Leaders on a Mission: Recent Episodes
Simon Leich
Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech, Synbio, Sustainability, Climate Tech, and Clean Tech. Learn more about precision fermentation, cellular agriculture, alternative proteins, crop protection, biologicals, protein expression systems, carbon capture, plant health, precision agriculture, bioinformatics, human nutrition and what it takes to successfully scale your business in this budding sector.
What does it really take to turn breakthrough science into a business that changes industries? In this episode, Giacomo Bastianelli, CEO of Rainbow Crops, shares his journey commercialising frontier science—from biotech and software startups to building climate-resilient crops using AI, genome editing, and precision breeding. He explains why people matter more than technology, how AI is transforming crop genetics through better data, and why patient capital is essential for deep-tech innovation. Giacomo also discusses Europe's evolving regulatory landscape, building high-performing teams, and the mindset required to navigate long development cycles while creating lasting impact.
🎧 Tune in to discover how breakthrough science becomes scalable innovation—and why the future belongs to those willing to think long term.
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & introduction
01:59 – The 3 Ps of startups
09:53 – Engineering plants differently
11:25 – Building Rainbow Crops
17:04 – AI meets crop genetics
20:20 – Europe's regulatory shift
23:35 – Commercialising deep tech
26:57 – Why patient capital matters
35:40 – Lessons from failure
Useful links: 👇Rainbow Crops Website: https://www.rainbowcrops.com
Rainbow Crops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainbow-crops/
Giacomo Bastianelli Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomobastianelli/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
AI isn't facing a compute problem—it's facing an infrastructure problem. Every breakthrough in artificial intelligence, electrification and clean energy depends on critical minerals, yet the real challenge is extracting them sustainably and economically.
In this episode, Mohammad Doostmohammadi, Founder & CEO of PH7 Technologies, shares how his company is transforming the recovery of critical minerals through a closed-loop process that dramatically reduces water use, eliminates wastewater and unlocks value from low-grade ores and mine waste. He also discusses the realities of commercialising deep-tech, navigating the mining industry's appetite for innovation, and why building the right team—not just the right technology—is what ultimately determines success.
🎧 Tune in for a fresh look at scaling deep-tech ventures where speed matters—but shortcuts don’t.
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps00:00 – AI's infrastructure challenge
02:15 – The founding insight
06:30 – Unlocking mine waste
11:15 – Sustainable meets commercial
12:50 – Why copper matters
18:05 – Rethinking mineral processing
22:45 – Scaling deep-tech
30:40 – It's all about team
33:30 – Building a global vision
Useful links: 👇ph7 Technologies website: https://ph7technologies.com/
ph7 Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ph7technologies/
Mohammad Doostmohammadi Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-doostmohammadi/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
How do you raise millions in one of the world’s toughest deep-tech sectors when you’re still learning the industry yourself?
In this episode, Susan Stone, CEO of Blue Current, shares how curiosity, relentless learning, and disciplined execution helped her lead a major fundraise within her first year in solid-state batteries. Susan explores the realities of scaling breakthrough energy technologies, navigating the “valley of torture” between innovation and commercialization, and building a culture where respectful challenge drives better decisions. From manufacturing strategy and investor alignment to AI-driven energy demand and the future of battery innovation, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading through complexity and uncertainty.
Tune in for a fresh look at scaling deep-tech ventures where speed matters—but shortcuts don’t.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps00:00 – Entering Battery Tech
04:38 – Choosing The Winner
09:02 – Capital-Light Thinking
12:58 – Solid-State Reality Check
17:02 – Go Fast. No Shortcuts.
21:22 – Batteries & National Security
24:43 – AI's Energy Demand
28:21 – Hiring For Challenge
34:39 – Breaking Down Silos
Useful links:
Blue Current website: https://blue-current.com/
Blue Current LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-current-inc/
Susan Stone Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-stone-49bb5a/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What happens when the infrastructure feeding half the world's population becomes vulnerable to geopolitics, supply chain disruption, and outdated production models?
In this episode Nico Pinkowski, CEO and co-founder of Nitricity, shares how his team is reimagining fertiliser production through distributed, renewable-powered systems built closer to farmers. Nico reflects on failed technologies, difficult pivots, and the breakthrough moments that emerged when the company was at its lowest. From strengthening food security to scaling a 70-person climate tech business, he reveals why great leaders don't avoid hard problems—they stare the bull in the eyes and find opportunity where others see obstacles.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
01:00 Food Security Risks
03:57 Nitricity's Mission
06:29 The Fertiliser Challenge
08:04 When Pivots Hurt
11:10 Bombing The Pitch
13:00 Opportunities In The Gutter
14:39 Reinventing Fertiliser
20:04 Scaling The Company
30:45 Stare The Bull
Useful links:
Nitricity website: https://www.nitricity.co/
Nitrcity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nitricity/
Nico Pinkowski Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspinkowski/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What happens when you realise incremental change is no longer enough? For Randi Wahlsten, that moment led her from a successful corporate career to founding Matr Foods, a company reimagining how sustainable food is created and consumed.
In this episode, Randi shares the realities of building a new food category from scratch, transforming simple ingredients through fermentation, and scaling a business around a vision before the market existed.
From raising capital and building a first-of-its-kind factory to leading through uncertainty and challenging industry norms, this conversation explores what it takes to turn purpose into progress.
Tune in for an honest conversation about conviction, innovation, and building something the world doesn't yet know it needs.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Building a New Category
01:20 Leaving Corporate
02:50 Fermentation's Opportunity
05:00 Beyond Meat Alternatives
06:20 How Matr Works
08:45 Scaling Across Europe
11:45 Fundraising Lessons
16:30 Startup Reality
22:50 What Investors Want
25:10 Hiring for Growth
27:40 Female Founder Bias
34:20 Future of Food
Useful links:
Matr Foods website: https://matrfoods.com/
Matr Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matrfoods/
Randi Wahlsten Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-wahlsten-285115/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Europe imports millions of tons of soybeans every year. But what if the future of farming could change that completely?
In this episode, Simon Leich sits down with Benjamin Laga, founder and CEO of Protealis, to explore how AI, genetics, and next-generation breeding could help Europe grow more of its own protein and reduce its dependence on imported soy.
Benjamin shares his journey from biotech startups to global corporations like BASF, and explains why he left the corporate world to build a company focused on sustainable agriculture and food security.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
- Why Europe depends so heavily on imported soybeans
- How protein crops could reshape the future of farming
- How AI is accelerating crop breeding and genetic selection
- Why sustainable farming starts with better crop systems
- The challenge of turning scientific innovation into real-world impact
This episode is a fascinating look at the future of agriculture, food independence, and the technology changing how crops are developed.
Watch now and discover how one startup is trying to transform Europe’s food system.
Tune in on…
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Meet Benjamin Laga
01:32 From Startup Life to Big Corporations
05:18 How Benjamin Started Protealis
07:52 Building a Company with Purpose
09:25 Starting a Business During Covid
10:23 Why Europe Imports So Much Protein
12:09 Soybeans & Europe’s Nitrogen Problem
14:51 Using AI to Improve Crop Breeding
18:16 How AI Predicts Better Crops
22:44 Why Soybeans Struggle in Europe
25:54 Developing High Protein Crops
27:10 Growing Soybeans Across Europe
28:19 Turning Research Into a Real Business
30:00 Building the Right Company Culture
32:12 Hiring People for Startup Life
34:09 Belgium’s Growing AgTech Scene
35:34 The Future Vision for Pr
Useful links:
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if agriculture could become the world’s most powerful engine for climate and health—without sacrificing yield? In this episode, Dr. Robert Berendes, scientist, entrepreneur and longtime ag innovator, unpacks how deep tech, genome editing and AI are transforming a “low-tech” industry into a high-impact platform for planetary regeneration. He explores the shift from calories to nutrition, soil health and carbon sequestration, why new genetics will rewrite competitive dynamics in ag, and what it really takes to scale ventures from flagship labs to farmers’ fields. Along the way, Robert shares hard-won lessons on talent, regulation, capital cycles and why agriculture in 2030 will look nothing like today.
Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that leave every acre better.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Rethinking innovation in ag
1:08 – Ignoring the noisy consensus
3:43 – From consulting to Syngenta
5:38 – Why ag is misunderstood
10:09 – Reading and writing genomes
12:56 – Power shift to farmers
17:24 – Inside the Flagship model
22:59 – Talent that drives disruption
28:42 – Funding cycles and exits
34:10 – Agriculture in 2030
Useful links:
Flagship Pioneering website: https://www.flagshippioneering.com/
Flagship Pioneering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering/
Robert Berendes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-berendes-39b62a67/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if we could remove CO₂ from the atmosphere today—and keep it gone for 1,000 years? In this episode, I’m joined by Barclay Rogers, founder and CEO of Graphyte, who is pioneering a breakthrough method called Carbon Casting that uses biomass by-products and low-energy engineering to lock away carbon at a fraction of the typical cost. We explore why many emissions cannot be abated, how durable removals differ from nature-based fixes, and what it takes to make carbon removal bankable and scalable. Remarkably, Graphyte went from founding to full-scale operation in just 18 months—proving that durable carbon removal can be delivered today, not decades from now.
Listen in to discover how Graphyte is rewriting the carbon removal playbook—faster, cheaper, and at scale.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Opening: The 1,000-year carbon removal challenge
2:10 – Barclay’s journey: From engineer & lawyer to founder
5:50 – What “carbon removal” really means vs. abatement
9:30 – Nature-based solutions vs engineered removals
13:20 – Introducing Carbon Casting: how it works
17:45 – Why biomass waste + dry storage = low-cost removal
22:50 – Scaling: from pilot to modular global model
27:10 – Market mechanics: credits, buyers, quality ratings
31:40 – Financing and bankability: project finance in CDR
35:15 – International expansion & global biomass potential
39:00 – Practical advice for climate-tech founders
43:00 – Closing thoughts & next steps
Useful links:
Graphyte Website: https://www.graphyte.com/
Graphyte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphytecarbon/
Barclay Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barclayrogers/
Leaders on a Mission Website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if the key to transforming our food system isn’t growing more, but wasting less? In this episode, Apeel CEO Luiz Beling reveals how plant-based coatings are extending the shelf life at the source, cutting food waste, and creating value across the supply chain. Luiz opens up about resetting Apeel’s strategy for scalability, leading through misinformation, and fostering a culture that prizes progress over perfection. From pivoting toward growers and packers to mastering decision speed and rebuilding stakeholder trust, this is a masterclass in leading with clarity through complexity.
🎧 Hear how leaders reset, refocus, and rebuild stronger than before.
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 — Decision speed - perfection
02:29 — Four priorities on entry
05:12 — How Apeel works
06:57 — Extra days, extra value
13:47 — Startup vs big company
17:48 — Hiring for agility
22:07 — Value across supply chain
29:28 — Farmer adoption reality
35:24 — Fighting misinformation
Useful links:
Apeel website: https://apeel.com
Apeel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apeel/
Luiz Beling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizbeling/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Computation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude.
In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe’s regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype.
Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 – Clean chemistry = mission
02:41 – From pharma to enzymes
05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years
07:03 – AI + physics workflow
10:55 – Why cost always wins
11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind
14:52 – End-to-end solution model
19:31 – First hits in 3 months
23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision
28:42 – Bio-melanin case study
35:24 – Fundraising and future
Useful links:
ZYMVOL website: https://zymvol.com/
ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/
Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Can alternative protein earn back meat-eaters’ trust? At Prime Roots, CEO Kimberlie Le believes the answer lies in reinventing the deli—one of the most consumed, and most distrusted, meat categories. Using koji mycelium and chef-led formulation, Prime Roots has developed clean-label deli meats that meat-eaters often prefer in blind taste tests.
In this episode, we break down how their ingredient simplicity, category focus, and manufacturing efficiency unlock a more scalable, credible path for the future of food.
Tune in to learn how Prime Roots is rebuilding belief in alternative protein—one deli cut at a time..
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 – The trust gap in alt-protein
01:12 – Kimberlie’s flexitarian roots
05:36 – Why the deli—not burgers
08:12 – Koji fermentation and clean labels
10:16 – Rebuilding trust through taste
14:01 – Blind taste test wins
18:39 – Product lineup: ham to salami
23:26 – Distribution and go-to-market
28:18 – Scaling with margin discipline
Useful links:
Prime Roots website: https://www.primeroots.com/
Prime Root’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primeroots/
Kimberlie Li LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberliele/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Direct air capture has long been too costly and energy-intensive to scale. But economist Ethan Cohen‑Cole is changing the equation. As CEO of Capture6, he’s embedding carbon removal into water infrastructure—cutting brine disposal costs, generating fresh water, and mineralizing CO₂ in one modular system.
In this episode, Ethan shares how Capture6 is turning industrial waste into a climate asset by avoiding energy-intensive heat steps and integrating directly into existing desalination and wastewater systems. Learn how this approach flips the economic model of carbon removal—unlocking cost-effective, globally scalable projects that don’t rely on subsidies or voluntary carbon markets.
Tune in to hear how better economics make carbon capture viable.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:56 – Why removals must scale
01:28 – From economist to climate founder
05:09 – What makes DAC expensive
10:18 – Capture6’s unique solution
13:01 – Brine as feedstock
16:59 – Rethinking carbon economics
20:46 – Storage, value, and durability
27:23 – Scaling through replication
31:25 – Project execution + capex
35:16 – Vision for global impact
Useful links:
Capture6 website: https://capture6.com/
Capture6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capture6/
Ethan Cohen-Cole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecohencole/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if the clean energy transition is built on one of the dirtiest secrets in industry—rare earth metals? They power EVs, AI, and defense systems, yet most are processed overseas with toxic, outdated methods. In this episode, Nicholas Myers, CEO of Phoenix Tailings, shares how his company is transforming mining waste into a clean, domestic source of critical materials. From backyard prototypes to pioneering world-first predictive complexation, Nick shares the grit, innovation, and vision it takes to scale deep tech in one of the world’s most entrenched industries—and why zero-waste, zero-emission metals are vital for both energy security and the environment.
Tune in to hear how backyard experiments grew into a global metals revolution.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Check out Leaders on a Mission, where I interview climate tech leaders shaking up the industry and bringing us the next wave of sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation—exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:58 – Nick’s unconventional journey
04:17 – Backyard experiments begin
07:22 – Tackling mining waste
11:23 – Predictive complexation breakthrough
13:40 – AI in metallurgy
17:04 – US-China supply chain exposure
19:15 – Scaling defense capacity
22:56 – Financing beyond VC
25:05 – Rare earths in production
28:27 – Lessons from fundraising
31:43 – The three-year IPO vision
33:35 – Building high-performance teams
38:31 – Values that drive Phoenix Tailings
Useful links:
Phoenix Tailings website: https://phoenixtailings.com/
Phoenix Tailings LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenixtailings/
Nicholas Myers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaswilliammyers/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if one of the world’s dirtiest industrial processes could be reinvented—by microbes? Textile dyeing causes 20% of global water pollution, but Colorifix CEO Orr Yarkoni is flipping the script. In this episode, he explains how engineered microbes are replacing toxic dye chemicals with clean, modular, biological systems. Learn how Colorifix built a scalable, sustainable solution for color production—cutting carbon, chemicals, and water use—while tackling global supply chains and navigating complex GMO regulations.
Tune in as biology rewrites the future of fashion.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:56 – Biology vs. chemical dyeing
04:07 – Origins: arsenic biosensor to fashion
07:22 – Why textile dyeing is broken
12:05 – Mapping the supply chain
19:36 – Modular bioreactors for scale
23:44 – Fermentation hardware breakthrough
28:15 – The challenge of making black
32:44 – Strategic backing from IKEA & H&M
34:54 – Scaling globally, sustainably
40:44 – GMO regulation bottlenecks
Useful links:
Colorfix website: https://www.colorifix.com/
Colorfix’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorfix/
Orr Yarkoni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orr-yarkoni-48653095/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if biotech’s biggest scaling challenge isn’t technical—but philosophical? In this episode, Massimo Portincaso, founder and CEO of Arsenale Bioyards, explains why industrial biotech must be reimagined from the ground up. He challenges legacy “scale-up” thinking, highlighting biology’s context dependency and the economic dead ends of retrofitted pharma models. From modular, AI-informed bioreactors to a scale-out strategy and data-first infrastructure, Massimo shares how his team is rewriting the rules of economic viability, manufacturing innovation, and organizational design.
Discover why scaling out — not up — is the future of biomanufacturing.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:46 - Biology resists code scaling
03:18 - From BCG to biotech founder
07:33 - Why biotech remains niche
10:24 - Redesigning from first principles
13:40 - Biology's context dependency
16:55 - Intelligent design via Bayesian models
18:46 - Building the bioproduction stack
21:00 - Scale-out vs scale-up
25:56 - Rethinking the CDMO model
29:20 - Reinventing the capital stack
33:30 - Future sectors & applications
37:10 - Killing the org chart
40:12 - Complexity as a strategic asset
Useful links:
Arsenale Bioyards website: https://arsenale.bio/
Arsenale Bioywards LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arsenale-bioyards/
Massimo Portincaso LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-portincaso-36a8795/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if moral ambition became the new standard for investing? In this episode, Rogier Pieterse, Managing Partner at Pymwymic, shares how his team is transforming venture capital by embedding impact into every investment. From pioneering farm tech that reduces chemical loads to empowering regenerative practices through data, Pymwymic is reshaping agriculture from the soil up. Rogier reflects on his transition from investment banking to impact leadership, the tension between financial performance and purpose, and how long-term thinking is critical in ag-tech venture success.
Tune in to explore capital with conscience—and staying power.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:44 – Embedding impact under pressure
02:21 – From banker to moral investor
05:42 – Pymwymic’s origin and mission
10:25 – What counts as real impact?
14:04 – Balancing capital and purpose
19:01 – Farm data meets machine learning
22:10 – Strengthening farmers' positions
23:20 – VC fit for ag tech?
28:49 – Hype vs. grounded strategy
32:30 – Impactful exits that last
Useful links:
Pymwymic website: https://pymwymic.com/
Pymwymic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pymwymic/
Rogier Pieterse Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogier-pieterse-81846a5/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if evolution had a fast-forward button? William Pelton, CEO of Phytoform Labs, is harnessing AI-powered gene editing to radically accelerate crop development and boost climate resilience. He shares how Phytoform’s platform decodes plant genomes, eliminates guesswork in breeding, and delivers scalable, sustainable traits at speed. Explore how partnerships, precision, and platform thinking are rewriting the rules of agriculture—and why Phytoform’s compact, climate-resilient tomatoes could redefine how and where we grow our food
Tune in as we decode innovation that feeds the future
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
0:04 Climate threat to crop yields
1:36 William’s path to plant science
5:03 Solving the crop innovation gap
9:46 AI-guided gene switching
10:05 CRISPR for precision breeding
17:01 Choosing crops and markets
22:19 Reducing tomato crop waste
26:10 Partnering with Corteva
30:26 Launching compact tomato plants
Useful links:
Pytoforms website: https://www.phytoformlabs.com/
Phytoforms LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phytoform-labs/
Will Pelton Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-pelton-12813b56/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
You can build sleek software—but if the charger fails, the user blames you. Casper Rasmussen, CEO of Monta, knows this all too well. In this episode, he shares how he built a platform that’s more than “EV charging software”—it’s a full-stack execution engine, now powering over 200,000 chargers. We explore how he scaled through regulatory complexity, turned EV pain points into product strategy, and why being a startup CEO means staying on the floor, not in the boardroom. A must-listen for founders navigating tech-infrastructure intersections, growing with resilience, and staying obsessed with execution over optics.
Tune in for real-world insights on scaling through complexity and fragmentation
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
04:01 – Becoming CEO: stepping up from CTO
08:55 – Execution first: what energizes a startup CEO
11:19 – Core mission: electrify everything—EV to home & grid
14:40 – Platform advantage: software, wallets & regulation
20:38 – Support and SLAs: why service is product
21:05 – Scaling milestone: 200k charge points & growth metrics
24:06 – Market dynamics: public, private & home charging breakdown
33:00 – Financial playbook: growth funding vs. profitability
38:59 – Team & structure: staying nimble in scale-up
34:48 – AI integration: reshaping roles and operations
Useful links:
Monta’s website: https://www.monta.com
Monta’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/montaapp/
Casper Rasmussen Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casper-h-rasmussen-63b13922/overlay/contact-info/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if every droplet sprayed on a crop actually counted? In this episode, we meet Vishnu Jayaprakash, founder and CEO of AgZen, who’s leading a revolution in precision agriculture—one droplet at a time. With a staggering 50% of pesticides missing their mark, AgZen’s feedback-driven spray technology is eliminating guesswork, boosting efficiency, and giving farmers real-time insights into every application. Vishnu shares how a childhood experience with mango trees shaped his mission, and how AgZen scaled to one million acres in just three years by measuring what no one else did.
Tune in for a fresh look at innovation that solves a massive problem
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:58 – Childhood on Indian farm
04:17 – MIT research origins
07:26 – The “sticky” nozzle breakthrough
10:12 – The billion droplet problem
13:45 – Feedback loop vs. blind spraying
17:33 – Differentiating from precision sprayers
22:01 – From lab to field trials
26:19 – Word-of-mouth growth model
32:59 – Farmer trust and reliability
38:44 – Building industry-wide partnership
Useful links: 👇
AgZen website: https://www.agzen.com/
AgZen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agzen/
Vishnu Jayaprakash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishnu-jayaprakash/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if the key to transforming the global protein system lies in technology we've had for decades?
Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici, reveals how industrial biotech is stepping off the lab bench and onto supermarket shelves — using precision fermentation to create dairy proteins ready for scale.
In this episode, we unpack Vivici’s strategic focus on high-value proteins like beta-lactoglobulin, their approach to reaching cost parity, and why trust, transparency, and taste are critical for mainstream adoption.
Learn how a tried-and-tested biotech playbook is helping rewrite the rules of sustainable food production.
Tune in to hear how decades-old biotech is poised to reshape the way the world consumes protein.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
1:06 — Why biotech drew Stephan in
2:47 — The protein demand crisis
7:01 — Why Vivici chose dairy
9:14 — Tackling the scale-up challenge
14:01 — The power of beta-lactoglobulin
17:24 — Competing with cheap proteins
20:47 — Key milestones to date
30:39 — “We’re not reinventing this”
34:21 — Cracking consumer adoption
Useful links:
Vivici website: https://www.vivici.com
Vivici’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viviciprotein/
Stephan van Sint Fiet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanvansintfiet/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What happens when venture capital escapes the echo chamber of hype? In this episode, Leaders on a Mission welcomes Irena Spazzapan, Managing Partner at Systemiq Capital, to uncover how long-term, asset-light investments are reshaping the future of energy, food, and climate tech. Irena dives into founder mindsets, infrastructure bottlenecks, and why chasing trends won’t solve systemic challenges. Learn how targeted capital and sharp strategy unlock climate solutions that scale.
Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 – Systemic change through VC
01:15 – Roots of global perspective
05:35 – From Goldman Sachs to climate
09:00 – Systemiq’s three investment themes
11:10 – Why asset-heavy doesn’t scale
13:20 – Enabling the electrification wave
16:40 – Startups bridging energy silos
18:00 – Europe’s smart power innovators
20:15 – Beyond the hype cycle
24:30 – UK vs US founder mentality
28:30 – The VC shakeout explained
32:10 – The rise of specialist funds
37:50 – Why trust builds value
Useful links:
Systemiq Capital Website: https://www.systemiqcapital.earth/
Systemiq Capital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/systemiq-capital-earth/
Irene Spazzapan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irena-spazzapan-741a53/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if drones could revolutionize farming and empower growers worldwide—without a single dollar of venture capital? In this episode, Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio, shares how his team is transforming agriculture through autonomous drones, precision spraying, and farmer-first data insights. From crashing prototypes in sugarcane fields to revenue growth of $20M+ in 2025, Arthur unpacks the grit, ingenuity, and strategy behind Helio’s bootstrapped success. Dive into the realities of modern farming, the race against nature, and how Hylio’s tech is clearing the “fog of war” in agriculture.
Tune in to see how a drone innovator scaled without taking a dollar of VC funding—only on the latest episode!
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
0:00 – No VCs, just velocity
2:14 – From drone dream to startup
6:20 – Pivoting into agriculture
10:35 – The modern farmer’s struggle
14:34 – Triple Black Diamond startup
20:54 – Overcoming drone failure rates
26:55 – Data: the new differentiator
31:12 – Surging demand, scaling fast
36:13 – Bootstrapping with crowdfunding
Useful links:
Hylio’s website: https://www.hyl.io
Hylio’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hylio/
Arthur Erickson’s linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-erickson/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
As climate policy shifts, can the energy transition thrive without government support?
In this episode, Voyager VC Director Leonardo Banchik joins Simon Leich to reveal why the drive to decarbonize isn’t just surviving – it’s accelerating.
Discover how falling costs, free market dynamics, and resilient technologies are pushing renewables, batteries, and even nuclear to the forefront. Leonardo breaks down why deregulation, national security, and data center demand are fuelling this momentum, and why altruism no longer drives climate tech – economics does.
Tune in to learn which sectors are booming, which are lagging, and why Leonardo believes the energy transition is not a hope, but an inevitability.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:45 — Can innovation survive political shifts?
02:15 — Surprising climate-friendly policies
04:10 — Deregulation’s silver linings
05:45 — Why free markets back renewables
07:50 — The battery cost curve dive
12:20 — Climate tech sectors under pressure
17:00 — Valuation resets and lessons learned
20:30 — Smart risk stacking in investments
27:15 — The evolving project finance gap
32:10 — Finding purpose: Leo’s "ikigai"
37:50 — How technical expertise wins
Useful links:
Voyager Ventures’ website: https://www.voyagervc.com/
Voyager Ventures’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voyagervc/
Leonardo Banchik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leobanchik/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
By 2030, global water demand will outpace supply by 40%.
In this episode, we explore how Brian Sheng, CEO of Aquaria, is tackling the big questions such as “How to stop a water crisis”. He and his team are pioneering a scalable solution – harvesting water from the air itself to provide safe and abundant drinking water.
Driven by a personal story of loss linked to water pollution, Brian shares how Aquaria is building decentralized water infrastructure, creating resilient communities, and moving faster than traditional utilities to develop purified water.
Tune in as I uncover the technology, challenges, and vision behind a future where clean water is more than ample for all.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
0:00 – Global water crisis unveiled
2:04 – Brian’s personal motivation
3:36 – Why current solutions fail
5:18 – Aquaria’s breakthrough innovation
7:29 – Co-founding with his brother
8:37 – The dream: water for cities
16:03 – Surviving near-bankruptcy
22:16 – How Aquaria’s tech works
28:51 – Building water-positive communities
Useful links:
Aquaria’s website: https://aquaria.world/
Aquaria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquariaawg/
Brian Sheng’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sheng/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if venture capital could truly solve the world’s biggest problems?
In this episode, Helmer Schukken, Managing Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures, reveals how his firm invests where purpose meets profit – backing businesses that are not only scalable and feasible, but fundamentally underserved.
From energy transition and sustainable agriculture to inclusive employment and education, Helmer shares how systemic change happens when impact is embedded into the business model.
Tune in to discover why aligning financial returns with societal outcomes isn't just admirable –it's essential for long-term success.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
0:00 — What drives impact investing
1:40 — Helmer’s path to purpose
6:46 — Building Rubio’s first fund
7:05 — Defining true impact investing
10:01 — Frameworks and KPI alignment
15:22 — Real accountability in returns
18:48 — Key investment sectors
21:31 — Energy transition innovations
24:25 — Agtech, food, and waste
26:29 — Evolving focus areas
28:18 — Fund size and future plans
31:18 — The fundraising landscape
36:08 — From vision to execution
38:55 — Tech vs. people risk
43:36 — Adoption challenges in ag and food
Useful links:
Rubio Impact Ventures’ website: https://www.rubio.vc/
Rubio Impact Ventures’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rubioimpactventures/
Helmer Schukken’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helmerschukken/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if the key to reversing climate change lies right beneath our feet?
In this episode, EarthOptics CEO Lars Dyrud reveals how cutting-edge soil tech is transforming sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration.
With a background in space science and a mission to decode Earth’s carbon secrets, Lars shares how data-driven insights and soil science are revolutionizing farm profitability and climate resilience.
Discover how soil DNA, machine learning, and high-resolution mapping can create sustainable farming solutions—and profitability. If soil carbon holds the answers, EarthOptics is asking the right questions.
Check out this episode to find out how this company are taking sustainable farming to the next level.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:54 – From space science to soil
03:42 – Discovering the carbon mystery
06:33 – Why soil carbon matters
09:55 – Massive measurement leap
11:08 – Data-driven agronomy goals
13:25 – Unlocking soil health insights
17:04 – Aligning profit and sustainability
20:49 – Supply chain climate impact
24:33 – Why data beats guesswork
28:35 – Milestones and growth
32:19 – Merger synergy and tech gains
38:18 – World’s largest soil DNA database
41:00 – Startup scaling challenges
Useful links:
EarthOptics’s website:https://earthoptics.com/
EarthOptics’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthoptics/
Lars Dyrud’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-dyrud-0a125816/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Is climate tech hype distracting us from true transformation?
In this episode, Andrew Haughian, Partner at Pangaea Ventures, dives into the reality behind scaling hard tech solutions for planetary health.
From cutting through inflated valuations to rethinking sustainability narratives, Andrew shares critical insights from 18+ years of climate investing.
Discover why profitability now trumps growth, where food and agtech are stuck, and how contrarian bets could unlock game-changing returns.
This is a must-listen for founders seeking funding clarity and investors chasing resilient impact.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
1:35 – Learning trust from oil rigs
4:59 – Why planetary health matters
6:09 – Rethinking “climate tech” labels
8:18 – Peaks, troughs, and pendulum swings
11:28 – What stalled foodtech growth
13:00 – Promising plays in protein
17:50 – Innovating without capex burden
24:42 – Strategic exits in life sciences
33:58 – Founders vs funding realities
Useful links:
Pangaea Ventures’s website: https://www.pangaeaventures.com/
Pangaea Ventures’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pangaea-ventures/
Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhaughian/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if a tractor could change the future of farming?
In this episode, Monarch Tractor CEO Praveen Penmetsa reveals how electric, autonomous machines such as electric tractors are reshaping sustainable agriculture—one farm at a time.
With 500+ robots already sold, in excess of $20M revenue for 2024 and a bold energy-data-autonomy platform, Monarch is solving one of the toughest innovation puzzles in Agtech. Praveen shares hard-won lessons on risk, policy advocacy, and what it takes to lead an industry transformation.
Tune in for real talk on scaling sustainable farming system change, and building a mission-first company with global impact.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 – From concept to $20M+ revenue
02:15 – Early roots in automotive innovation
04:38 – Two breakthrough moments in agtech
07:49 – COVID’s surprising impact on farming
10:53 – Designing value beyond the tractor
15:17 – “Audacity is our moat”
19:05 – Attracting top-tier mission-driven talent
23:58 – The power of policy & partnerships
31:00 – Scaling hardware and platform revenue
Useful links:
Monarch Tractor’s website: https://www.monarchtractor.com/
Monarch Tractor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monarch-tractor/
Praveen Penmetsa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveenpenmetsa/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if the climate crisis isn’t just about carbon—but about people, systems, and resilience?
In this episode, I sit down with Hampus Jakobsson, General Partner at Pale Blue Dot, a $100M early-stage climate tech fund.
Hampus shares why he left a life of “freedom and bliss” to go all-in on climate innovation—and why the next great founders must be both visionary and gritty.
From navigating uncertainty to betting big on bold ideas, this episode is a masterclass in investing at the frontlines of global change.
Tune in to find out more.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Listen on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:42 – Where Pale Blue Dot began
01:30 – The meaning behind the fund’s name
04:25 – Why Hampus couldn't look away
09:00 – “Do it only if you can’t stop”
10:50 – Climate investment mindset shift
15:45 – How climate became politicized
18:45 – The Pale Blue Dot investment thesis
23:30 – What great founders must have
26:10 – Founder-market fit and raw authenticity
34:55 – When founders stop scaling
38:50 – Fundraising isn’t the real problem
44:50 – Why climate investing isn’t slowing down
47:30 – Innovation thrives in chaos
Useful links:
Pale blue dot’s website: https://paleblue.vc/
Pale blue dot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palebluedotvcclimate/
Hampus Jakobsson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hampusjakobsson/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
The future of business is AI-driven, data-informed, and sustainability-focused.
But how do we fund the startups shaping this new reality? In this episode, Tim Chiang, Co-Founder and Partner at Myriad Ventures, unpacks his journey from engineering to venture capital and how Myriad is reshaping AI, deep tech, and clean tech investing.
Learn how AI changes venture capital and how Myriad connects startups with industry giants, accelerates commercialization, and tackles today’s biggest market challenges.
Tim also shares key insights for founders navigating an evolving investment landscape.
Tune in to find out how Venture Capital is investing in AI in the latest episode.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
0:00 – Why AI is reshaping industries
2:07 – Tim’s journey from engineer to VC
6:06 – The missing piece in venture investing
10:12 – Myria’ds investment thesis
17:56 – The power of deep corporate networks
25:51 – Game-changing clean tech investments
31:32 – The future of energy storage
39:03 – What top founders have in common
42:50 – Key challenges for startups in 2025
Useful links:
Myriad Venture Partners’ website: https://www.myriadventures.com/
Myriad Venture Partners’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myriad-vp/
Tim Chiang’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchiang1/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Can we truly decarbonize cities without disrupting daily life?
Shane Johnson, CEO & Co-Founder of CarbonQuest, is proving it's possible. In this episode, Shane shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, pioneering on-site carbon capture for hard-to-abate sectors like real estate and industry.
Discover how his team built the world’s first distributed CO2 capture system in an NYC high-rise, the commercial viability of carbon as a commodity, and why scaling this technology could revolutionize urban sustainability.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on CO2 capture technology, innovation, economic viability, and the future of clean cities.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 – The currency of carbon
02:17 – Shane’s early entrepreneurial spark
06:32 – The emissions challenge in cities
10:03 – From whiteboard to prototype
12:56 – Engineering through COVID
18:39 – Why this tech wasn’t feasible a decade ago
21:22 – Scaling the business
27:52 – Overcoming regulatory & adoption hurdles
31:17 – A culture of innovation & integrity
Useful links:
CarbonQuest’s website: https://carbonquest.com/
CarbonQuest’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbonquestq/
Shane Johnson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-johnson-74003784/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if the biggest investment opportunity of our time is also our greatest challenge?
In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, host Simon Leich sits down with Adrian Bührer, Managing Partner at Übermorgen Ventures, to explore the intersection of venture capital and climate innovation.
Adrian shares his journey from entrepreneur to impact investor, the critical role of long-term capital in decarbonization, and why climate tech is the next big frontier.
From nuclear fusion to carbon removal, tune in to discover the groundbreaking startups shaping a sustainable future.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
0:44 - Adrian’s journey into entrepreneurship
2:08 - The lightbulb moment on climate change
10:00 - Investing to solve the climate crisis
14:23 - Übermorgen Ventures’ unique investment approach
20:00 - Politics, regulation, and climate finance
25:21 - Balancing long-term vs. short-term investments
31:33 - Challenges faced by climate tech founders
38:30 - The importance of resilience in founders
43:00 - A success story of grit and perseverance
Useful links:
Übermorgen Ventures’ website: https://www.uebermorgen.vc/
Übermorgen Ventures’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/%C3%BCbermorgen-ventures/
Adrian Bührer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianbuehrer/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What if we could revolutionize agriculture with biology instead of chemicals?
Join Tim Schnabel, CEO of Switch Bioworks, as he delves into the company’s mission to replace 50% of traditional nitrogen fertilizers with engineered microbes.
Tim shares the scientific breakthroughs powering this shift, including microbial symbiosis, ammonia production, and precision field testing.
From raising $28M in funding to building a mission-driven team, Tim unpacks the challenges, cultural values, and vision driving this movement toward a sustainable food future.
Delve into the world of sustainable agriculture and fertilizer and find out “what is sustainable fertilizer?” and how Switch Bioworks are feeding the future.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
1:04 - From PhD project to company
4:35 - The hidden cost of nitrogen fertilizer
6:20 - Engineering microbes to fix nitrogen
8:45 - Progress milestones and field testing
11:30 - Challenges: scaling sustainable agriculture
15:18 - The science behind the "Switch"
18:00 - Vision: feeding the world sustainably
21:40 - Culture of purpose and diversity
29:15 - Lessons learned as a first-time CEO
Useful links:
Switch Bioworks’ website: https://www.switchbioworks.com/
Switch Bioworks’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/switch-bioworks/ Tim Schnabel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnabeltim/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Why is “tough tech” set to revolutionize the next wave of energy transition?
Michael Kearney, General Partner at The Engine Ventures, shares how startups tackling hard engineering problems are unlocking clean, firm baseload power like geothermal, fusion, and fission.
With renewable energy making up 96% of new U.S. production in 2024, Michael explores the rapid scaling of technology, overcoming talent gaps, and the role of team culture in startup success.
From AI-driven power demand to industrial scaling, this conversation reveals the key levers tough tech companies must pull to lead the energy boom.
Tune in to be captivated by Michael's passion for tough tech and setting energy transition in motion.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
[0:00] Why firm baseload power matters
[1:21] Evolution of tough tech investing
[7:30] Progress in energy transition
[10:29] What the next 20 years hold
[12:24] AI driving power demand
[16:08] How The Engine supports founders
[22:52] Major startup hurdles in 2025
[33:39] Maintaining culture during growth
[39:56] The most rewarding part of investing
Useful links:
Engine Ventures’s website: https://engineventures.com/
Engine Ventures’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engine-ventures/
Michael Kearney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kearney-b6704126/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Cement accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, but what if it could be reimagined to help solve the climate crisis?
Join Simon Leich as he sits down with Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera, to explore how they’re transforming the cement industry, using scalable, economically competitive, and low-carbon technologies in sustainable cement production.
Ryan shares hard-earned insights from 20 years in climate tech, the strategic shift from competition to collaboration with cement producers, and Fortera’s vision for global impact. This is an inspiring look at innovation, perseverance, and redefining industries from within.
Tune in to learn more about zero carbon cement production in the latest Leaders on a Mission episode.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 – Scaling with simplicity
01:20 – Ryan’s climate tech journey
05:58 – The global problem: cement carbon emissions
09:54 – The science of sustainable cement:
14:00 – Small commercial success
18:53 – Navigating the Valley of Death 2
25:46 – Collaboration, not competition
33:51 – Scaling for impact
36:58 – Measuring success
Useful links:
Fortera’s website: https://forteraglobal.com/
Fortera’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortera/
Ryan Gilliam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-gilliam-237ab62a/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
From growing up in poverty in upstate New York to coining the term "cloud computing" and revolutionising venture capital, Sean O’Sullivan’s story is nothing short of remarkable.
As Founder and Managing Partner of SOSV, Sean has backed over 1,000 startups through world-renowned programs like IndieBio and HAX, driving breakthroughs in synthetic biology, climate tech, and more.
In this episode, Simon Leich dives into Sean’s journey, exploring his passion for empowering entrepreneurs, tackling humanity’s toughest challenges, and scaling innovations in human and planetary health.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or changemaker, this conversation will inspire and equip you with actionable insights for meaningful impact.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 – A Studio Model at Scale: SOSV’s Unique Approach
01:37 – Humble Beginnings: Sean’s Journey from Poverty to Innovation
08:12 – The Creator of Cloud Computing and Ride-Sharing
10:34 – Biology Meets Innovation: Why IndieBio Leads the Future
15:13 – Inside IndieBio: Building Community to Drive Change
20:37 – Global Entrepreneurs: Innovation Without Borders
31:06 – Sustainable Production for a Growing Planet.
37:54 – Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Venture Capital
43:12 – The Future of Innovation: Sean’s Vision for SOSV and Beyond
Useful links:
SOSV’s website: https://sosv.com/
SOSV’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sosv/
Sean O’Sullivan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-sosv/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
What does it take to lead an advanced materials company from the brink of bankruptcy to becoming a global innovator in nano-composites?
In this episode, Simon sits down with Craig Bandes, CEO of Pixelligent Technologies, to unpack his extraordinary 15-year journey. Craig reveals how Pixelligent’s dispersion technology is revolutionising augmented and mixed reality devices with brighter displays, longer battery life, and sharper optics.
From overcoming funding challenges to forging a strategic collaboration with Henkel, Craig shares how he transformed niche science into scalable solutions. He also explores the game-changing potential of extended reality and AI, poised to reshape industries like healthcare and retail.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the future of advanced materials. Subscribe now!
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
0:47 – Craig’s 15-year leadership journey and defining moments in advanced materials.
02:19 – Overcoming early challenges, including industry knowledge gaps and funding hurdles.
05:15 – Pivoting Pixelligent’s dispersion technology and its value for augmented and mixed reality.
09:48 – Lessons learned from market pivots and breakthroughs in display technology.
16:54 – Focus on extended reality markets, including augmented and mixed reality.
27:03 – Exploring new applications, such as surgical, retail, and education markets.
36:40 – Future outlook for Pixelligent and insights into their strategic partnership with Henkel.
43:24 – Closing remarks and final takeaways from the discussion.
Useful links:
Pixelligent Technologies’s website: https://pixelligent.com/
Pixelligent Technologies’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pixelligent-technologies-llc/
Craig Bandes’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbandeslinkedin/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Which early-stage startups are poised for success in the climate tech world? Venture expert Josh Posamentier reveals the telltale green flags that signal a winning investment opportunity.
In this episode, Josh shares how early-stage venture capital is driving transformative innovations in climate tech, from renewable energy and food systems to mobility and manufacturing.
Josh dives into the critical funding gaps for climate startups, the importance of high-quality teams, and the evolving opportunities in geothermal energy, alternative proteins, and resource efficiency. He explains how Congruent Ventures balances financial returns with impactful solutions to the climate crisis, supporting groundbreaking startups that tackle emissions, pollution, and inefficiency.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how patient capital and bold ideas are reshaping the future. Hear Josh’s advice on navigating challenges, scaling solutions, and creating meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Episode Introduction
01:39 Josh’s Career Path
05:46 Operator vs. Investor Roles
07:29 Evaluating Early-Stage Founders
11:15 Gaps in Climate Tech Funding
14:33 Tips for Overcoming Stalled Fundraising
17:06 Balancing Impact and Returns
19:32 Challenges in Go-to-Market Strategies
22:06 Understanding Customers and Value Chains
23:22 Bridging Tech and Market Strategy
25:50 Congruent Ventures' Impactful Investments
27:12 Fervo Energy Case Study
32:44 Exit Strategy and Long-Term Vision
34:57 Top Sources of Entrepreneurial Talent
36:47 Trends in Energy and Manufacturing
40:49 Innovations in Food & Agriculture
44:17 Managing Board Commitments
45:41 Final Thoughts
Useful links:
Congruent Ventures’s website: https://www.congruentvc.com/
Congruent Ventures’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/congruent-ventures/
Joshua Posamentier’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/posamentier/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Microsoft opens up a new data center globally every three days. We need to make sure there’s enough clean energy to power this!
In this episode, Tim Vail, CEO of ION Clean Energy, explains how his company is revolutionizing clean power and decarbonization for hyperscalers.
Vail shares his decades-long journey in the energy industry and how he found his calling in the fight against climate change.
ION Clean Energy's unique solvent-based carbon capture technology is poised to make a significant impact. With the ability to capture up to 99.6% of CO2 emissions from natural gas power plants, the company is paving the way for a new era of "blue electrons" - verifiably low-carbon electricity.
Tim delves into the science behind their innovation, the importance of bankability and affordability, and the growing demand from hyperscalers and data centers for clean power.
Tune in to be captivated by Tim's passion for driving real change and helping hyperscalers to reach their clean energy goals.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:33 Tim Vail’s career journey
03:10 Carbon capture and market demand
09:03 ION’s innovation in carbon capture technology
13:44 The effectiveness of ION technology for capturing CO2
17:47 Long-term impact on de-carbonization
20:16 Safe storing of CO2
23:00 Scaling and commercialization
26:25 Challenges in funding FOAK technologies
28:25 The role of DOE and global support
30:47 Keys to success: bankability and verification
32:44 How will this market evolve?
36:35 Overcoming innovation fatigue
43:29 Recruiting mission-driven talent
Useful links:
ION Clean Energy’s website: https://www.ioncleanenergy.com/
ION Clean Energy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ioncleanenergy/ Timothy Vail’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-vail-91373814/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Hendrik Van Asbroeck shares Astanor Ventures' exciting approach to venture capital, fueling groundbreaking, impact-driven startups revolutionizing the future of food and agriculture.
In this insightful conversation, Hendrik discusses his firm's mission to create a more sustainable and regenerative food system globally, drawing on his own journey from corporate finance to clean tech.
He explains Astanor's focus on balancing financial returns with measurable positive impact, using proprietary methodologies to assess both.
Hendrik also delves into the challenges of scaling sustainable technologies in a highly subsidized industry, as well as the importance of building diverse, international teams to navigate cultural differences in the global food market.
Hendrik shares Astanor's strategies for supporting European startups in the US, and vice versa, to drive widespread adoption of regenerative solutions.
This episode offers a unique window into the world of mission-driven venture capital, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of food, agriculture, and sustainable investing.
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:28: Introduction
01:15 Career journey & joining Astanor Ventures
05:01 Technology & innovation for a better future
08:13 Journey toward a regenerative food system
12:18 Market dynamics and investment challenges
14:53 Finding investors aligned with Astanor’s vision
17:40 Astanor’s unique approach
21:10 Measuring impact beyond financial returns
24:07 Parallels between energy and food sectors
27:52 Potential for success in agricultural food ecosystem
29:47 Differences between U.S. and European markets
33:32 The balance between people and technology
35:47 Challenges with technical founders and key mistakes made
Useful links:
Astanor's website: https://astanor.com/
Astanor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astanor/
Hendrik Van Asbroeck’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-van-asbroeck-86192965/?originalSubdomain=be
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Sky NRG is revolutionizing aviation with sustainable fuel to tackle climate change and decarbonize the skies.
In this episode, Philippe Lacamp, CEO of SkyNRG, delves into the challenges and opportunities of transforming the aviation industry through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
He shares the incredible journey of SkyNRG, from its early efforts to create demand for SAF to its role in building a global infrastructure for cleaner aviation. Learn how waste oils, fats, and emerging technologies like power-to-liquid are powering green jet fuel and decreasing plane emissions.
All you need to know about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – Philippe breaks down the complexities of scaling SAF production, from navigating feedstock limitations to collaborating with governments and corporations on ambitious mandates and incentives.
Hear about Sky NRG’s groundbreaking projects in the Netherlands, US, and Nordics, and how they are leading the charge in meeting global decarbonization targets.
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:35 Journey into sustainable aviation
02:58 Early efforts to promote SAF
04:26 Challenges in decarbonizing aviation emissions
06:48 Sky NRG’s role in SAF development.
09:10 What makes SAF different from fossil fuels
09:46 Feedstock use for SAF production
13:13 Alcohol-to-jet and power-to-liquid processes
15:16 Comparing SAF mandates in Europe and US
18:39 Cost challenges of sustainable aviation fuels
22:26 Scaling SAF production and infrastructure
23:46 Sky NRG’s new facilities and projects
27:35 Importance of partnerships in SAF industry
29:29 Scaling production as the biggest challenge
33:02 Sky NRG’s growth and talent recruitment
Useful links:
SkyNRG’s website: https://skynrg.com/
SkyNRG’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skynrg/
Philippe Lacamp’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-lacamp-2087a11/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Is nuclear energy a dinosaur from the past? Ed McGinnis talks about exciting new nuclear energy innovations that are leading the path for clean energy transition, as well as solving nuclear waste issues.
The CEO of Curio shares his unique journey from working in high-level government nuclear policy to leading Curio, a fascinating company transforming clean nuclear energy.
He explains how Curio’s new recycling technology can drastically reduce nuclear waste and make the most of the energy from fuel. This innovation could help nuclear energy become a key player in the global clean energy transition.
Ed also talks about the challenges of public opinion and regulations, and how Curio’s approach could change the future of clean nuclear power.
Ready to uncover if nuclear is the green energy of the future? Tune into the podcast to find out more!
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Introduction to Ed McGinnis & Curio
01:23 Ed's Career Highlights in Nuclear Energy
03:33 Transitioning from Government to CEO of Curio
09:53 Current State of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.
17:33 The Explanation of Nuclear Waste Problem
23:47 Curio’s Revolutionary Recycling Process
29:24 How Curio’s Technology Fits into the Nuclear Industry
35:33 Biggest Challenges Facing Nuclear Recycling
39:38 Impact of Scaling Nuclear Recycling on Clean Energy
44:32 Curio’s Vision for the Future of Nuclear Energy
Useful links:
Curio LV’s website: https://curio.energy/
Curio LV’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curiolv/
Edward McGinnis’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-mcginnis-05121813/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Explore how Zenobē Energy has raised over 1 billion pounds with their innovative energy storage and electric vehicle technology.
Steven Meersman, Founder Director of Zenobē Energy, is leading the clean energy revolution, tackling grid challenges, scaling electric mobility, and shaping the future of sustainable energy.
From financing breakthroughs to revolutionizing public transport such as electric buses, Zenobē is transforming the energy landscape with their new electric battery technology.
You'll hear how their unique design-build-finance model is overcoming key barriers to widespread adoption. Steven also dives into the challenges of international expansion and maintaining company culture in a rapidly growing industry.
Tune in to discover how their bold strategies are driving the transition to a greener, more sustainable future!
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Intro
00:37 Steven’s journey from consulting to co-founding Zenobē
04:33 Key problems in energy storage and sustainability finance
06:13 Grid-scale storage, EV battery, and portable power
10:50 Growth in battery storage - from megawatts to gigawatts
13:58 Policy catching up with technology
16:19 Storing energy from sources like solar and wind
20:05 UK grid capacity and challenges with demand distribution
23:11 Zenobē’s design-build-finance model and first international projects
25:46 Overcoming challenges in the value chain
27:13 Funding challenges: Raising equity and debt
29:36 Key challenges in scaling the business
33:30 Expanding internationally into new markets
35:59 Managing culture and communication in a growing company
39:07 What can Zenobē’s offer to its employees
40:22 Long-term goals and aspirations of Zenobē
42:57 Closing thoughts: Inspiring the next generation of clean energy leaders
Useful links:
Zenobē’s website: https://www.zenobe.com/
Zenobē’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenobe-energy-ltd/
Steven Meersman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevencgmeersman/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Qorium is revolutionizing the leather industry with lab-grown, animal-free leather that's sustainable, cruelty-free, and set to reshape the future of fashion.
In this episode, Michael Newton, CEO of Qorium, takes us on an exciting journey through the groundbreaking world of sustainable leather.
He explains how Qorium pioneered the creation of real leather without harming animals, using innovative technology and synthetic biology.
From tackling the environmental issues caused by the traditional leather production process to exploring the immense market potential of animal-free leather, Michael dives deep into the future of fashion.
He also explains the potential of Qorium’s innovative product to change industries like fashion while maintaining the quality and luxury associated with traditional leather.
Leather and sustainability can be one! If you're curious about innovation, sustainability, and how artificial leather could make a difference, this episode will give you a great insight into these topics.
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Intro
00:29 Michael Newton and Qorium's sustainable leather innovation
01:20 The difference between vegan leather and Qorium’s approach
02:17 Michael Newton’s journey to becoming CEO of Qorium
05:31 Leather industry’s environmental challenges and supply chain issues
08:35 Leather market size and global trade of leather
09:51 Innovation in the leather industry and Qorium’s progress
12:04 Synthetic biology and cellular agriculture in manmade leather
15:26 Regulatory differences between food and leather industries
16:49 The role of science and technology in ethical leather
19:46 Commercialization challenges and consumer excitement
24:27 A global team and European business environment
28:16 Fundraising and the investment landscape
32:37 The biggest challenge in the transition from Nike to Qorium
Useful links:
Qorium’s website: https://www.qorium.com/
Qorium’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qorium/
Michael Newton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelanewton/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Bart Biebuyck, CEO and founder of Green Energy Park, discusses how they are driving the transition to affordable, renewable hydrogen.
From his early career with Toyota to leading Europe’s largest hydrogen research program, Bart shares his passion for hydrogen energy and its potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape.
Bart explains how his personal concerns for climate change led him to focus on green hydrogen as a key part of the global energy mix. He shares insights into the challenges of scaling hydrogen technology, the importance of finding the right location for low-cost renewable energy, and the innovative use of ammonia to transport hydrogen globally.
The episode delves into the complexities of international regulations and the need for investor confidence to drive de-carbonization efforts. Bart also highlights the importance of collaboration between governments, technology providers, and the private sector in building the hydrogen economy of the future.
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Intro
00:26 Ben’s career journey and Green Energy Park
03:30 The origin of Ben’s passion for hydrogen
04:44 Hydrogen’s role in clean energy
08:10 Hydrogen’s importance in the universe
09:51 Green Energy Park’s vision and mission
12:05 Brazil's renewable energy infrastructure
14:43 Selecting efficient electrolysers
16:52 The cost structure of hydrogen production
18:53 Using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier
23:27 Navigating regulations across countries
28:53 Educating the public and investors
33:09 The challenges of being a CEO of a startup
36:18 Governments, industry, and investor funding
Useful links:
Green Energy Park’s website: https://www.airhive.earth/
Green Energy Park’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airhive/
Bart Biebuyck’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-biebuyck-4750b86/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Jeremy Wrathall, founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium, is revolutionizing the way lithium and other vital battery metals are sourced in the UK.
He shares his bold vision for sustainable extraction methods that are helping to shape the future of the UK’s green economy.
Jeremy’s passion for geology and his understanding of lithium’s growing importance in the global energy transition sparked the creation of Cornish Lithium. The company has hit major milestones, from groundbreaking crowdfunding campaigns to securing significant institutional backing, all fueling its mission to explore and extract lithium in the eco-friendliest way possible.
Wondering "is lithium extraction environmentally friendly?" With a deep commitment to sustainability, Cornish Lithium uses cutting-edge direct lithium extraction techniques to minimize environmental impact. Despite the challenges of this emerging industry, Jeremy is optimistic about the future, as the company positions itself to meet the UK’s increasing lithium demands and drive forward the nation's clean energy transition.
Tune in to discover the true cost of lithium mining vs sustainable lithium extraction from our fascinating guest.
––
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Intro
00:34 Jeremy Wrathall and the Cornish Lithium’s Mission
01:31 Jeremy’s Career Journey to Cornish Lithium
04:01 Driving Inspiration from Electric Vehicles
05:52 Innovating Sustainable Lithium Mining
07:58 How Cornish Lithium is Different from Its Competitors
09:02 Crowdfunding and Securing Funding Milestones
12:39 Developing Domestic Lithium Supplies
15:04 Challenges of Lithium Extraction in the UK
19:08 The Volatile Lithium Market and Predictions for the Future
21:43 Cornish Lithium’s Strategy for Commercialization
24:50 Building a Unique Company Culture
31:51 UK’s Commitment to Climate Change and Critical Minerals
33:54 Securing Funding As the Biggest Challenge
Useful links:
Cornish Lithium’s website: https://cornishlithium.com/
Cornish Lithium’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornish-lithium-plc/
Jeremy Wrathall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-wrathall-ba7891b/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
LanzaJet, led by CEO Jimmy Samartzis, is pioneering the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from waste materials.
LanzaJet has developed an amazing technology that transforms ethanol from sources like municipal waste and agricultural residues into bio jet fuel, offering a greener alternative to fossil-based fuels. By avoiding the extraction of new carbon, LanzaJet’s approach recycles existing waste, making it a vital player in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. ✈️
Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, LanzaJet built the world’s first commercial-scale alcohol-to-jet plant in Georgia and is now focused on scaling production to contribute 3 billion gallons of sustainable jet fuel annually in the U.S. by 2030. Their success relies heavily on partnerships and government support as they lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in aviation.
🎧 Join Jimmy and I on the Leaders on a Mission podcast where Jimmy answers key questions such as "how efficient is sustainable aviation fuel?" and "how do we make sustainable aviation fuel?"
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Subscribe and tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Intro
01:23 Jimmy’s career path and early environmental focus
06:00 Industry collaboration on de-carbonization with the UN
08:44 LanzaJet’s innovative waste-to-fuel technology
15:42 The process of converting ethanol into fuel
18:56 Global partnerships and key milestones
22:59 The first alcohol to jet commercial scale SAF plant
26:20 Challenges of scaling SAF production
29:34 Building the team and expanding to full capacity
34:30 Scaling technology and reducing SAF costs
38:35 Future challenges for LanzaJet and the SAF industry
Useful links: 👇
LanzaJet’s website: https://www.lanzajet.com/
LanzaJet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lanzajet/
Jimmy Samartzis’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmysamartzis/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Aaron Rudberg of S2G Ventures shares his firm's unique approach to sustainable investing, focusing on positive environmental and social impact.
Aaron addresses the question "what is sustainable investment?" and explains how S2G invests in "tough tech" industries like energy and agriculture, providing patient capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale.
Discussing sustainability in VC, he also talks about the evolving sustainable investments landscape and its increased competition. Aaron emphasizes S2G's disciplined, relationship-driven approach to finding the right entrepreneurs and talent to partner with.
Tune in to discover how one leading sustainable venture firm is driving innovation and impact 👏
00:00 Intro
01:45 Aaron’s approach to sustainable VC
05:08 Challenges of scaling mission-driven companies
08:55 S2G’s evolution and key partnerships
11:15 Market corrections and valuation trends
16:13 Addressing sustainability's capital gap
21:01 Why investors focus on market readiness
25:23 Fundraising and new sources of capital
28:00 S2G building ecosystems for growth
36:02 Hiring with purpose: S2G’s team culture
40:12 Purpose-driven careers for new generation
Useful links: 👇
S2G Ventures’s website: https://www.s2gventures.com/
S2G Ventures’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/s2g-ventures/
Aaron Rudberg’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-r-38250/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
In this episode, host Simon Leich chats to Greg about his carbon conversion company's pioneering work in CO2 capture and carbon conversion – turning it into valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with @NASA.
Greg discusses @aircompanynyc 's innovative "artificial photosynthesis" technology that combines CO2 and hydrogen to create sustainable fuels, chemicals, and other materials.
🚀 Wondering "can carbon be used as fuel?" Heck yes! Their carbon conversion technology is better than any carbon capture and storage: they're building the technology for sustainable space travel amongst other projects. Hello to the future of space exploration!
Greg shares insights into how they're converting CO2 into fuel, the flexibility of their feedstock sources, the challenges of commercializing complex climate tech, and the importance of partnerships in scaling their cutting-edge carbon capture technology.
🎧 Dive into the future of sustainable aviation fuels now!
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:42 Introduction to Greg Constantine
01:36 Greg’s journey to his current role
06:56 Air Company’s focus and innovation
09:40 Key milestones and commercialization
11:43 Sustainable aviation fuels and rockets
14:25 The basics of AIRMADE technology
17:46 CO2 capture technology
19:02 The biggest challenges in CO2 capture
20:42 Commercialization and goals
22:37 Partnerships and scale-up plans
24:54 NASA collaboration and Deep Space Food Challenge
29:59 Challenges of fundraising
32:43 Industry outlook and company’s position
35:35 Qualities of an Air Company employee
Useful links: 👇
Air Company’s website: https://www.aircompany.com/
Air Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theaircompany/
Greg Constantine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryconstantine/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Chad Mason, CEO of Advanced Ionics, shares how they're pioneering the efficient, cost-effective green hydrogen tech of the future.
Advanced Ionics play a leading role in the transition to a sustainable energy future with hydrogen green energy. In this episode, Chad discusses his personal journey, from growing up on a family farm to developing a passion for green hydrogen systems.
🌊 He explains how Advanced Ionics is innovating in the electrolysis space, designing a unique technology that utilizes steam to produce hydrogen energy more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods.
Chad highlights Advanced Ionics’s focus on providing hydrogen renewable energy for applications like ammonia, green steel, and sustainable aviation fuel. He shares the challenges of scaling green hydrogen production and building strategic partnerships to drive the adoption of their hydrogen power.
Captured your interest?
🎧 Tune in to learn the truth about hydrogen and hear more about Advanced Ionics' mission to decarbonize heavy industry.
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:27 Chad’s career journey to CEO
04:40 Founding Advanced Ionics
07:24 Initial challenges of his journey
09:09 Finding the right business partner
10:27 Limitations of traditional electrolysis technologies
12:18 The unique technology of Advanced Ionics
15:01 The company's focus on industrial applications
18:44 Development of green ammonia and green steel
20:16 Advanced Ionics business model
22:41 Hopes and dreams for the next 10 years
25:33 Fundraising and company growth
31:03 Partnerships and building credibility
33:50 Hiring process and qualities of a good employee
37:52 Personal challenges and time management
Useful links: 👇
Advanced Ionics’s website: https://advanced-ionics.com/
Advanced Ionics’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-ionics/
Chad Mason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwmason/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/"
CEO Rory Brown explains how Airhive are using CO2 capture technology to reduce the carbon footprints of major brands like Coca-Cola.
The UK-based green tech company is revolutionizing the world of direct air capture. Airhive has developed a cutting-edge fluidized bed system that can efficiently removes CO2 from air on an industrial scale.
🥤But the story doesn't stop there. Airhive has forged a groundbreaking partnership with global beverage giant Coca-Cola, using its carbon capture technology to carbonate drinks. This innovative approach not only reduces the company's carbon footprint but also provides a sustainable, recycled source of the gas essential for their fizzy beverages.
Hear Rory's inspiring journey, from his background in conflict resolution to his passion for tackling climate change through the removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Learn how his carbon capture company is scaling up its operations, exploring international markets, and navigating the challenges of building a pioneering carbon removal startup.
This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the future of carbon removal technology and its potential to transform industries and combat global warming.
🎧 Make sure to catch this episode if you’re excited as we are about the development of direct air capture technology!
--
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Rory Brown’s career path
03:57 From conflict resolution to climate advocacy
07:13 Founding Airhive
09:40 Building a team of chemical engineers
11:55 Direct carbon capture technology
17:12 Innovation in CO2 capture technology
20:49 Carbon catcher development
23:20 Vision and key milestones
26:38 Scaling and international expansion
30:05 Carbon credits
31:59 Partnering with Coca-Cola
36:18 Innovation, investment, and leadership
Useful links: 👇
Airhive’s website: https://www.airhive.earth/
Airhive’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airhive/
Rory Brown’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-brown-621b975/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Robert Fryers’ company, Spotta, are shaking up the pest control world with some seriously cutting-edge tech. In this episode, I chat with him about their not-so-secret methods of eco friendly insect control.
Robert takes us on his journey from the medical devices field to becoming a leader in pest control solutions, tackling a $400 billion problem head-on!
He shares how his insect control company’s AI-powered sensors are delivering smart, eco-friendly pest solutions—from alerting hotels about bed bugs to bug solutions for forests.
Tune in to hear Robert’s take on the challenges, the growth of Spotta, and his forward-thinking vision for the future of pest control solutions and services.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone curious about how technology and sustainability are changing professional pest control, insect monitoring, and humane rodent control.
So, if you’re looking for a smart, environmentally-friendly solution to those pesky bugs, this one's for you!
Tune in to find out more!
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:41 The career path of Robert Fryers, CEO of Spotta
05:48 Insect monitoring technology for agriculture and eco insect control
07:11 The company’s innovation in the pest control technology
10:23 Using technology to control bedbug infestations in hotels
14:40 Using technology to control insect infestation in challenging environments
17:13 Precise targeting of pests, reducing chemicals, and lowering costs
22:09 The importance of actionable change
25:17 Scaling and visions and goals for the future
28:45 Business growth and investment strategies
31:09 The best business model from an investor viewpoint
36:05 The biggest challenges and future plans
Useful links:
Spotta’s website: https://www.spotta.co/
Spotta’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spottacambridge/
Robert Fryers’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-fryers/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Peter’s career development, failure, and personal growth
08:58 TemperPack and its sustainable packaging solutions
14:48 What drew Peter to TemperPack?
16:48 Plastic displacement and cold chain engineering
21:24 The environmental impact of Styrofoam
24:09 The importance of learning for a CEO
26:59 Peter’s experience in the renewable energy industry
33:22 Running a mission-driven company with sustainability at its core
38:05 Company's innovative culture and values
Useful links:
TemperPack’s website: https://www.temperpack.com/
TemperPack’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/temperpack/
Peter Wells’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergwells/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
In this episode, we dive into the mission of ZymoChem, a pioneering startup revolutionizing the chemical industry through sustainable innovation. Led by CEO Harshal Chokhawala, Zymo Chem is on a quest to decarbonize the production of everyday materials, tackling the environmental challenges posed by traditional organic chemistry.
Harshal shares his personal journey, from his early fascination with chemistry to his discovery of the power of enzymes and microbes as nature's catalysts. He reveals how ZymoChem is developing bio-based, biodegradable alternatives to common materials like superabsorbent polymers, aiming to solve the problem of microplastics and reduce the carbon footprint of the chemicals industry.
Listeners will be inspired by Harshal's passion for entrepreneurship, his insights on navigating the challenges of scaling a startup, and his commitment to building a strong, mission-driven company culture. This episode offers a captivating look at the future of sustainable materials and the visionary leaders driving this transformation
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:40 Harshal Chokhawala education and career journey
06:40 Problems ZymoChem is trying to solve
09:56 Developing biodegradable super absorbent polymers for diapers
12:25 Understand value proposition, cost, and user demand before investing
16:06 Entrepreneurship challenges, success, and learning from failures
25:11 Commercializing the product and bringing it to the market
30:22 The impact of carbon-saving technology on scaling the business
32:08 Decarburization in the chemical industry and the role of ZymoChem
37:09 Building a company culture through shared mission and values
Imagine turning everyday trash into a sustainable alternative to plastic. In this episode, I sit down with Albert Douer, CEO of UBQ Materials, to explore how his company is revolutionizing waste management and tackling the global plastic crisis. Albert shares the journey behind UBQ’s innovative approach, from overcoming skepticism to building trust in new technologies. Learn how UBQ is transforming household waste into valuable materials, creating a ripple effect that could reshape industries worldwide. Join us for a deep dive into the future of sustainable solutions and the challenges of pioneering new technologies.
Tune in to discover how UBQ is making the world a greener place, one ton of waste at a time.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Albert Douer’s journey in addressing plastic waste
05:36 Transforming polystyrene foam into school supplies
07:44 UBQ Materials: Recycling 100% of black bag waste
13:07 Revolutionary recycling technology
17:03 The UBQ Matrix: How it works
21:24 UBQ’s plastic alternatives in various industries
26:31 Scaling sustainable tech: Challenges and lessons
32:30 New Holland facility processing 110,000 tons of waste
33:59 The value of strong partnerships and investors
38:08 Educating potential customers on UBQ’s impact
42:18 Economic competitiveness and growth potential
Ever wondered what it takes to scale a battery manufacturing company from one gigawatt to five in just five years? In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I sit down with Priyadarshi Panda, CEO of the International Battery Company, to explore the transformative power of energy storage technology.
Priyadarshi shares his vision of leading the global energy transition through manufacturing excellence and innovation. We delve into the company's ambitious goals, including scaling from one gigawatt to five gigawatts within five years, and their roadmap to reach up to 20 gigawatts in the next decade.
We also discuss the critical role of patient and collaborative capital in building long-term tech giants, and the importance of strategic, step-by-step execution in achieving these monumental goals. Tune in to hear how the International Battery Company is setting the stage for a sustainable future and revolutionizing the way we think about energy storage.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:43 Priyadarshi Panda’s Education and Career Journey
06:40 Vision and Goals of the International Battery Company
10:12 Designing for an Ignored and Neglected Customer Base
16:18 Limitations of Current Battery Technology and New Approaches
23:00 Major Influences Shaping Priyadarshi’s Thinking
26:49 Pilot Facility in South Korea
29:58 Plans to Build a Gigafactory in India and Future Plans
33:07 Key Factors Contributing to IBC's Success
Is 3D-printed meat the future of our food? In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I sit down with Arik Kaufman, CEO and Founder of Steakholder Foods, to delve into the fascinating world of cultured meat. Arik shares his insights on the industry's rapid evolution, from its nonexistence just a few years ago to the cutting-edge technology driving it today.
We explore the significant hurdles faced in scaling cultured meat production, including the high costs inherited from the pharmaceutical industry and the technological challenges of 3D printing a steak that tastes just like the real thing. Arik also discusses the financial strategies required to survive in the market, comparing public and private funding, and the crucial role of government support in ensuring the industry's growth and sustainability.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of food, sustainability, and innovation. Don't miss it!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:04 Arik’s professional journey
04:01 Starting a company to create 3D meat
07:15 Vision and goals for the Steakholder Foods
09:31 Developing cost-effective cultured meat technology
13:57 Challenges of a cultured meat producing company
17:21 Pros and cons of being a public company
20:20 Culture meat industry requires mature support
22:34 Countries that are supported of cultured meat production
23:25 The fear of a potentially disruptive technology
27:26 What would Arik do differently when he started?
28:59 Commercializing 3D food printing technology
31: 15 Future plans and strategic partnerships
33:11 From B-to-C to B-to-B business model
34:16 Easy integrations with the factories
36:15 Competition and challenges of being a CEO
39:35 The industry's potential, improved products, and market evolution
How can technology solve the wildfire crisis and save our forests?
In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I talk with Allison Wolff, CEO of Vibrant Planet, about leveraging technology to tackle the wildfire crisis and preserve our forests. Allison shares insights into her team's innovative strategies, from AI-driven wildfire management to conserving biodiversity and water sources.
We also explore the history and current state of Western US woodlands and the role of top tech experts from companies like Meta in addressing climate change.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the power of technology in forest conservation.
TechForGood #ForestConservation #WildfireManagement #ClimateAction
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
03:15 - Allison Wolff's career journey
10:45 - Tech-driven solutions for wildfire management
20:30 - The rise and fall of the Western US woodlands
30:00 - Transforming bureaucratic systems with top tech experts
40:45 - Future goals and vision for Vibrant Planet
How is AI and innovation transforming the mining industry?
In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, I'm joined by Corrado De Gasperis, CEO of Comstock, a trailblazer in the mining industry who is leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainability and efficiency. Corrado shares his insights on pioneering breakthrough innovations that have the potential to make a global impact.
We dive into Comstock's rigorous selection process for high-impact technologies, focusing on those that promise both technological readiness and economic feasibility. From renewable water treatment generating clean hydrogen to advancements in material sciences and AI, Comstock is at the forefront of transformative innovation in mining and beyond.
Corrado also highlights the crucial criteria for successful innovation, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative and logical approach over hierarchical and rigid structures. He provides a fascinating glimpse into the future, discussing the potential revolutions in quantum computing and neural computing that could drive unprecedented progress.
Tune in to hear Corrado De Gasperis's optimistic vision for the future and learn how Comstock is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in climate tech and the mining industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and global impact.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:22 Two key factors that shaped Corrado professionally
04:53 Fixing and transforming industrial companies
10:17 Committing to de-carbonization
15:04 Three different businesses within Comstock
18:49 Cooperation with Gen Matt in launching a satellite
21:44 Using AI to analyze satellite data for geological exploration
23:43 The Company's exceptional team of experts
27:29 Investing in early-stage tech companies with potential for global impact
31:18 Evaluating the technology readiness and economic feasibility before investing
36:05 Future innovation and de-carbonization goals for Comstock
40:57 Attracting public and private equity investors
Hydrogen's potential is vast, but so are the hurdles. Baruch Halpert, CEO of Electriq Global, joins me on this week’s Leaders on a Mission to dive into their cutting-edge innovative hydrogen carrier, which acts like coffee powder for a coffee machine. This groundbreaking solution simplifies the storage, transport, and use of hydrogen in off-grid applications, making green hydrogen more accessible and practical.
Baruch shares his unique analogy of starting a business being like leveling up in a video game, where each challenge becomes more complex. Electriq is currently focusing on gaining commercial traction and achieving product-market fit, specifically in replacing diesel generators for backup power in critical sectors like data centers and hospitals.
Emphasizing the importance of practicality, Baruch advises against falling in love with technology itself, but rather focusing on its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Electriq ensures their systems meet the critical needs of users who depend on dependable emergency power solutions.
Tune in to hear how Baruch Halpert and Electriq are leading the way in sustainable energy innovation. Discover the insights and strategies driving their success in the green hydrogen market.
Timestamps:
01:56 Baruch Halpert and his career path
06:29 Getting very early or very late into the game
08:46 Investing in hydrogen energy
15:35 Electriq Global and benefits of storing hydrogen as powder
21:19 Developing technology for releasing hydrogen from the powder
25:36 The challenge of getting commercial traction
27:41 Data centers as a good product market fit
32:44 Scaling the technology - market demand and geopolitical factors
37:13 The challenge of hiring talent for innovative projects
How can we tackle the urgent challenge of global food waste, where every minute, we waste enough food to feed over one million people.
Tune in to this episode of Leaders on a Mission with Moody Soliman, CEO of Ryp Labs for an inspiring conversation on innovation and sustainability in the fight against food waste.
Moody explains how Ryp Labs is addressing this colossal issue with a simple yet powerful solution: a natural, food-grade bioactive sticker. This sticker can be applied anywhere along the supply chain, extending the shelf life of fresh produce without interfering with its natural ripening process. Whether it's blueberries or strawberries, Ryp Labs' technology ensures that one sticker can protect an entire container of fruit, making it a versatile and scalable solution.
Moody also shares insights on the importance of choosing the right investors and exploring diverse funding sources to maintain leverage and freedom in their mission.
FoodWaste# Innovation #Sustainability #Leadership #PodcastInterview
Timestamps:
01:49 Introduction to Moody Solomon, CEO of Ripe Labs
06:40 Reducing waste with a new technology
11:31 Key milestones and challenges so far
15:08 Belgium facilities and communication challenges
18:43 Developing new technology with the right people and mindset
23:05 How does this new technology work?
26:03 The efficiency and advantages of this new technology
30:45 The vision of the company
33:39 Who are the customers of this technology?
35:50 Fundraising strategies - timing and investor selection
42:01 Building a culture of passion and drive
Have you ever imagined that bacteria could revolutionize the protein in your next burger? This may soon be a reality thanks to one pioneering start-up.
In this episode, meet Bryan Tracy – the CEO of Superbrewed Food and an entrepreneur developing the world's first commercial bacterial food ingredient. Through fermentation, his company cultivates microbes into a protein-packed biomass.
Through fermentation, Brian cultivates microbes into an 85% protein-rich biomass. But the journey from lab to grocery stores has not been easy
Hear how Brian overcame regulatory hurdles to gain FDA approval for this unprecedented ingredient. Discover the challenges of partnering with big food brands and finicky investors.
Now, Bryan is partnering with leading food companies to incorporate his microbial macronutrient into everyday products. Soon, you might find it enhancing your snacks, beverages, and meat alternatives.
Tune in to discover how one entrepreneur is on a mission to turn microbes into a mainstream nutrition source. Explore Bryan's ambitious vision to produce this sustainable protein on a global, industrial scale. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on Leaders on a Mission.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:24 Bryan’s professional journey
05:39 Making a microorganism a valuable product
09:12 Selling bacteria biomass as a nutritional food ingredient
11:05 Superbrewed Food and its vision
14:51 The challenge of developing a market for a product
18:01 Postbiotic cultured protein as macronutrient ingredient
21:06 How can postbiotic cultured protein be used?
22:42 Partnerships to bring the product to the market
26:51 Challenges in partnering with big corporations and investors
30:52 Innovation and growth in the food industry
35:28 Plans for the next 10 years
The cement industry is responsible for a staggering 8% of global CO2 emissions, heavily relying on coal furnaces for production. Most see this as a daunting problem, but Carbon Upcycling views it as a groundbreaking opportunity. This innovative climate startup is turning emissions into the raw materials of the future.
In this episode, we sit down with Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling, to delve into the urgent issues his company is tackling. Learn how Apoorv transitioned from an engineering graduate to a pioneering leader in the fight against cement's substantial carbon footprint. Discover their groundbreaking process of capturing CO2 from smokestacks and transforming it into eco-friendly building materials.
Explore how Carbon Upcycling is scaling its carbon capture technology from the laboratory to commercial plants, and how they're now setting their sights on revolutionizing the entire cement industry through electrification.
Tune in to understand their vision of converting emissions from a liability into a sustainable asset. If Carbon Upcycling succeeds, it could pave the way for heavy industries to operate in a low-carbon world, showcasing a transformative approach to tackling climate change.
Timestamps:
01:03 Introduction to Apoorv Sinha
01:48 Aproov Sinha’s background
03:07 Motivation to work in sustainability
05:00 Entrepreneurship and Carbon Upcycling
09:08 Technology that sequesters industrial CO2
13:17 Carbon Upcycle’s key goals and milestones
16:32 Scaling up carbon capture technology
21:16 Decarbonizing cement industry
25:10 The performance of carbon upcycled materials
30:07 Challenges in scaling carbon utilization projects
35:17 Company’s vision and culture
38:50 An advice to a climate tech start-up CEO
Nigel Sharp, a serial entrepreneur with a social conscience created Aquagga to solve a great contamination issue. PFAS ( (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are highly toxic man-made “forever” chemicals that have migrated into the air, soil, and water.
Today, nearly all Americans have PFAS in their blood, with over 200 million people potentially drinking PFAS-impacted water
Nigel’s small team is battling PFAS - "forever chemicals" contaminating communities everywhere. Tune in to hear how their pressure-cooker technology is destroying PFAS at an industrial scale, completing the largest treatment project to date.
From early milestones to partnerships with the EPA and DOD, discover Aquagga's story of innovation against all odds. Uncover how they're scaling up to remediate pollution and protect billions from this trillion-dollar contamination crisis.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Nigel’s career development
03:21 A trip to Armenia and TUMO project
06:00 Building businesses to make an impact
07:26 The beginnings of Aquagga
10:50 PFAs chemicals, their dangers, and global impact
16:48 Legal actions against corporations
18:54 Developing technology that destroys PFAS
23:31 Scaling as a company – key milestones
29:00 The biggest challenges as a CEO
33:36 The most liked and disliked parts of being CEO
36:47 The impact in the next 10 years
Through a pioneering process of microbial fermentation, David Henstrom and Unibio are harnessing the power of nature's alchemists - microbes - to produce protein. No land needed, their breakthrough technology utilizes methane in a novel "gas-liquid brewing" approach.
But scaling challenges loom large. Hear how David overcame the valley of death after 27 years as a biotech intrapreneur. Discover his journey of commercializing this planet-friendly nutrition source through global partnerships.
Learn how Unibio plans to transform the future of food production through its boundless microbial protein. Tune in now!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:19 The main forces that shaped David
04:08 David’s career path and 27 years in Cargill
10:32 Unibio and finding the boundless source of protein
13:40 The challenges and future goals of the company
16:13 The importance of aquaculture
18:44 The process of fermentation and growing of protein
20:05 The journey from Cargill to Unibio
25:59 The future of precision fermentation technology
28:11 Cultural aspects of working in a Danish company
30:08 A mission-driven company requires passion
31:56 How to create a great company culture
Marc Washington, a health entrepreneur, was inspired by his sister's tragic passing to help others live healthier. Now, his startup Supergut is riding the wave of interest in appetite control to promote natural solutions.
You'll discover how Supergut has evolved its vision from gut health to leveraging the "Ozempic conversation". Learn how the founder reinvented operations to break even after a difficult period. Find out their plans to raise capital and expand distribution nationwide.
Gain insights into iterating a company's focus and products for increased accessibility. Get a behind-the-scenes look at iterating, fundraising, and honoring a legacy at this health startup striving to transform lives.
Tune in now!
Timestamps:
04:27 Marc Washington’s story
11:02 Entrepreneurship, experience, and resilience
14:20 Starting a company and rebranding it
19:26 Decision-making as an entrepreneur
24:21 SuperGut and its prebiotic products
26:39 GLP-1 hunger resisting, insulin response hormone
31:47 Where to buy?
33:28 Company’s vision and aspirations
37:16 Scaling and growth of the company
41:44 Building a team and creating a company culture
Our guest today is Scott May, the Head of MISTA, a unique innovation platform bringing food companies and the startup ecosystem together. Scott has seen the challenges in our food system up close and is on a mission to transform how we eat and farm. After discovering his passion for food science, he has dedicated his career to innovating sustainable solutions as a food tech pioneer.
Hear Scott's inspiring journey - from his early days in university to founding innovation hub MISTA. Discover the model he's developed to help startups and big companies collaborate on tackling issues like health, environment, and affordability.
You will learn:
- Scott's journey from chemical engineering to founding MISTA and his mission to transform our food system through science and sustainability.
- How MISTA helps startups commercialize new technologies by connecting them with big companies and spinning off new ventures.
- Practical tips for food entrepreneurs on navigating industry challenges with resilience and self-care.
Don't miss Scott's predictions on what's ahead in 2024 either. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of food.
Timestamps:
04:21 Introduction to Scott May
05:35 What fuels Scott’s passion?
07:00 Working for Givaudan, a global leader in flavors and fragrancies
09:07 The launch of MISTA, an innovation platform for the food industry
13:31 What’s wrong with our food system?
15:47 Plant-based food innovation and evolution
21:31 Attracting consumers and engaging with younger generations
24:17 Regenerative Innovation in MISTA
29:53 The strategic membership model of MISTA
32:26 Spinning off new brands outside the corporate structure
35:02 Communicating with the market
37:24 The advice to startups for 2024
40:56 Mental health and burnout
44:51 Predictions for 2024
Cambrium CEO Mitchell Duffy is on a mission to reduce our dependence on petrochemicals and animal-derived products through the power of biology. In this episode, Mitchell discusses his journey from PhD researcher to entrepreneur, and his vision to create sustainable innovation by creating biobased high performance molecules
Learn how Cambrium produces sustainable vegan collagen at scale to replace animal byproducts. Also, discover their plans to design revolutionary new biomaterials that outperform existing chemicals.
For anyone interested in the potential of biotech and synthetic biology to solve our biggest environmental problems, this interview provides an inspiring look inside one startup's work to create a truly circular economy through the most advanced manufacturing process on Earth - biology.
Timestamps:
09:16 Introduction to Mitchell Duffy and Cambrium
10:23 Mitchell’s major influences
13:04 Career path in science and entrepreneurship
16:28 Cambrium and the problems it wants to solve
18:31 Reducing waste material in the meat industry
20:50 PhD work on collagen and production of vegan collagen
29:03 Investors and growth of a company
31:12 The mission, vision, and scaling
39:22 Company culture and team integration
42:09 Startup ecosystem in Europe
44:37 Communication and the reality of remote work
49:45 The benefits of mentors and advisors
51:15 Mitchell’s wildest hopes and dreams
In this episode, we have an interesting conversation with Johan Cardoen, a Biotech executive who started his career in 1988, with Plant Genetic Systems which was the first biotech company in Belgium. Since then, he played a very important role in the growth and the evolution of the Belgium biotech ecosystem.
Johan Cardoen shares how he grew Crop Design into an acquisition target through strategic deal-making. Tune in to hear how he led a young startup through an acquisition process in just 10 weeks after creating multiple exit options. Get insider tips for navigating challenges in sustainable agriculture commercialization.
Learn how regulatory hurdles stifle innovation and what it takes to succeed as an ag-tech entrepreneur. Discover the untapped potential of biologicals and new breeding technologies to build a resilient food system.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Highlights of Johan Cardoen’s career
06:41 Creating options for a company's exit strategy
11:46 VIB's role in developing Belgium's life science ecosystem
18:51 Agriculture vs. Non-agriculture in VIB
22:38 The greatest need for agriculture innovation
25:53 The challenges of innovative start-ups
28:57 Regulatory challenges and European debates
31:59 A message for start-up companies
Today, I sit down with the one and only Henrietta Moon, CEO and Co-founder of Carbo Culture, a climate technology company pioneering for scalable biochar carbon removal solution.
Henrietta’s passion for the environment was ignited during her time as a scout and sailing trips, witnessing the deterioration of natural environments. Originally on track for international relations, she found herself drawn to entrepreneurship, co-founding Carbo Culture after participating in NASA's Singularity University program.
With a team of passionate individuals, Carbo Culture fosters a culture of trust, independence, and innovation. Having recently closed a Series A round of funding, the company prepares for expansion while staying true to its mission of making a tangible impact on climate change. Henrietta’s dream? To witness Carbo Culture’s pivotal role in reshaping the carbon management landscape.
Let’s build the future we want to live in. Tune in for the full conversation!
What you’ll get out of this episode:● Learn how biochar technology offers a powerful solution for carbon removal, contributing to global climate efforts.
● Henrietta's journey from a background in international relations to becoming a leader in climate technology entrepreneurship.
● Explore Carbo Culture's mission to achieve gigaton-scale carbon removal and revolutionize the carbon management landscape.
● Gain insights into the innovative technology behind Carbo Culture's biochar carbon removal process and its potential impact.
● Learn how biochar technology offers a powerful solution for carbon removal, contributing to global climate efforts.
● Henrietta's journey from a background in international relations to becoming a leader in climate technology entrepreneurship.
● Explore Carbo Culture's mission to achieve gigaton-scale carbon removal and revolutionize the carbon management landscape.
● Gain insights into the innovative technology behind Carbo Culture's biochar carbon removal process and its potential impact.
Learn more about Carbo Culture:
Website: https://carboculture.com/
LinkedIn: Carbo Culture
X: @carboculture
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: Henrietta Moon
X: @PiaHenriettaM
Instagram: piahenriettamoon
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CS Partners Website | www.cs-partners.net
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00:00 - Introduction
02:01 - Henrietta's background and influences leading to her role in Carbo Culture
04:48 - Early days of the startup ecosystem in Finland
05:52 - Meeting the co-founder and the inception of Carbo Culture
07:24 - Starting Carbo Culture in late 2016 and the journey since then
09:53 - Research origins and scaling up of the technology
13:10 - Carbo Culture's vision and mission for carbon removal
16:28 - Funding and partnerships for deploying Carbo Culture facilities
16:51 - Potential for carbon credits and marketplace development
17:10 - Business model and revenue streams for Carbo Culture
18:03 - Potential regulatory changes in carbon removal markets
19:29 - Benefits and applications of biochar in soil
Summary:
In this episode of Leaders on a Mission, CEO Shely Aronov discusses how her company InnerPlant is revolutionizing agriculture through real-time plant stress detection. By giving crops a way to optically signal when under attack from fungi and other threats, Inner Plant is transforming farming from an industry of guesses into one powered by data.
Tune in to hear how their technology means farmers can pinpoint problems within days instead of weeks, helping boost yields and reduce waste. Shely also shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges of scaling an AgTech startup while maintaining focus on the customer. It's a fascinating discussion on empowering plants to share secrets that can supercharge farming as we know it.
Timestamps:
01:10 Early influences, military, and Stanford
04:53 World Bank funded project in Columbia
06:15 Building a team, gaining trust, and avoiding biases
09:33 Starting a hummus brand regret
12:13 Bio sensors and communicating with plants
18:20 The importance of early stress detection
19:28 Pathogens and overuse of pesticides
21:43 The benefits of this technology for farmers
26:22 What does the future hold?
30:50 The challenges to overcome
Ever wonder what happens to all the leftover corncobs and wheat stalks after harvest? For most farms, it's waste. But for The Supplant Company, it's the key ingredient in a revolution.
Founded by scientist Tom Simmons, this food tech startup is developing sustainable sugar replacements from agricultural byproducts. Hear how their unique process creates healthier ingredients that mimic sugar's texture while slashing calories.
Discover the challenges of scaling up production and partnering with major brands to cut sugar in everything from muffins to cookies. Get an inside look at their journey from university labs to Silicon Valley pitches.
Most intriguing, learn how harnessing one of our most abundant yet overlooked resources could transform farming and our food system. If you want your future sweets to be less sweet on people and the planet, this story of academic innovation turned industry disruption is one you won't want to miss.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:23 Tom’s background, family, and academic career
07:10 Using corncobs as agricultural waste for making sugar
11:36 Reducing bulk ingredients' impact on health and climate
18:57 Academic research and starting a company
21:39 Scaling up a sustainable food tech company
22:45 The biggest challenges as CEO
27:07 Marketing and branding for a food tech company
31:10 Fundraising and team dynamics in a food tech startup
In this episode, AgroSpheres CEO Payam Pourtaheri discusses how he tackled pesticide issues using RNA technology for crop protection. He shares challenges, including target specificity and scale-up. Payam learned to voice disagreements and focused on encapsulation for potent biomolecules, differentiating from microbial approaches. Transitioning from a student project to a startup, Payam stresses the importance of funding, technology validation, and building credibility. He highlights the difficulty of gaining trust from major AgTech players, emphasizing it's tougher than securing venture capital.
Key successes include scaling up, obtaining field trial data, developing new products, and forming partnerships. Payam emphasizes making technology easily assimilable, production plans, and the challenge of building a diverse, collaborative team and inclusive company culture.
Payam aims to establish AgroSpheres itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture. He mentions that the company strives to pioneer the transition from chemicals to biologicals, seamlessly integrating them for a more sustainable future.
Are you ready to explore the world of AgroSpheres? Listen and help create better industry demands using safer solutions.
Episode Highlights:
Formation of AgroSpheres
Development of RNA Technology for crop protection
Payam shares his journey from a Student Project to a Startup
Partnerships with major players in the industry
Payam shares about challenges related to integrating the technology into existing practices, regulatory approval, and plans.
The importance of buy-in and collaboration within the team
The future of the company and enhancements
About our Guest:
Pourtaheri leads business development, oversees day-to-day operations, and directs regulatory and IP strategies for AgroSpheres. He graduated from UVA in 2016 with a background in nanomedicine, materials science, and chemistry. Payam is responsible for business development, daily operations, and guiding the company's regulatory and IP strategies. Additionally, he serves on the Board of CvilleBioHub and Venture Central.
He is the CEO and founder of AgroSpheres, an innovative AgTech company developing the next generation of environmentally friendly crop protection products.
Links Supporting This Episode:
AgroSpheres Website | www.agrospheres.com
Payam Pourtaheri LinkedIn | Payam Pourtaheri
AgroSpheres LinkedIn | AgroSpheres
Simon Leich LinkedIn | Simon Leich
CS Partners Website | www.cs-partners.net
From a KTH student to a visionary in green technology, Karim is changing the game to revolutionize eco-friendly chemical engineering for mass production.
In this episode, Karim Englemark Cassimjee, CEO and co-founder of EnginZyme. A Swedish startup with the vision to make the chemical industry green by unlocking the potential in enzymes. Karim opens up about the growing opportunities in the biotech sector, juxtaposed with the fundraising difficulties that companies often face. Karim provides a glimpse into EnginZyme's groundbreaking technology, centered around self-biomanufacturing using enzymes. The technology aims to transform chemicals into greener alternatives, offering catalysts, processes, and end products that surpass traditional methods in terms of both cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Karim discusses the challenges in scaling up operations and finding reliable partners, while EnginZyme remains dedicated to reducing CO2 emissions. He also talks about the company's aim to replace fossil-based products with bio-based alternatives, aspiring to become a go-to partner in the chemical industry for biosolutions.
Karim and EnginZyme are taking actionable steps to bring their vision to fruition. Listen and be inspired by the potential of EnginZyme's biosolutions in reshaping the future of the chemical industry and advancing sustainability goals.
Episode Highlights:
- The main forces that have shaped Karim's business trajectory
- The challenges and difficulties faced by EnginZyme in raising funds in the capital market
- The novelty of EnginZyme's technology and its ability to transform the chemical industry
- The current stage of progress in the world of industrial biotech and enzymes
- The ultimate vision of EnginZyme to have a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions by replacing fossil-based products with bio-based alternatives is emphasized.
- The tangible action items for Karim, including continuing to scale up technology, focusing on commercialization, identifying reliable manufacturing partners, and working towards reducing CO2 equivalents.
About our Guest:
Karim is the inventor of EnginZyme’s foundational technology and co-founded the company in 2014. He holds a PhD from KTH and a Postdoc from Stockholm University.
Links Supporting This Episode:
- EnginZyme Website | www.enginzyme.com
- Karim LinkedIn | Karim Engelmark Cassimjee
- Simon Leich LinkedIn | Simon Leich
- CS Partners Website | www.cs-partners.net
Episode 76:In this episode, Rob van Straten, CEO of Skytree, a cutting-edge climate technology company revolutionizes carbon capture using solid-state sorbent materials. Rob discusses the challenges Skytree addresses, emphasizing the urgency of carbon capture in combating climate change. He details the company's two innovative products: Cumulus, and Stratus. Skytree's vision includes the deployment of decentralized direct air capture systems strategically placed where CO2 is needed, disrupting the traditional method of transporting captured CO2.
Rob also touches on Skytree's journey, from finalizing tech designs to bringing them into production. Rob shares insights into the challenges of talent acquisition and their recognition and grants from the European EIC fund.
Rob and Skytree are dedicated to a purpose-driven impact through innovation. Tune in to learn about their commitment to revolutionize carbon capture and make a lasting difference.
Episode Highlights:
Rob shares his background and how he got involved with Skytree
Challenges in the climate technology sector addressed by Skytree
Skytree's foundation through the European Space Agency incubator program
CO2 utilization in industries like food production, agriculture, and transportation
Skytree aims to provide decentralized systems, Cumulus and Stratus
The tech development process at Skytree and its growth structure
Future expansion into sustainable aviation fuels and protein production
About our Guest:
As CEO of Skytree, Rob van Straten is driving the implementation of Skytree's strategy to build and deliver Decentralized Direct Air Capture products for Carbon Utilization and Removal to global markets.
As an experienced global executive, Rob has a track record of leading high-growth companies from scale-up to enterprise level in both publicly traded and private business environments. Rob's background across the sustainability spectrum includes e-mobility as well as governance, risk, and compliance solutions for operational risks and workplace health and safety as well as compliance and ethics education to millions of workers worldwide.
Rob is committed to making a positive societal impact by developing companies and products that provide strong economic value while helping to reduce carbon footprints and combating climate change.
Links Supporting This Episode:
Skytree Website | www.skytree.eu
Rob van Straten LinkedIn | Rob van Straten
Simon Leich LinkedIn | Simon Leich
CS Partners Website | www.cs-partners.net
When Barbara Mazur, finished her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics, Agricultural Biotech did not exist. Barbara was working in a central research group at Dupont, before the opportunity of developing a research and application group for biotechnologies in the commercial crop space. Barbara loved working with science and was initially reluctant to assume management and leadership responsibility for the group, thinking she may miss the day-to-day hands-on scientific input. She thrived in her role and made a name for herself as one of the most respected Ag Biotech scientific leaders with a lifetime of achievements. It was a real pleasure to have her as a guest on the Leaders on a Mission podcast where we discussed her career within Agriculture, and I appreciated hearing her views and opinions on a variety of different topics.
When Aether Bio raised USD 49 mio in a Series A a few months ago, it provided much-needed good news across the synbio sector. I was so curious about the technology and the differentials between companies like Gingko. I wanted to understand how they built a novel material that could theoretically improve lithium production in the US by 30 times. Thanks so much to Pavle Jeremić, CEO and Founder of Aether Bio, for coming onto this week's Leaders on a Mission podcast and sharing his incredibly vibrant and passionate journey. We covered so much ground, including how he created Aether's revolutionary nanoscale platform to deliver cheaper, faster, and greener solutions than any current technology or process on the market. The challenges of fundraising in the current environment, how he was weeks away from running out of cash, and his vision in helping Synbio address scarcity challenges by engineering enzymes to create novel products for a sustainable future
Thanks to Todd Rands, CEO of Elo Life Systems for coming onto this week’s leaders on a mission podcast. Todd emphasized Elo’s mission and vision to solve big global health issues, such as the obesity crisis, and how he is growing a next-generation ingredient company that can take rare sugars that exist in nature, and re-create them naturally, leveraging modern advancement in biotechnology and breeding. Todd shared some great perspectives and learnings about building a great culture, the differences and challenges of working for a start-up, and how his breadth of experience helped him to thrive in early-stage environments.
Thanks to Maria Cho, CEO of Triplebar, for a great discussion on this week's leaders on a mission podcast. As the CEO of an early-stage venture-backed Synthetic Biology Company, Maria spoke about her entrepreneurial journey and the excitement and uniqueness of early-stage environments building high-performance teams aligned with a mission to help provide solutions for a healthier world. With Triplebar developing solutions for nutrition and healthcare, using cutting-edge bioengineering tools, Maria outlined how AI and machine learning coupled with high throughput screening enables them to test millions of potential world-changing molecules in the time it usually takes to search mere thousands.
I feel inspired after talking with Ali Wing, CEO of Oobli, on this week's Leaders on a Mission podcast. Oobli is on a mission to change the world with sweet proteins and has created a breakthrough precision fermentation platform to unlock the power of sweet proteins in foods. Ali shares her vision and mission for the company, discussing the future of sweet-tasting foods without the chronic disease and obesity associated with excess sugar consumption. Ali shares the insights from a varied career across the intersection of consumer goods, retail, and technology and shares the value in having experience from outside of the industry you are disrupting, as opposed to being an industry expert.
With over 70% of the world’s wild fish stock depleted due to overfishing, Aquaculture has become a necessity, ensuring demand for fresh fish consumption is met. On this week’s episode of leaders of a mission, I discussed with Stian Rognlid, CEO of Aquaticode, his vision for innovation using Artificial Intelligence to solve significant Aquaculture challenges, whilst providing cost-efficient alternatives to subjective models and manual processes. Artificial Intelligence can recognize patterns with incredible accuracy in the blink of an eye, and Stian talks through his vision and mission for how this can help the food system feed the worlds growing population
Thanks so much to Josh March, CEO and co-founder of SCiFi Foods, for coming onto this week’s Leaders on a Mission podcast to share his unique journey. Josh has been obsessed with cultivated meat since he read about it in a science fiction book over fifteen years ago. Using a unique scientific approach, SCiFi Foods is the first company in the world to successfully grow beef cells in suspension, allowing it to reduce the cost of cultivated beef by 1000 x. As a serial entrepreneur from a Tech background, we delve into the differences and challenges in running a Biotech company and adopting to the steep learning curve. As the industry grapples with a challenging cost profile, Josh outlines his vision and strategy to bring great-tasting cultivated beef to the marketplace.
Congratulations to Ari Melamud and the Incredo team (formerly Doumatok) on their recent Series C investment. I had the great pleasure of hosting Ari on this week’s episode of Leaders on a Mission, where we discussed the company’s unique approach and technology in making great-tasting foods whilst curbing the overconsumption of sugar. Ari reflects on his responsibility, deep purpose, and fulfillment in working for a mission-driven company and the challenges and differences in working for a start-up. Ari highlights the health and sustainability challenges caused by our sugar addiction and how he sees the company commercializing great-tasting, healthier-for-planet products.
Thanks to Dr ilan Samish, CEO and Founder of Amai Proteins, an Israeli Foodtech start-up that has developed the first sugar substitute that tastes just like sugar by redesigning sweet proteins found in the jungle and producing them for mass consumption. As an expert in computational protein design & genetics, and with a stellar academic career, he followed his heart and passion moving into the start-up world, with a mission of helping ween the world off its addiction to sugar. ilan shared many nuggets of great wisdom, as opened up about his personal journey and mission
I loved this week’s leaders on a mission conversation with Michelle Zhu, CEO and co-founder of Huue, a biotechnology start-up making sustainable dyes such as indigo blue – Think denim, and instead of using toxic chemicals, they turn sugar into a dye. When Michelle met up with an old friend Tammy Hsue from their Stanford days and started learning about the usage of toxic chemicals for color production within the fashion industry, they joined forces with a vision to disrupt the fashion industry at a moment when demand for sustainability is at an all-time high. Michelle shares the journey and challenges of a first-time start-up CEO, offering some great advice
Thanks so much to Rob Hranac, CEO of Pattern Ag for coming on this week’s leaders on a mission show. By utilizing breakthroughs in genomic sequencing Pattern provides predictions about next seasons pest, disease and fertility risk to crops. Rob talks through the importance of healthy soils which are critical not just for food production, but also for climate change mitigation. Rob outlines some of the challenges as a first time CEO, and the importance of building a great culture and team. Rob outlines his vision and goals for the company, and the opportunity to provide world class data insights and analytics helping farmers improve yields
It was a delight to discuss the opportunities for decarbonizing the chemical industry with Matt Lipscomb, CEO and Founder of DMC Biotechnologies. Matt talks through some fundamental lessons from the early 2000s biofuel journey and the opportunities for precision fermentation to accelerate the journey to Net Zero. Matt talks through his journey and vision in building a scalable biomanufacturing platform offering a path to transforming how the world produces chemicals. Matt reflects on the challenges as a founding CEO across an industry that has struggled to execute its promises and potential.
What a pleasure to be joined on this week's leaders on a mission podcast by climate and food tech entrepreneur Nick Halla. We had a great discussion, covering his unique journey as the first employee of Impossible Foods. Nick talks about his passion for building a more environmentally sustainable world and the opportunities that food and agriculture have to make a massive impact in helping reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. Nick outlines the growth of the plant-based sector, talks about the current challenges, and how sees opportunities in the sector evolving. He offers great insight into fast business growth and some of the big challenges that came with it
What a pleasure having Andre Menezies, CEO and Co- Founder of Next Gen Foods come onto this week’s leaders on a mission podcast. We discussed his deep passion for learning, growing businesses across a myriad of sectors, and the exciting growth and opportunities for Next Gen foods to deliver exceptionally tasty plant based foods, making it easy for consumers to do good for the planet. Having closed over USD 130 million worth of capital, and having launched TINDLE internationally, Andre talks about the challenges in scaling startups, and about his mission and passion to transform the food sector
Innovation in the fields of robotics, autonomy, and deep learning across agriculture, was the focus of this week's leaders on a mission podcast with Paul Mikesell, CEO and Founder of Carbon Robotics, a mission-driven company pioneering sophisticated artificial intelligence technology, to help farmers improve crop quality and yield. As an entrepreneur and engineer, Paul spent over 20 years scaling and growing Tech companies, and I enjoyed hearing how he came to set up an Ag tech company and the opportunities to leverage innovation across Agriculture. Paul talks through some of the comparisons and challenges of creating products for agriculture, and the journey of scaling
Thanks so much to Steve Meller, CEO of CH4 Global, for coming on this week’s leaders on a mission podcast. Steve has a unique energy and is vastly experienced in many different fields and disciplines. With time ticking, and a rapid transformation in greenhouse gas emissions needed to limit climate disaster, Steve talks through CH4’s mission and vision to drastically reduce ruminant methane emissions through the coming decade. Having set ambitious goals to reduce the equivalent of one gigaton of CO2 equivalent in the next five years, he outlines how the company is leveraging proven science and technology for growing seaweed into innovative new livestock supplements that reduce methane produced by cows by up to 90%.
What a pleasure to welcome Yonatan Golan, Co-Founder, and CEO of Brevel, an Israeli FoodTech startup, on this week's leaders on a mission podcast show. Yonatan shares his passion for improving the world through sustainable nutrition and cutting-edge science. Yonatan talks through his vision of leading Brevel from a startup to a global innovation player, seizing up opportunities in using microalgae as a cost-competitive source for alternative protein production. Yonatan talks through the unique technology that differentiates Brevel from other algal companies, enabling them to go after the high-growth alternative protein marketplace
Great discussion on all things innovation in the food industry with Sharon Walbert, VP of Global Innovation at Bunge Loders Croklaan, on this week's leaders on a mission podcast. We spoke about some of the significant changes and trends within the food industry and how the industry is attracting new generational talent, with people attracted to creating an impact on changing the food system to help feed 8 billion people by 2050. Sharon offers some insights into the current state of the plant-based industry, offering some thoughts about how the industry will evolve. We speak about Bunge and collaborations with small entrepreneurial companies and what they look for when assessing partnership models
Great conversation on this week's leaders on a mission podcast with Co-Founder and CEO of 3 Bar Biologics, Bruce Caldwell. Having spent 20 years at P&G, I was intrigued by his journey into the start-up world of Ag Tech, the soil microbiome, and his vision for a healthier world. Bruce gives some great insights into how shifting the fermentation paradigm has created an opportunity to develop technology enabling microbial products that work more effectively, delivering Lab like quality to the farmer's field.
As an internationally recognized leader in the AgTech world, I could have spoken for hours with AN Michiels on this week's leaders on a mission podcast. As a passionate promotor of innovation within AG Tech, An talked about the latest developments within Agriculture and how modern advances in Biotechnology and Breeding technologies are helping to drive a healthier and more sustainable future. She reflects on her career, talks through some big lessons and learnings, and offers excellent career advice for developing scientific leadership competence.
Check out this week's leaders on a mission podcast with David Bucca, CEO, and Founder of Change Foods. Having worked for over 13 years in the aerospace industry, David made a significant career change in 2017 to realign his professional purpose with his purpose. David talks through his vision for Change Foods, a US -Australian start-up with a laser approach to developing real dairy foods that delight the taste buds, nourish people and sustain the planet by using the magic of microbes instead of animals. David has an exciting vision and dream of a world with a thriving and sustainable food system that is kind to people, animals, and the planet
Thanks to JF Dechant, CEO, and co-founder of Elicit Plant, for coming onto this week's leaders on a mission show. Elicit Plant is an Ag tech innovator, producing plant-derived molecules that protect crops from drought. JF talks about his vision and mission and how the company is helping farmers manage adverse and worsening weather conditions. Coming from a career within the security and software industries, JF talks through some of the learning and challenges in adapting to the AgTech industry and how his entrepreneurial expertise is helping Elicit think ambitious and global.
Another fantastic conversation on this week's leaders on a mission podcast with Virginia Corless, CEO of MoA Technology, a disruptive Ag Tech company. Virginia explains MoA's mission to feed the world's growing population efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Virginia presents the massive challenges farmers face managing herbicide-resistant weeds and how MoA was created to solve this issue by creating compelling, new-world herbicides. She talks through her journey and learnings as a first-time CEO and outlines her vision for how MoA can help alleviate the climate emergency.
What a great pleasure to host Debbie Yaver, Chief Science Officer of Nature's Fynd, on this week's leaders on a mission podcast, where we went deep into the world of microbes and protein expression. We explored Debbie's career and leadership journey and her passion for science. We spoke about innovation and the exciting technologies helping companies like Nature's Fynd feed the world's 10 billion people by 2050.
What a pleasure to host Jason Kakoyiannis, Managing Partner and creator of Ferment Co, a company creation studio dedicated to the next wave of synthetic biology product companies. Jason has been building companies at the edge of possibility, and we explored his unique background (not many end up in Biotech with a Ph.D. in art history), his unique perspective on the future of Synthetic Biology, and his vision for creating innovative companies that are solving some of the worlds big problems, about climate change and sustainability.
A big thank you to Rachel Konrad for coming on to this week's leaders on a mission podcast. Having spent the last decade of her career leading communications for some of the world's most disruptive companies, from Tesla, to Impossible Foods, she has lots to share about building world-class disruptive companies committed to making the world a better place. She shares her fascinating story and career and offers excellent advice to companies serious about building a disruptive brand. I loved how Pat Brown, founder of Impossible Foods, convinced her that she was in the wrong industry, and by joining the food industry, she would make more impact than working in the car industry's electrification.
In this episode, I am joined by Giovanni Battistini, innovation champion and founder of Phenotap, a disruptive wellness technology company. He reflects on his career, which took him through designing military systems from the navy and into the world of nutrition and wellness, talking through some of the principles of leading innovation across different industries. Gio explained some of the challenges and innovation work he conducted in helping reduce the burden of sugar overconsumption and associated health challenges impacting society. He talks through his dreams and vision for Phenotap, a company he recently founded, and talks about how the revolutionary technology can impact consumer wellness
In this episode, I am joined by Eric O'Brien, co-founder and Managing Director of Fall Line Capital, a specialist investor in both Farmland and AgTech. Eric reflected on some of his fundamental values, shaped by his parents' sacrifices. Having embarked on a successful career in venture investment, he outlined his journey into Agricultural investment with his partner Clay Mitchell. Eric spoke about Fall Line's investment thesis and some of the market's significant technology-themed growth segments.
In this episode, I am joined by Brad Ringeisen, Executive Director at the Innovative Genomics Institut, founded by Jennifer Doudna, to advance genome engineering to cure disease and ensure food security. As a pioneer in live-cell printing, Brad talks through his passion for applied science and innovation, helping support groundbreaking research during his time at DARPA, deploying billions into novel science and technologies, including mRNA vaccines, synthetic biology, and a whole of disruptive innovations. Brad talks through the mission and vision for the Innovative Genomics Institute and the opportunity to help use genomics technology to help create a healthier, sustainable, and more equitable world
In this episode, I am joined by Graham Ellis, Partner of Agri-FoodTech Venture Capital at Praesidium.
Graham discusses his passion and journey for bringing new technologies to market, talking through some of the learnings while working at Honeywell, and his transition to San Francisco, working in the start-up and Industrial Biotechnology revolution. Pivoting from fuels to food and cosmetics, Graham reflected on his experience gained at Solazyme/TerraVia, which paved his way to founding an Agri-FoodTech fund. Graham speaks about specific areas of interest and investment and how to support mission-driven companies and founders creating climate impact. Graham offers insights into the current marketplace and compares and contrasts European and US business environments. Graham provides a thoughtful and articulate view of what needs to happen for humanity to prevail.
In this episode, I am joined by Eli Ziskind, Partner at Aqua Capital, a private equity firm investing in sustainable Agribusiness and Food Production. Eli talks about how growing up in Israel fostered his love of entrepreneurialism and his early passion for agriculture. Eli reflected on his career, where there was an excellent opportunity for growth and disruption across Ag, leading him to advise on several high-profile IPOs and big industry deals. Eli outlined why he joined Aqua and his vision for helping support the growth of sustainable and agricultural innovations. He highlighted market segments of growth and his view on how the market will evolve in the next ten years
In this episode, I am joined by Adam Anders, Managing Partner of Anterra Capital, a high-impact venture fund backing entrepreneurs building a healthier food system. Adam talks through his career journey, from humble beginnings on a farm in a tiny rural town in Australia to cofounding Anterra Capital with an innovative investment thesis empowering farmers to feed the world while restoring the health of our environment. Adam discusses the current innovation landscape and looks at future opportunities to help sustain the world's growing population.
In this episode, I am joined by Luc Mathis, CEO of Meiogenix, a disruptive AgBiotech breeding company, helping Agriculture adjust to climate change and move away from adding chemicals to fields. Luc talks through his journey as a postdoctoral researcher to a start-up CEO position. Luc speaks candidly about the work-life challenges and traveling schedule that caused burnout. He outlined the importance of crucial mentors who helped him along the journey and talked about the mission and vision for Meiogenix, the disruptive technology, and his vision for a healthier agricultural and food system. We discussed the innovation opportunities and collaborations for the company, as well as the recent Series A successful funding round led by Sofinnova Partners
In this episode, I am joined by Jasmin Hume, Founder, and CEO of Shiru, a Food Biotech start-up, passionate about creating the future of food and helping feed the worlds growing population by using less of the land's resources. From a Ph.D. in protein engineering, she outlines her journey in becoming a first-time CEO and founder and some of the critical influences that helped shape her values and ideals. She spoke about the importance of great role models and her vision for a sustainable food system. She explained her purpose and mission at Shiru and how the technology can create novel new world functional ingredients. She offers some great insights into the challenges she has faced and offers some excellent advice for aspirational entrepreneurs
In this episode, I am joined by Kris Wadrop, General Manager for the CPI, the UK-based not-for-profit Technology innovation center helping companies transition their manufacturing to a greener, more sustainable future. Kris outlined some of the challenges that small companies navigate when commercializing innovative and sustainable innovation. We discussed the growth of the food, nutrition, and Industrial biotechnology marketplace and how the CPI helps organizations on the technology readiness journey, paving the way for more companies to succeed in scaling up novel technologies.
In this episode, I am joined by Anthony Padgett, an international Agribusiness Executive. We reflected on his career conducting deals and business across the world, and the cultural differences and challenges as it related to integrating companies together. We explored the challenges and mindset of growing a company from scratch and some of his earlier experiences that helped him in the startup environment. We reflected on the major changes within the Ag sector, particularly related to the exciting business opportunities and the opportunities for innovation to help feed farmers, and consumers
In this week’s episode I am joined by Han Chen, CEO, and Co-Founder of Zeakal, a pioneering plant science company, with a strong mission in food security and meeting nutritional demands on a global scale. Han reflects on his path into venture capital and agriculture, and the importance of the very personal mentoring, by the late great Jerry Caulder who supported him as an entrepreneur and first time CEO. Han talks through his vision for a healthier world, and his commitment to bringing all parts of the ag value chain together. He highlights his journey as CEO of Zeakal, offering great advice to first time CEO’s, highlighting some of the important lessons he has learned along the way
In this week’s episode I am joined by Sekhar Boddupalli an Agri-FoodTech and Life Sciences visionary and entrepreneur. Sekhar shares the great influence of working with Nobel Laureate’s Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein on his career, as well as Johann Deisenhofofer for his work on plant photosynthesis. Sekhar talks through his career journey, and how he was able to leverage modern science and systems biology, to help drastically reduce breeding cycles, creating healthier and more nutritious and healthier crops. Sekhar talks passionately about the transformation of our food system, and how we are able to leverage the nutrient diversity to help prevent disease and illness. He talks about some of the major investment themes, and key trends and opportunities to help feed the worlds growing population, whilst reducing the social healthcare burden
In this week’s episode I am joined by Joško Bobanović, Partner at Sofinnova Partners, where he leads investments into Biotechnology enabled sustainable solutions across food, agriculture, materials and chemicals. Joško reflects on his early journey, the important values and interests that helped him find his path as an investor into niche applications of Biotech. Joško talks about some of the big consumer and government changes that have helped shape the marketplace and innovation opportunities. Joško compares and contrast’s European and US markets, and outlines how sees the role of venture partner beyond just capital. He talks about being on a journey of constant learning, and about the growth and future outlook of the industry
In this week’s episode I am joined by Amy Yoder, CEO of Anuvia Plant Nutrients, an AgriTech mission driven company producing plant nutrients that optimize plant health, improve soil health, whilst protecting the environment. Amy reflects on her career, and her early experiences on her family farm, which paved the way for a career in agriculture. She reflects on the journey and challenges in becoming a CEO, and outlines some of the big changes within the agricultural industry over the last 20 years. She outlines why she joined Anuvia, the challenges and differences in working for a startup, and outlines her bold mission and vision for the company. She explains about the novel technology that helps farmers achieve better yields with a sustainable and healthy footprint
In this week’s episode I am joined by Cain McClary, Founder and Managing Partner of KdT ventures, an early stage investor, deploying capital across deep tech and life sciences. Cain speaks candidly about his life’s journey, from physician/scientist, with a deep passion for innovative technology and science, to founding his own venture capital company. Cain outlines the values that are important to him, speaking about the importance of openness, transparency and kindness. Cain talks about his vision and mission for KdT ventures, about returns, performance, and the critical behaviors and traits he looks for when deploying capital. He speaks about the challenges of raising a fund, and finding the best deals
In this episode I am joined by Joel Stone, who has been a long-term visionary and respected leader in commercialization of industrial biotechnology. Joel talks about his early learnings and experiences that helped shape his passion for science and technology. He speaks about the major changes within the industry, and how synthetic biology is facilitating the bio revolution of the chemical industry. Joel speaks about the use of fermentation methods and practices to help mitigate climate change risks, enabling us to produce food whilst using less agricultural resources. Joel talks about the challenge’s organizations face in scaling technology and how he approaches growth and scaleup.
In this episode I am joined by Alex Hoffmann, where he is responsible for Frontier Tech & sustainability investments out of M Venture’s Science & technology fund. Alex talks about his early learnings and experiences that helped shape his values, and about his global mindset and passion for creativity and innovation. We spoke about the European eco-system for innovation and startups, how he deploys capital, and about Merck’s synergy and interest in the cell based, alternative protein space. Alex outlined how he likes to collaborate and partner with portfolio companies, and what he looks for from founding teams, prior to investing.
In this episode I am joined by Dan Cosgrove, CEO of Growers’ Edge, a visionary company combining FinTech and Agtech to help provide data backed financial technology solutions for the agricultural industry. Dan talks about his early influences and reflects on his career, which has seen him embrace risk and change, challenging himself to navigate and learn quickly along the journey. Dan explains the vision and mission for Growers Edge, and his plans for the company, as well as discussing the challenges as a first time CEO
In this episode I am joined by Ed Rogers, CEO and Co-Founder of Bonumose, a FoodTech start up, on a mission to make healthy sugar affordable for the mass market. Ed talks about some of his early learnings and experiences that helped shape his values, and his journey to becoming CEO and Co-Founder of Bonumose. He speaks about the novel methods for low cost production of high purity rare sugars, such as tagatose and allulose, from low cost plant-based feedstocks. He outlines his vision and mission for the company, his journey as a first time CEO, and speaks about some the key partnerships, that will be important to the company’s success
In this week’s episode, I am joined by Peter Hawthorne, a strategic, investment and governance leader and advisor, with deep expertise across the food, agribusiness and bio-industrials business segment. Having completed more than 35 Billion USD in M&A and investment transactions, Peter shares his wisdom and knowledge, about joint venturing, partnerships, and exploring the art of the possible within a deal. He outlines his early influences, and some of his career highlights, including the importance of mentoring, and people development. He outlines some of the high growth areas and opportunities that excite him within the marketplace
In this week’s episode I am joined by Fiona Edwards Murphy, CEO and Co-Founder of Apis Protect, an exciting mission driven startup company bringing ground-breaking technology to commercial beekeeping. Fiona talks about some of her early learnings and experiences that helped shape her passion for science and agriculture. She outlines her journey in taking ground-breaking sensor research into the agriculture field, and how she is creating novel and innovative solutions to help beekeepers monitor the health of there hives. She outlines the critical role of honey bees in food production, and the importance of pollinators, to keep up with the demands of an additional 2 billion people by 2050
In this week’s episode I am joined by Adam Bergman, Managing Director of EcoTech Capital, an advisory company, providing strategic and financial advice to senior executives working at the intersection of Agri-FoodTech, and Climate change. We explored some of the early learnings and experiences that helped shape Adam’s values. We explored Adam’s earlier career, exploring the growth of cleantech 1.0, to the current investment trends and interest in climate change technology, and particularly the landscape for Agri-FoodTech investment. He outlines the consumer trends driving the market, and the opportunities for early stage companies to secure long term funding options, including the growth of the SPAC market. Adam outlines growth areas, and opportunities for companies at the crucial interface of sustainability and innovation
In this week’s episode I am joined by Mark Herrema, CEO and Co-Founder of Newlight Technologies, a disruptive biotech company, on a mission to the end the accumulation of synthetic plastic in the ocean. We explored his curiosity, love of science, and a 17-year journey as an entrepreneur that started in 2003, with the question” what if we could use the technology in nature to turn greenhouse gases into high value materials”. Mark reflected on the mission and the journey, from proof of concept, to the commercialization of a first in kind plant, converting greenhouses to a biodegradable polymer. Mark talks about the application areas and opportunities for Newlight, and about scaling for growth, outlining specific products and segments that Newlight are focussed on.
In this week’s episode I am joined by Mauricio Graber, CEO of Chr Hansen, a Danish Biotech company harnessing the power of science and technology, to create a healthier, more sustainable world. We explored his early upbringing in Mexico, and some of the forces that shaped his values and international ambitions. We explored his career, that saw him working globally, and culminating in running Givaudan’s global flavors business. We discussed joining Christian Hansen, and his vision and strategy, for creating natural solutions for the planet across a range of industry segments. He outlined, strategic areas of growth, and highlighted the power of microbial technology and solutions, helping address environmental and sustainability challenges
In this week’s episode I am joined by Tony Delio, a food Industry, Innovation executive. We explored his early influences, and his passion for combining science, with commercializing food innovation. He outlined some of the projects that helped him grow into a leader, and become Ingredion’s Chief innovation and Strategy Officer. We spoke about the key trends that have driven change across the food industry, over the last 30 years, and the new generation of socially responsible consumers that are driving innovation within the food industry. He speaks about the strategies in growing an innovation portfolio, and about the changes that food companies are making to embrace new technologies and innovation. He spoke about what he felt the industry needed to do better to come together and solve the climate change and sustainability challenges
In today’s episode I am joined by Alan Shaw, biotech entrepreneur, CEO and Co-Founder of Calysta, a company at the forefront of the alternative protein revolution. Alan reflects on his hardworking upbringing in the heartland of Industrial England and his personal growth journey, through completing his doctorate. He talks about a paradigm shift in his career, from working with chemistry, to understanding the profound affect biology has in creating new sustainable chemistries. He outlines his experience in launching and cofounding entrepreneurial and disruptive companies, the key to building great teams, and scaling companies for growth. He offers great advice for entrepreneurs, and CEO’s in helping navigate growth challenges, and outlines his vision and plans for Calysta
In todays episode I am joined by Tom Adams, CEO and Co-Founder of Pairwise Plants, a company using gene editing technologies to innovate and create a new category of more convenient, and more enticing fruits and vegetables. Tom reflects on his early love of science, and his career at Monsanto, and his work with gene editing, and gene expression systems. Tom talks about his mission and vision in using CRISPR technology to create a new category of fruits and vegetables, enabling consumers to make healthier choices. He outlines how the technology works, and the impact of gene editing on traditional breeding methods, outlining his innovation vision. Tom talks about building a multi-disciplinary team, combining technology, science and marketing, and outlines his long- and short-term innovation agenda
In today’s episode I am joined by Aidan Connolly, CEO, Author, investor, and Agribusiness thought leader. Aidan reflects on his early influences, that helped shape his interest in business, travel, and his desire to operate outside of his comfort zone. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, and how a belief and support in him, helped him prosper during his early career. He spoke about the science and technologies affecting the food and agricultural sector, and about his role as CEO of Cainthus, in bringing A.I and modern technology to the dairy farmer. He spoke about the importance of having a focus working within a startup, and about his innovation of the business plan, which is outlined in a recently published book. He spoke about some of the major food trends, and about the role of the farmer in helping create a sustainable and healthy world, helping feeding the world’s extra 2 billion people by 2050
In todays episode I am joined by Eric Steen, Biotechnology entrepreneur, and CEO of Lygos, an innovative biotechnology company, creating healthy and sustainable chemicals. Eric reflects on his upbringing, and the influence of his parents in creating a foundation and set of principles based upon reusing natural resources and sustainability. Eric talks about the time at UC Berkeley, and leveraging the new biotechnology toolkits, and the vision for setting up Lygos, to produce novel and sustainable chemicals. He outlines the development of the technology platform overcoming the challenges in producing malonic acid, via fermentation process, something that had previously not been done before. He spoke about the range of organic acids, and molecules that Lygos can produce, and about plans for scale up and growth. He highlighted the challenges of current malonic acid production, and how he envisages a future of healthy and sustainable chemicals, driven by the consumer demanding chemicals and materials made sustainably from nontoxic processes
In todays episode I am joined by Andy Ziolkowski, one of the early pioneers of venture investment within the AgriFoodTech markets. Andy shares the early influence and the core foundation of hard-working values through the influence of his family immigration to America. Andy outlines the epiphany that started him in a career in venture investing, the importance of connections and meetings that opened doors for him throughout his career. He speaks about the key influence, and working closely under the tutelage of the famous Jack Whitehead, and how came to specialize in food and ag investing. He outlined some the challenges in closing the first fund during the middle of the great financial crisis, and the delicate balancing act that a venture investor plays. He spoke about the changing needs of the consumer, and the specific areas of investment that excite him. He spoke about his personal mission and contribution towards feeding the growing world’s population
In todays episode I am joined by Nabil Sakkab, a thought leader of the open innovation movement, to create disruptive business. Nabil shares his early life experiences, and the impact of war, that had him living in 3 continents by the age of 21. Nabil talks about how a famous film, inspired his life’s work, and passion for science led innovation. He reflects on his career with P&G highlighting some of the breakthrough technologies and ideas he helped pioneer. Nabil explains the rationale behind the open innovation movement he founded, and his leadership philosophies and collaborative approach in working with suppliers and partners to help accelerate and disrupt business growth. He reflects on the competition with Unilever, with the famous “soap wars”, which led to some interesting meetings between the CEO’s of Unilever and P&G. He speaks about his board work, and the importance skills and competencies to succeed within an RD organisation.
In todays episode I am joined by Carlos Barroso, a leader in the commercialization of new innovation, and technology within the food and beverage consumer markets. We explore Carlos’ early influences and his love of combining the science of food, with the art of making food taste great. We explore his career, and talk through some of the innovations that he helped bring into the market. He shared his philosophies for building great teams, and spoke about some of major trends with R&D, and the skills and behaviours to succeed in modern day R&D organizations. He outlined some of the history behind the key food trends and offered some opinion in the further growth and opportunities of the vegan segment. We explored the changing landscape of the online channel, and about the impact of new innovation on the ability to go from concept to consumer in super quick time
In todays episode I am joined by biotechnology visionary and entrepreneur, Josh Silverman. We spoke about his love of science, and how his early experience with the early adoption of DNA and protein modification technologies, shaped his passion for high growth entrepreneurialism. He spoke about his experience working within drug development, and particularly around developing novel protein molecules, being part of successful high growth startup cultures. He explained his vision and connection for a sustainable and healthy world, and in creating novel solutions using biotechnology, applied to industrial markets. He spoke about the journey from concept to commercialization of alternative proteins, using methane as a feedstock. He spoke about his journey with Aromyx, and the complexity and challenges in both building a biotechnology and data platform to digitalisize smells and tastes, exploring the future application areas and opportunities for major adoptions of this novel technology.
In today’s episode I am joined by Adrian Percy, a leader and strong proponent of the development and adoption of new science and technology that support global food security, whilst conversing the environment. Adrian shared the key influences of his upbringing, and how he stumbled into the agriculture industry, growing into a lifelong passion for the industry. He spoke about his journey from a narrow field of specialism to running a global 5000-person R&D organization, outlining his philosophies and approach to leadership. He spoke about his connection and personal mission of creating a healthier world and working with farmers globally to help reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. He spoke about his ideas for open Ag innovation initiatives, and gives about examples of innovation that have potential for great impact in the world. He talks about the growing innovation landscape, and the challenges that start-ups need to overcome in order to commercialize technologies. He speaks about the regulatory landscape for product approvals, and about the opportunities for the UK in the fields of science and agriculture
In todays episode I am joined by Jack Bobo, food futurist, and expert on the global trends in agriculture. We explore the profound affect that working in Gabon with the US peace Corps, shaped his personal calling of de-escalating tensions across our food system, helping us unite and create a healthier world. He speaks about the importance of global agriculture on big issues such as climate change and deforestation. We explored his career, through the US Department of state, advising on global trade and food policy. Jack spoke about the historical challenges that science has faced in building trust with the public, and about how science can communicate more effectively with consumers. He spoke about some of the challenges we face in the next 20 years, and about how we can achieve the goals of feeding the world’s population by building a level of trust between opposing sides, recognizing the progress we have made, and deescalating tensions between various different groups of people, that harm us to feed the growing worlds population. He speaks about some of the major trends in food being diametrically opposed, and how we need to challenge some of our inner most hard-wired beliefs
In todays episode I was joined by Ganesh Kishore, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Spruce Capital Partners, thought leaders, investors and innovators across the Synthetic Biology, and Agrifood Technology.
We explored his upbringing, and his insatiable curiosity, which led to him being schooled at the age of 3. We spoke about his love of nature, biochemistry and biology, and his career across food and agriculture Biotech where he had a distinguished track record of accomplishment, and awards for his service to the industry.
We explored his love of all things entrepreneurial and innovation, and the reasons why he cofounded Spruce, with Roger Wyse and Greg Young. He spoke about industry trends, and strategic growth areas as well discussing how the firm deploy capital. He speaks about the traits and qualities that he looks for in and entrepreneur, and how they support a company’s growth trajectory
In todays episode I am joined by Doug Cameron, Board Advisor, Inventor, and Biotechnology thought leader. We explore Doug’s early influences, his early love of science, growing up with a zest for life in a supportive family environment. We explored his first job working at an early stage AgriTech start up, that really cemented his love and passion for entrepreneurship and the possibility and promise of industrial biotech. He speaks about the emergence of biotech, and working with some real icons in the field during his postdoc at MIT. He discusses his journey as a professor, and some of his work in microbial engineering, and the creation of 1.3 propanediol which was commercialized and bought to market as an eco-efficient performance fibre. He speaks about moving to Cargill with a blank sheet of paper, to build the worlds best industrial biotech group, and subsequent moves as an investor in early stage businesses within industrial biotech. He outlines his mantra for life, and the excitement for the future of biotechnology and the its impact in creating a healthier world
In todays episode I am joined by Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, an innovative carbon recycling technology company turning waste emissions into valuable products, pioneering the advance in the circular carbon economy. We explore Jennifer’s early influences, particularly how the space programme captured her imagination and set her on the path for a career in science. She speaks about her work with renewable energy and her mission as an advocate for energy democracy, and the move away from fossil based resources. She speaks about her journey as CEO of LanzaTech, the challenges along the way in working for an early stage venture backed company. She outlines the mission, and vision for the company, explaining how the novel technology works, and her plans for carbon recycling. She talks about the future of the green economy, and her hope and mission for all kids the world over to be able to paint blue skies in the decades and centuries to come.
In todays episode I am joined by serial entrepreneur, Jonathan Wolfson, CEO of Ingenuity Brands, an innovative food company developing a new generation of enhanced nutritional food products that support brain nutrition and development. We explore Jonathan’s early influences, and his journey as an early biotechnology pioneer, where he led organisations that were using algae as a feedstock to replace traditional fossil fuels to try and solve some of the global challenges we face. We explore his entrepreneurial journey, from setting up a business in his garage, to an IPO over a whirlwind 13 years as founder and CEO. We reflect on the creativity & optimism and leadership required to succeed in the start up world. He speaks about his vision, and the importance of brain health, and the sense of mission and purpose as co-founder and CEO of Ingenuity Brands, as well as his plans for the company, offering some insightful advice for new entrepreneurs.
In todays episode I am joined by Jim Flatt, CEO and Co-founder of Brightseed, a company with a revolutionary science and technology platform, enabling the discovery and commercialization of novel plant compounds that support health and nutrition.
Jim talks about the influence growing up in San Francisco and his early love of computer science. He talks about the importance and influence of his key mentors, who inspired him with power and promise of systems and synthetic biology. Jim outlines some of the key discoveries he has commercialized and the impact these discoveries have had within human health. He touches upon why he co-founded Brightseed, and the global health issues he is hoping to solve. He explains about the relationship with his two cofounders, and gives insights into the qualities that underpin work and partnership. He speaks about the building of there artificial Intelligence discovery engine, and about the journey from discovery to commercialization, highlighting some of their work with key partners. He speaks about his vision for the company, and his personal learning journey, as well as his preference for working within start-up environments.
In todays episode I am joined by serial entrepreneur Alan Hahn, CEO of Mycotechnology, an innovative food ingredients company leveraging the power of mushroom technology to bring about a new generation of sustainable, great tasting and healthy food ingredients.
Alan talks about his love of science and experimentation and how he was heavily influenced by his father, who was textile chemist.
Alan reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, which involved building a series of successful companies which he led to exits across the technology and communications industry. He draws some of the parallels to success through his journey. Following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and a significant lifestyle change, he explains how he came across the Mycotechnology, and what led him to join the organization. He speaks about the mission, vision, and plans for the company, outlining how the technology works, and how they are able to make great tasting and healthy products that offer new alternatives to consumers. He talks about the plans for the future, and offers 3 key snippets of advice to all entrepreneurs.
In todays episode, I was joined by Pam Marrone, a thought leader in regenerative agriculture and a true entrepreneur having founded 2 pioneering technology companies, one leading to a successful exit and the other to an IPO.
We explore Pam’s early influences, and trace her love of agriculture back to experiences as a young girl helping her parents with organic gardening, and how even over the shelf pesticides caused unnecessary damage to local ecosystems .
She reflects on the challenges of being a young female finding a job within agriculture, and how she landed her dream job, leading an insect biology group at Monsanto. She speaks about passion for biological and microbial solutions, and how this category of solutions has evolved over the years, with advanced in sciences and consumer awareness.
We discuss her entrepreneurial drive and the challenges of raising financing back in the 90’s and how she “dialled for dollars” in a very different investment landscape. compared with today. Pam speaks about the stigma and challenges she has faced as a female CEO, and her work mentoring other female leaders. She reflects on leading the company she founded to an IPO, and in dealing with some of the challenges that came her way.
In todays episode I was joined by Jon McIntyre, CEO of Motif Food Works, a venture backed ingredient innovation company dedicated to reshaping the landscape of food using cutting edge science and technology.
Jon talks about his early influences, his love of food, sport and science. We explore how he moved from the pharma world where he was working with specific metabolic disorders, into the world of health and nutrition, where he was working with disruptive protein technologies in the early 90’s.
We explore his opinion on modern day innovation cycles, and the importance of delivering new product concepts into the hands of the customer quickly. We speak about his love of taking innovative technologies and finding addressable markets for them. Jon talks about the difference between working for large and small companies, how his curiosity to keep learning is something has helped him adapt to new environments, positions and challenges. He speaks about his mission and vision for Motif Foodworks, and about creating the holy grail of great tasting plant based foods that can truly compete on taste and texture with their meat counterparts.
In todays episode I was joined by Philippe Lavielle, Chairman and CEO of
Fermentalg, a French based biotechnology company creating innovative
ingredients and solutions for the health and nutrition industry.
Philippe discusses how he came across opportunities within industrial
biotechnology in the late 80’s, and how this led to him forming and leading a
Joint Venture, utilising novel technologies to improve the sustainability of the
pulp and paper industry. Philippe talks about joining Genencor, in its early
stages, and his role in creating the culture and impacting on the success of a
high growth biotech company over the following 20 years. Philippe talks about
his excitement and drive in the mission to revolutionize industries, and the
opportunities he has had to commercialize novel technologies for a healthier
world across the industrial biotechnology space.
Philippe talks about transitioning into a venture backed CEO position, and the
differences and challenges of leading a venture backed business in the San
Francisco bay area. He speaks about his transition back to France, and the
opportunities to lead Fermentalg, evolving the company from a research
foundry to an organization focused on commercializing products across the
nutritional lipids space. He talks about the growth and near term plans to
commercialize alternative protein products, as well as their C02 carbon
capture technology and it’s implications for reducing pollution in busy city
centres.
He reflects on leading Fermentalg on a mission to improve both health and
wellness, with regret that his generation has not done more to combat climate
change.
In todays episode I was joined by Patrice Selles, CEO of Biotalys, an innovative
Biotech based out of Ghent, Belgium, developing sustainable novel crop
protection solutions that are better for the planet.
Patrice talks about his early passion for science, and the reasons why he
moved from drug discovery to more industrial applications, and how he was
seduced by the opportunity for innovation and impact within the agricultural
industry at Syngenta. He speaks about how he broadened out his interest and
experience, with a career shaping move to Boston, that gave him much
broader exposure to the challenges and solutions within agriculture, working in
the VC world and establishing Syngenta’s corporate venturing group. He
speaks about the risks, him and his 8 months pregnant wife took moving to
Boston in 2008 at the time of the global financial crisis.
He reflects on the impact development programmes that he was part of at
Syngenta, that honed his love of collaboration, and allowed him to extend his
network across the agricultural ecosystem. He speaks about the move from
Syngenta to Biotalys; embracing the risk and challenge of leading a company
driven by a really exciting mission to improving the tools for farmers, impacting
right across the food chain.
He speaks about the vision, mission for Biotalys’, and the alternative
sustainable solutions and products it is commercializing. He outlines the
hurdles and challenges that are in front of the company, and the challenges in
moving from a start up to a revenue generating organization, as well as the
progress to date on their first bio fungicide product. He talks openly about the
challenges he didn’t expect as a first time CEO, and about how the support of
the board has been critical in helping him make this transition successfully.
In todays episode I was joined by Jordi Ferre, CEO of Agrofresh, a US publicly listed mission driven organization deploying cutting edge technology to reduce food waste by extending shelf life for the most common fruits and vegetables we consume.
Jordi talks about the challenges and unexpected positives of the recent lockdown and how this has enabled him to spend more time with his family, and look to a more balanced future related to international business travel.
Jordi speaks of the great influence his father had on his life and career, how his Catalan upbringing taught him to be respectful of different cultures. He reflects on how going to international school broadened his view of the world and allowed him to flourish living and working in different countries and cultures over the course of his career.
Jordi talks through his earlier career, and explains his motivations for moving from the CPG world into the B2B ingredients industry, and the levels of complexity within the B2B world. He outlines how important it is for him to connect with a mission and purpose, and outlines the challenges in global food waste and the technologies and solutions that Agrofresh look to solve. Jordi talks about a CEO’s need to build a new culture, following the spin out of Agrofresh, and about the challenges of being a CEO of a publicly listed company.
In todays episode I was joined by Dexter Paine III, Chairman and Co-founder of Paine Schwartz + Co, a preeminent Private Equity firm investing in sustainable food and Agriculture systems.
Dexter manages to combine the love of his day job with that of an avid sports and ski enthusiast, serving as chairman of the US Winter Olympics governing body. He talks of his passion for the sport and how he effectively manages these competing time consuming commitments.
Dexter outlines his career prior to co-founding Paine Schwartz, and the huge influence Jerry Kohlberg (Founder, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.) was on his professional career and how he approaches the Private Equity industry today. He talks about the historical barriers to entry in the food Agriculture markets and how these have changed in recent years. He explores the attraction of the complexity of the food and ag value chain, and the rationale for co-founding the firm with his partner Kevin Schwartz. He talks about Paine Schwartz’s approach to deal flow and sustainable investing, as well as the current view on valuations within the marketplace. He explains about the current Fund , and some of the recent investments, as well as outlining what they look for when deploying capital from their current fund of $1.45 Billion, as well as their approach to hiring talent.
I launched the leaders on a mission podcast to share the inspiration and journey of leaders, who are creating impact and contribution to humanity by creating a healthier world.
In today’s episode I was joined by Charlie Dimmler, CEO and Co-founder of Checkerspot, an innovative high performance materials company using biotechnology to create sustainable and performance enhancing materials. Charlie exudes empowerment and impact, and is clearly living out his dreams and aspirations in making the world a healthier place. This is more of a personal calling than a job, and Charlie combines a down to earth humility, with thoughtful, reflective and caring charm.
Charlie reflects on his early influences, his passion and love for science, and for outdoors exploration. Charlie talks about finding purpose and connection by playing an active role as a Bay Area mountain rescue expert. He outlines his earlier career working at Geron Corporation and Solazyme, and the breadth of experience he gained through working in dynamic and high growth environments. Charlie talks about how Co-Founding Checkerspot was a calling, and how with a young family, he was supported to take this bold leap forward. Charlie talks about the sense of sacrifice people made in joining the mission and working in the “build the plane whilst flying” environment.
Charlie talks about Checkerspots mission, and how the technology provides an alternative to the carbon economy, outlining the current products they are able to manufacture.
Charlie talks about how before incorporating Checkerspot, he and cofounder Scott Franklin, devised the operating principles for Checkerspot; the values based system that underpins the heartbeat of the company.
I launched the leaders on a mission podcast to share the inspiration and journey of leaders, who are creating impact and contribution to humanity by creating a healthier world.
In today’s episode I was joined by Rick Greubel to launch our first leaders on a mission podcast. Rick is testament to good guys do win, with his warm, engaging, and down to earth approach. He has a unique background, having worked globally across the food value chain in both multinational and start up environments living and working in; Argentina, Brazil, Singapore, Switzerland, US and Israel.
Rick reflects and shares the leadership philosophies and value systems which were heavily influenced by his immigrant parents who came to the US with no money and not being able to speak the language. Rick explains about the perceived nature of risk, and whenever faced with difficult career decisions, that on first glance, looked risky, was able to rationalise through the eyes of his father, who had taken “real risk”.
Rick talks about how on moving to Brazil, for a high-profile job whilst not speaking the language, helped create a paradigm shift in his communication and listening skills. He talks about the real mission and personal drivers to bring sustainable and healthy food and nutritional products to the marketplace and improving the lives of farmers. Rick discusses the differences and transition challenges between working for global multinationals, to a cash strapped start-up venture.
Rick was a fantastic first guest, and a real pleasure to talk with.