electrification at scale.Mohamed’s journey from a tenured professor at San Jose State University to the CEO of a venture-backed startup is both inspiring and insightful. He founded Scalvy with a clear vision: to commercialize innovative technology that addresses real-world problems.At the heart of Scalvy's innovation is its software-defined energy management module, which integrates seamlessly with energy storage systems. Unlike traditional battery management systems, Scalvy’s modules offer a range of functionalities, including the ability to invert DC power to AC, regulate DC output, and charge batteries—all without the need for additional electronic systems in vehicles. This modular approach not only simplifies design but also significantly reduces costs and enhances performance.The technology is particularly relevant for electric vehicles (EVs), but its applications extend beyond that realm. Scalvy is also focusing on stationary energy storage solutions that provide grid services and data center applications. As Mohamed noted, the initial skepticism about the applicability of their technology in sectors beyond EVs has transformed into a strong market pull, validating Scalvy's versatile approach.One of the standout features of Scalvy's technology is its modularity. Traditional powertrains are often bulky and require customization for different vehicle models, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. In contrast, Scalvy’s system allows manufacturers to use the same hardware across various applications while configuring it to meet specific needs. This flexibility not only streamlines production but also accelerates the electrification process for diverse vehicle types, including off-road machinery and material handling equipment.Since launching commercial engagements just a few months ago, Scalvy has already secured multiple agreements with OEMs in the electric truck and off-road vehicle sectors. The company is witnessing a growing interest in its technology, particularly in industries that require efficient electrification solutions. As Scalvy continues to build its customer base, the focus will shift towards scaling production and obtaining necessary certifications.Stay tuned for more insights from the Climate Capital Podcast as we continue to explore the innovators tackling the most pressing decarbonization challenges of our time.To learn more about Scalvy, visit http://www.scalvy.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, Bedrock Energy 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!On this week’s CC Pod, host Dimitry Gershenson chats with Joselyn Lai, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Energy. Bedrock is revolutionizing heating and cooling with autonomous drilling tech and advanced subsurface simulations, making geothermal energy accessible and cost-effective for buildings everywhere.Buildings are a major contributor to carbon emissions and a significant strain on the power grid. As cities grow and the demand for energy increases, the need for efficient, sustainable heating and cooling solutions becomes more pressing. Joselyn highlights the dual challenge of electrifying buildings to reduce scope one emissions while simultaneously managing the stress this places on the electrical grid. This is where geothermal energy comes into play.Geothermal heating and cooling systems represent a potential "holy grail" in HVAC technology. Unlike traditional systems, geothermal solutions leverage the earth's natural thermal energy, providing an all-electric, energy-efficient alternative. However, the scalability of geothermal systems has historically been hampered by high costs, extensive space requirements, and lengthy construction timelines. Bedrock Energy aims to address these challenges by innovating the construction of geothermal heat exchangers, making them more accessible and cost-effective.Bedrock Energy is focused on automating the drilling process for geothermal systems, which can significantly reduce the time and expense associated with installation. By developing advanced subsurface analytics tools and automated drilling machines, Bedrock is not only making geothermal systems easier to deploy but also enhancing their reliability and efficiency. This technological innovation is crucial for unlocking geothermal HVAC as a scalable, investment-grade clean energy asset class, particularly in urban environments.The implications of Bedrock's work extend beyond just cost savings. By making geothermal systems more widely adoptable, Bedrock is contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. This transition not only benefits the environment but also creates high-quality domestic jobs in the energy sector, supporting a just transition to a sustainable economy.Joselyn shares insights into her journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of resilience and teamwork in the face of challenges. Building a startup in the hard tech space requires a diverse skill set and the ability to navigate resource constraints. Joselyn highlights the value of hiring individuals who are not only technically skilled but also share a commitment to the mission of decarbonization.As Bedrock Energy continues to grow, they are actively seeking talent to join their mission. If you're interested in contributing to the future of sustainable energy, consider applying for roles in software engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering at Bedrock.To learn more about Bedrock Energy, visit https://www.bedrockenergy.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, Birch Biosciences 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!Catch our newest CC Pod episode where host Kirthika chats with Birch Biosciences co-founders Johan Kers and Emily Duncan. Hear how Birch Biosciences is driving solutions for plastic waste with advanced enzyme technology. Plastic pollution is pervasive, harming ecosystems and human health alike. The traditional recycling process is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the poor economics of recycling plastics. Many plastics can only be recycled a few times before degrading in quality, leading to a linear system where materials are used once and discarded. This inefficiency not only contributes to the growing plastic waste crisis but also perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production, which is responsible for a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions.Birch Biosciences is tackling these issues head-on with a mission to close the loop in plastic recycling. Their technology centers around the use of enzymes—biological catalysts that can break down plastic into its fundamental chemical building blocks. This process allows for the creation of 100% recycled plastic products that match the quality of virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels.Johan and Emily describe their enzymes as "molecular scissors" that effectively sever the chemical bonds within plastic polymers. By doing so, they can recover the essential building blocks needed to re-polymerize these materials into new, high-quality plastic products. This infinite closed-loop process not only enhances recycling rates but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with plastic production.Since its inception in 2021, Birch Biosciences has achieved several key milestones, including securing funding through SBIR grants and acceptance into Y Combinator. They have garnered significant interest from major plastic manufacturers, receiving letters of intent summing $80 million, indicating a strong market demand for their innovative solutions.Looking ahead, Birch is focused on scaling their technology through the establishment of a pilot plant that will allow them to demonstrate their process on a commercial scale. Their current emphasis is on recycling PET plastics, commonly found in beverage bottles and food containers. However, they are also exploring the potential of breaking down other types of plastics, such as polyurethanes, which are prevalent in durable goods and textiles.As the episode concluded, both Johan and Emily emphasized the importance of hope and collaboration in the fight against plastic pollution. They encourage listeners to remain engaged in sustainability efforts, whether by recycling, supporting innovative companies like Birch Biosciences, or simply staying informed about the challenges and solutions in the space.In a world where plastic waste continues to grow, Birch Biosciences stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. Their commitment to creating a sustainable future through enzyme technology not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste but also inspires a collective movement towards a circular economy. As we look to the future, the advancements made by Birch and similar companies could very well redefine our relationship with plastic and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.For more insights into Birch Biosciences, visit https://www.birchbiosciences.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, Loa Carbon 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!This week on the CC Pod, host Katie chats with Ryan Shearman, the CEO and co-founder of Loa Carbon. Beyond Aether Diamonds, Loa Carbon is focused on transforming industries by decarbonizing energy and chemical sectors with innovative solutions. Tune in to hear how Loa Carbon revolutionizes climate tech, from diamonds to methane!Ryan shares his journey into the climate tech space, which began after he read the book "Drawdown" in 2018. This book introduced him to the concept of direct air capture (DAC) and sparked his interest in finding economically viable ways to utilize captured CO2. While many companies at the time were focused on mineralizing CO2 or selling carbon credits, Ryan envisioned a different approach: using captured CO2 to create valuable products.Initially, Loa Carbon concentrated on producing synthetic diamonds from atmospheric carbon, leveraging the chemistry of the Sabatier reaction, which converts CO2 into methane. This unique angle not only provided a compelling story that captured public interest but also served as a launchpad for the company. The initial focus on diamonds allowed Loa Carbon to gain traction and visibility, culminating in significant media coverage, including recognition as one of Time magazine's top inventions of the year in 2022.However, Ryan emphasizes that while diamonds are a high-value product, they alone cannot significantly impact atmospheric carbon levels. Therefore, Loa Carbon has expanded its vision to address broader industrial applications. The company aims to decarbonize the energy and chemical sectors by creating high-purity methane gas that can serve as a drop-in replacement for fossil fuels. This approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in industries that have historically relied on hydrocarbons.Loa Carbon's technology allows for the efficient conversion of CO2 into methane, with a focus on maintaining high purity levels. This efficiency not only reduces costs but also positions the company to explore various applications, including the production of graphene—a material with vast potential in multiple industries. Ryan believes that by synthesizing carbon-based products that permanently sequester carbon, such as diamonds and graphene, Loa Carbon can contribute to a circular economy and help mitigate climate change.Throughout the conversation, Ryan highlights the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and creating products that seamlessly integrate into current systems. By doing so, Loa Carbon aims to provide solutions that are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable, making it easier for industries to adopt sustainable practices.For more insights into Loa Carbon, visit https://loacarbon.com/. Get full access to Climate Capital at climatecap.substack.com/subscribe