Climate Insiders

On today's episode of the Climate Insiders podcast, we’re sitting down with Fabian Heilemann, CEO of AENU. AENU is an impact fund that focuses on seed and Series A investments in climate technologies, esp. energy transition and carbon economy, in Northern Europe.Fabian shares insights into his journey from being an entrepreneur to becoming a venture capitalist with a focus on sustainable investments. Highlighting his experience of burnout post-Google acquisition, Fabian discusses how maintaining a routine involving physical workouts and meditation has been crucial for his mental wellbeing. This episode dives into how he and his brother pivoted their careers towards impact investing, driven by a profound commitment to addressing the climate crisis.Fabian Heilemann is a serial-entrepreneur and investor from Berlin, Germany. He founded Heilemann Ventures together with his brother Ferry after the trade sale of his company DailyDeal, Europe's first couponing portal, to Google in 2011.Since then he has been an early stage VC-investor, actively supporting companies in the digital sector. Meanwhile, Fabian and his brother Ferry set the fundamentals for their holding Sky & Sand. Currently it combines DailyDeal, which the brothers bought back from Google in early 2013, and the mobile-POS system provider pepperbill.This episode delves into:Burnout PreventionTransition from Founder to VCInvestment StrategiesRole of VCsImpact vs. BrandingIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) - Intro Hook(00:58) - Intro(02:37) - What’s the secret to avoiding burnout?(05:40) - From Founder to VC: Is It a Natural Path or a Tough Trade-off(08:21) - Should Entrepreneurs Turn Family Offices into Climate Tech Funds?(17:08) - Would the VC World Benefit from More Former Entrepreneurs?(20:33) - What makes a great VC?(22:55) - Who are the top role models in the VC space?(27:12) - Is It Time to Remove Barriers and Let More Professionals Drive Climate Investments?(30:40) - Are Top VC Firms More Focused on Building Brands or Creating Impact?(34:52) - Can Europe Catch Up to the U.S. in Funding Climate Innovation?(36:43) - Can Climate Tech Survive Political Swings Like Trump’s Era?(43:58) - Does Climate VC Favor Software Over Hardware for Long-Term Success?(46:28) - Is a Software-Heavy Strategy Enough to Drive Real Climate Impact?(49:26) - How Can Climate Funds Balance LP Expectations with Risk-Taking?(54:28) - Do VCs Shape Startup Quality, or Is It All About the Founders?(58:44) - Is It the VC's Role to Fill Gaps in Startup Teams?(01:04:48) - How do you find happiness while watching the world burn?(01:09:16) - Outro

On today's episode of the Climate Insiders podcast, we’re sitting down with Allister Furey, CEO and Co-founder of Sylvera. Sylvera is a carbon data provider that helps organizations ensure they're making the most effective investments toward net zero. We build software that independently and accurately automates the evaluation of carbon projects that capture, remove, or avoid emissions.With Sylvera's data and tools, the world’s largest businesses and governments can confidently invest in, benchmark, deliver, and report real climate impact.Allister Furey has an MBA from London Business School, and a PhD in computational neuroscience and robotics from University of Sussex, where he focused on optimizing control of wind energy systems. He has worked as a consultant for Bain & Company, as CTO of a leading UK wind energy technology company, and venture partner at Entrepreneur First.Allister and his co-founder Sam Gill observed that carbon markets needed a revolution in data quality to reliably deliver climate benefits, and to achieve the necessary scale to have a meaningful impact. Together they founded Sylvera in 2020 to bring transparency and, ultimately, trust to carbon markets.This episode delves into:- The Importance of Accurate Carbon Data- Challenges of Carbon Markets- Role of Sylvera- Emerging Carbon Removal Technologies- Future of Carbon MarketsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) - Intro(00:13) - How Can We Incentivize Investment in Real Climate Action?(00:51) - How does Sylvera defer organizations like Vera or B0?(01:27) - Why are Carbon Markets Important?(07:40) - How Does Sylvera’s Rating System Drive Smarter Climate Tech Investments?(10:10) - How Easy Can the Rating System Recognize mistakes?(13:30) - What is a Triple B in The Ranking System?(15:18) - What Factors Matter the Most When Rating Direct Air Capture Projects?(21:43) - What Emerging Carbon Capture Technologies should Investors Keep an Eye on?(24:40) - What Will Carbon Markets Look like In 10 Years?(29:54) - Is the Carbon Market going to Be Regionally Fragmented? (30:47) - Outro

In today's show, I'm welcoming Nadav Steinmetz an early stage climate tech investor based in London, UK. Nadav is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Climate First. Nadav delves into he critical role of deep tech in combating climate change and the challenges and opportunities faced within this niche. The discussion is particularly relevant given the backdrop of heightened climate awareness and the pressing need for sustainable solutions.Nadav highlights the crucial role of deep tech and hardware investments in achieving decarbonization goals and generating significant returns. He emphasizes that while many investors focus on software, physical solutions like deep tech are essential for real climate impact. Despite longer development cycles, Nadav believes that these investments can lead to major disruptions in sectors like energy and manufacturing.Battery technology is central to climate tech, with challenges in supply chains and geopolitical dependencies. Nadav discusses innovations in green mining and battery recycling as critical solutions. He also highlights the importance of global collaboration, pointing to Europe’s climate commitment, the Middle East’s resources, and Israel’s innovation as key drivers in advancing climate tech. Nadav remains optimistic that these efforts will create a powerful, impactful ecosystem for the future.We cover:Strategic Deep Tech InvestmentsChallenges and Innovations in Battery TechnologyGlobal and Regional DynamicsWant to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000.Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, the only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/--------------SHOW NOTES:01:40 - Intro02:27 - What is Climate First?03:34 - Why is investing in deep tech important?05:54 - How can we stop climate tech funds from chasing easy money?07:20 - How can we ensure the LPs that they invest in funds that they will get greater returns?08:59 - Why are investors shying away from climate tech's biggest solutions?10:26 - Why should TRL be the new metric for climate tech success?12:54 - How important are corporate partnerships for startup success?14:17 - How will high interest rates impact the future of climate tech?15:60 - Can M&A activity help meet the 2030 targets?18:08 - What climate tech solutions will drive global decarbonization in the next 5-7 years?20:02 - What are hard-to-abate sectors worth looking at?21:02 - How will access to rare minerals influence the future of electrification?22:30 - How can Europe and the US reduce dependence on imported rare earth minerals?24:58 - What solutions exist for the mineral shortage?26:42 - Can recycling existing technologies provide Europe with mineral self-reliance?28:21 - Can recycled batteries be fully reused?29:35 - How can green mining innovations transform lithium extraction and reduce environmental impact?33:01 - What are the key developments in Israel’s climate tech sector?35:42 - Will the Middle East become a major player in the global climate ecosystem?37:04 - Is Middle Eastern investment in climate tech a strategy or just diversification?38:54 - How important are Middle Eastern funds in the global venture capital landscape?40:37 - Is Europe at risk of falling behind in climate tech due to over-regulation?44:05 - How can Europe compete with US and...

In today's show, I'm welcoming Roberta Boscolo, Climate and Energy Lead at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Roberta delves into the nuances of climate science, the importance of timely action, and her unique approach to communicating these urgent issues to the public through social media.Roberta discusses the vital role of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in providing accurate weather forecasts and climate models, emphasizing their importance for sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism. The conversation shifts to the effectiveness of climate communication, addressing how simplified and relatable narratives could potentially have a greater impact on public awareness and policy changes. Roberta also shares personal insights on how individuals can prepare for and adapt to the increasing occurrences of extreme weather events, stressing the critical urgency for immediate and collective action against climate change.We cover:The Urgency of Addressing Climate Change This DecadeThe Importance of Weather and Climate Models for Future PlanningCommunicating Climate Change: Challenges and Strategies for ScientistsPreparing for Extreme Climate Events and Human MigrationEmpowering Voices in Climate CommunicationGeoengineering Solutions and Their Potential Impact on Climate ChangeWant to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000.Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, the only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/--------------SHOW NOTES:(00:00) - Episode Trailer(00:51) - Introduction(01:29) - How Did Leveraging LinkedIn Turn One Person into a Powerhouse?(03:23) - What Makes This Decade a Make-or-Break Moment for Climate Action?(05:14) – Is Climate Change just the Natural Cycle?(07:07) - How Legitimate Are the WMO's Climate Forecasts?(09:07) - Is There a Way to Forecast When Major Climate Disasters Will Strike?(12:07) - Who Actually Uses WMO's Weather Forecasts?(14:26) - Are We Really Making Progress with Climate Reports and Predictions?(17:24) - Are Advocates of Social Media Seen as Outliers in Their Organizations?(19:00) – How to leverage results and stats in the story?(20:37) - Who Needs Convincing More: The Masses or the Decision-Makers?(22:30) - What Holds More Persuasive Power: Success Stories or Fear?(24:07) - Can the United Nations Lead the Disruption of Polluting Industries?(26:45) - How Should Parents Discuss Climate Change with Their Children?(29:44) - Are Leaders Discussing Potential Migration Due to Climate Change?(32:27) - Can Visualizing Climate Impacts Make it More Relatable to People?(35:22) - How Is Risk-Reward Culture Perceived Within the United Nations?(38:01) - Can Geoengineering Be Ethically Implemented to Combat Climate Change?(40:10) - Where and How Is Weather Modification Currently Utilized?(43:36) - Outro

Yair Reem is a Partner at Extantia Capital, a climate-first venture capital firm accelerating the path to a decarbonized world by backing daring entrepreneurs with breakthrough ventures. He co-founded BeyondBlack, a fund for investments in technologies reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advises European startup CEOs on strategic narratives. Formerly Managing Director at Hasso Plattner Ventures, Yair was also a cyber technology leader at Israel’s Unit 8200. He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Technion, an Executive MPA from Hertie, and an AMP from Wharton.This episode delves into:First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) ExplainedStrategic PartnershipsCap Table ManagementVC Risk-TakingBrand Building in VCWant to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) - Episode Trailer(01:04) – Intro(01:34) – What is The Foaking Awesome?(04:09) – What does Foak mean?(06:20) - Are VCs Ready to Embrace First-of-a-Kind Opportunities?(08:10) – Which are the Sectors full of Possibilities?(10:25) - Can Nvidia’s Success Be Replicated in Future Industries?(11:12) - Is Investing in Nuclear Fusion the Next Big Challenge for VCs?(11:51) – Where are we in terms of TRL?(12:50) - Does the Stage of Funding Determine When to Build the First Factory?(13:46) - Is Partnering with Corporates Essential for Startup Success in Climate Tech?(16:37) - When Should Startups Add Strategic Investors to the Cap Table?(17:54) - Do Startups Need Corporate Connections, or Can VCs Bridge the Gap?(18:45) - Are Corporate Partnership Managers the New Must-Have in Climate Tech?(21:11) – Deep Tech Engineer vs Software Engineer – What is the Difference?(23:14) - What Makes Climate Hardware Sexy to Big Financial Players?(24:40) - What Common Cap Table Errors Scare Away Investors?(26:28) - Should Founders Fight or Fold? Navigating Long-Term Potential vs. Short-Term Survival(30:12) - Are Ego-Driven Valuations Hurting Startup Founders?(32:08) - Why 20% Matters: Balancing Venture Builder Impact on Cap Tables(33:31) - Choosing Between Co-Leads or a Dominant Lead Investor: What’s Best?(36:34) - Is Risk Aversion Stifling Innovation in VC?(39:50) - First Principles of VC: Balancing Risk in Turbulent Markets(41:43) - Conscious Choices: Team Effort vs. Individual Initiative(42:05) - Authenticity vs. Quantity: The Struggle in Digital Engagement(44:39) - Team Dynamics: Internal vs. External Strategies for Time Management(47:26) - Risk and Reward: Inviting Others to Innovate in VC(49:29) - Expanding Reach: Should VC Messaging Extend Beyond LinkedIn?(50:56) – Role Models in VC(53:14)- YouTube as a Knowledge Foundation: Do VCs Trust Video Learning?(57:52) - Differentiation Strategy: From Tech to Brand, Creating a Category of One(01:01:23) - Breaking the Exit Taboo: IPOs and Strategic Acquisitions in Impact Business(01:03:41) - Exchange of Goods and Society: The Role of Money in Innovation(01:05:04) – Outro

Ben is a climate tech expert who writes deep guides to energy topics on his blog, benjames.io. His guides to batteries, carbon removal, hydrogen and SAF are read by thousands of investors and analysts around the world.This episode delves into:-Fusion vs. Fission-Levels to Unlock Fusion-Challenges in Fusion Reactor Design-Role of AI in Fusion Research-Economic Viability and PolicyIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) – Intro(01:45) - How Does Nuclear Fusion Compare to Other Clean Energy Innovations?(16:24) - Why Are Small Fusion Reactors More Challenging to Build Than Large Ones?(18:37) - Who Will Win the Fusion Race: Government Projects or Private Companies?(20:48) - Are Tokamaks, Stellarators, or Laser-Based Systems the Future of Fusion Energy?(22:47) - What Role Does Machine Learning Play in Advancing Fusion Simulations?(24:47) - How Can Policy Frameworks Boost the Growth of Fusion Technology?(25:52) - Which Fusion Technology Holds the Most Promise for Investors?(26:52) - Outro

Ben is a climate tech geek who writes deep guides to energy topics on his blog, benjames.io. His guides to batteries, carbon removal, hydrogen and SAF are read by thousands of investors and analysts around the world.This episode delves into:The Existing and Future Uses of HydrogenChallenges with Hydrogen Production and TransportComparison Between Hydrogen and Electric VehiclesControversy about Blue HydrogenInvestment Opportunities in Hydrogen SpaceIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 4,000+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) – Intro(02:33) - Unlocking Hydrogen: How Does It Fuel Our Future?(13:52) - What Breakthroughs Are Needed for Affordable Green Hydrogen?(15:30)- Electric vs. Hydrogen: Why Are Electric Vehicles Winning?(16:59) - Why Is Transporting Hydrogen So Challenging?(20:37) - Why Is Blue Hydrogen Controversial?(22:06) - Where Are the Hottest Investment Opportunities in Hydrogen?(23:23) – What is the Future of Hydrogen Economy(24:07) - Outro

On today's episode of the Climate Insiders podcast, we’re diving into an engaging conversation with Benjamin Kayser, a former French Rugby international with a 16-year long career. Today, Benjamin is a renowned commentator of international rugby games on TV, both in France and the UK, and his voice is easily recognizable by all Rugby fans.More relevant to this podcast, Benjamin is the Co-founder and Partner at Teampact Ventures, a Venture Capital fund that specializes in human capital. We discuss a range of important topics affecting the VC industry, focusing on their core thesis: the idea that human capital, like in sport, is a central ingredient of sustainable success.This episode delves into:- Connecting Elite Athletes with Startups: Teampact Ventures Model- Shared Traits of Elite Athletes and Founders: Resilience, Drive, Ambition, and a Growth Mindset- The Birth of Teampact Ventures: Athletes' Willingness to Overcome Barriers and Make a Positive Impact- Personal Branding as a Powerful Tool: Connecting on a Human Level and Differentiating in Business- The Olympics: Showcasing Dedication, Talent, and DiversityIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper? Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.com Join the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/Looking for 5 Winning Strategies for Climate Investing? Here's the exact system used to generate a 5.5x return in 6 years investing in outlier climate tech companies ONLY: https://climate-insiders.ck.page/590a53f906(00:00) – Intro(01:47) - Teampact Ventures: A Platform for Athletes to Drive Social Impact(05:42) - Does Sports Training Prepare You for Business Leadership?(08:36) - Finding the Yin in Your Yang: How to Avoid Burnout in Business(13:05) - Can the Flame of Athletic Drive Sustain Business Success?(15:48) - Convincing Top Athletes to Give Back: What’s the Strategy?(18:47) - What CEOs Can Learn from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer?(21:52) - What Are the Secrets to Balancing Talent and Team Dynamics?(27:23) - How Can Founders Create a Culture That Values Self-Worth?(29:07) - Why Is Feedback Frequency Crucial for Employee Engagement?(30:39) - Turning Negative Feedback into Growth Opportunities: How?(33:07) - Are Women the Key to Unlocking a More Empathetic Business World?(38:04) - Do You Measure Success by What You Earn Now, or Where You'll Be in Five Years?(42:08) - Salary Transparency: Does It Simplify or Complicate the Hiring Process?(44:05) – The role of Media: What Inspired Ben’s Podcasting Journey?(47:42) - Why Authenticity in Content Creation Attracts More Than Just Attention(50:17) - Can Allowing Personal Projects Boost Employee Engagement and Innovation?(54:07) - How Do Founders Balance Personal Branding with Company Identity?(56:19) - Are People Losing Interest in Global Sporting Events Like the Olympics?(59:00) - Outro

On today's episode of the Climate Insiders podcast, we’re diving into an engaging conversation with Alexandra Perez, a seasoned investor in climate tech. We discuss a range of important topics affecting the VC industry and the role of women in investment.Most recently, she worked for the Climate Tech Fund: 2150.This episode delves into:- Challenges Women Face in the World of Investment- Finding the Balance: Vision and Realism in the VC Industry- Balancing Ruthlessness and Empathy in Tech and Venture Capital- Empowering Women in Leadership: Maintaining Authenticity for a Sustainable Culture- Addressing Gender Equity in Workplace Policies Regarding Parental Leave: Exploring Creative SolutionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.com  Join the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,800+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) Intro(01:45) How can we get more women to become angel investors?(03:00) Challenges that women face in the world of investment(07:04) Finding the Balance: Vision and Realism in the VC Industry(09:28) Balancing Ruthlessness and Empathy in Tech and VC(12:19) Reevaluating Hiring Practices: Slower Growth for Long-Term Retention(14:36) Could Female Leadership Change Industry Layoff Practices?(15:37) Reconciling Risk Appetite and Success in the VC Industry(17:13) How can we Empower Women in Leadership: Maintaining Authenticity for Sustainable Culture(20:36) The Impact of Genuine Check-Ins: Personal Story of Alexandra(25:40) Maintaining Peak Performance: The 80% Rule - Learning Lessons from Top Athletes(30:22) Addressing Gender Equity in Workplace Policies in context of Parental Leave: Exploring Creative Solutions(35:30) Outro

On today's episode of the Climate Insiders podcast, we’re sitting down with Anna Alex, Co-founder of Nala Earth. Nala Earth is a nature management platform that measures, improves and reports your company’s impact on nature & biodiversity.Anna is a serial entrepreneur from Berlin, dedicating her life to nature and the planet. Prior to Nala Earth she founded Planetly and Outfittery. As an angel investor, Anna focuses on the big challenges of the world in climate and nature.Anna founded Planetly in 2019, the worldwide pioneer in Carbon Accounting SaaS. In only 3 years Anna scaled Planetly to 250 employees and over 350 customers leading the technical innovation in this space. In 2021 she sold Planetly to a US Software Company. This episode delves into:- Investor expectations and the pressures post-funding.- The reality of building multiple startups in the climate industry. - The shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses worldwide.- How to manage burnout as an entrepreneur and delegation. - The importance of building a strong culture and hiring top talent.- The role of venture capital in scaling climate tech solutions.- How to create real KPIs that make a difference like biodiversity in climate tech- How to have a larger impact on climate by focusing on biodiversity and nature conservation. - Integrating nature and biodiversity into business models through ventures like Nala Earth.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel!Want to go deeper?Invest in climate moonshots with Climate Insiders. Join 300+ members and become a shareholder of the best climate tech startups alongside us, from $1,000. Become a member now: https://www.climateinsiders.comJoin the Climate Insiders newsletter, The only newsletter you need to invest in climate tech. Every Saturday I share one actionable tip to invest successfully in climate tech. Join 3,500+ investors and get access to investing tips and strategies to invest today: https://climateinsiders.substack.com/(00:00) Intro(00:47) Anna Alex's purpose(01:03) Avoiding burnout as an entrepreneur(04:17) Hiring A players vs B players(06:41) Building culture by hiring senior talent first(09:41) Bootstrapping vs raising capital(12:26) Being a "founding angel"(17:11) Structuring ownership as a founding angel(20:31) Lessons from Selling Planetly(26:14) How climate tech exits enabling more investment(30:30) Focusing on nature with Nala Earth(33:31) Making nature measurable for businesses(35:14) Nala's five nature indicators(40:57) Increasing public awareness of biodiversity(43:32) Nature's local risks and implications(45:03) Helping companies measure and manage nature(49:36) Reframing our relationship with nature