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.

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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/