Podcast
Leaders on a Mission
Hosted by Simon Leich · EN
Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech (Agritech), 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.
150episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Escaping the Hype: Investing in What's Real
Jun 10, 202500:41:21Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – Systemic change through VC01:15 – Roots of global perspective05:35 – From Goldman Sachs to climate09:00 – Systemiq’s three investment themes11:10 – Why asset-heavy doesn’t scale13:20 – Enabling the electrification wave16:40 – Startups bridging energy silos18:00 – Europe’s smart power innovators20:15 – Beyond the hype cycle24:30 – UK vs US founder mentality28:30 – The VC shakeout explained32:10 – The rise of specialist funds37:50 – Why trust builds valueUseful 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/
Transcribe →Bootstrapping Breakthroughs in AgTech
Jun 3, 202500:48:22Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:0:00 – No VCs, just velocity2:14 – From drone dream to startup6:20 – Pivoting into agriculture10:35 – The modern farmer’s struggle14:34 – Triple Black Diamond startup20:54 – Overcoming drone failure rates26:55 – Data: the new differentiator31:12 – Surging demand, scaling fast36:13 – Bootstrapping with crowdfundingUseful links: Hylio’s website: https://www.hyl.ioHylio’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/
Transcribe →Betting on the Inevitable: Climate Tech’s Free Market Future
May 20, 202500:40:45Tap to summarizeAs 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple 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 policies04:10 — Deregulation’s silver linings05:45 — Why free markets back renewables07:50 — The battery cost curve dive12:20 — Climate tech sectors under pressure17:00 — Valuation resets and lessons learned20:30 — Smart risk stacking in investments27:15 — The evolving project finance gap32:10 — 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/
Transcribe →Confronting the Water Crisis: Turning Air into Abundant Water
May 6, 202500:38:51Tap to summarizeBy 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!0:00 – Global water crisis unveiled2:04 – Brian’s personal motivation3:36 – Why current solutions fail5:18 – Aquaria’s breakthrough innovation7:29 – Co-founding with his brother8:37 – The dream: water for cities16:03 – Surviving near-bankruptcy22:16 – How Aquaria’s tech works28:51 – Building water-positive communitiesUseful 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/
Transcribe →Where Impact Investing Meets Scale
Apr 29, 202500:45:59Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps: 0:00 — What drives impact investing1:40 — Helmer’s path to purpose6:46 — Building Rubio’s first fund7:05 — Defining true impact investing10:01 — Frameworks and KPI alignment15:22 — Real accountability in returns18:48 — Key investment sectors21:31 — Energy transition innovations24:25 — Agtech, food, and waste26:29 — Evolving focus areas28:18 — Fund size and future plans31:18 — The fundraising landscape36:08 — From vision to execution38:55 — Tech vs. people risk43:36 — Adoption challenges in ag and foodUseful 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/
Transcribe →Unlocking Soil’s Power to Fight Climate Change
Apr 22, 202500:43:44Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple 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 soil03:42 – Discovering the carbon mystery06:33 – Why soil carbon matters09:55 – Massive measurement leap11:08 – Data-driven agronomy goals13:25 – Unlocking soil health insights17:04 – Aligning profit and sustainability20:49 – Supply chain climate impact24:33 – Why data beats guesswork28:35 – Milestones and growth32:19 – Merger synergy and tech gains38:18 – World’s largest soil DNA database41:00 – Startup scaling challengesUseful 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/
Transcribe →Cutting Through the Climate Tech Hype
Apr 15, 202500:41:48Tap to summarizeIs 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!1:35 – Learning trust from oil rigs4:59 – Why planetary health matters6:09 – Rethinking “climate tech” labels8:18 – Peaks, troughs, and pendulum swings11:28 – What stalled foodtech growth13:00 – Promising plays in protein17:50 – Innovating without capex burden24:42 – Strategic exits in life sciences33:58 – Founders vs funding realitiesUseful 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/
Transcribe →Sustainable Agriculture: Farming the Future with Electric Tractors
Apr 8, 202500:44:41Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:00 – From concept to $20M+ revenue02:15 – Early roots in automotive innovation04:38 – Two breakthrough moments in agtech07:49 – COVID’s surprising impact on farming10:53 – Designing value beyond the tractor15:17 – “Audacity is our moat”19:05 – Attracting top-tier mission-driven talent23:58 – The power of policy & partnerships31:00 – Scaling hardware and platform revenueUseful 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/
Transcribe →Challenging the Climate Investing Playbook
Apr 2, 202500:50:12Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!00:42 – Where Pale Blue Dot began01:30 – The meaning behind the fund’s name04:25 – Why Hampus couldn't look away09:00 – “Do it only if you can’t stop”10:50 – Climate investment mindset shift15:45 – How climate became politicized18:45 – The Pale Blue Dot investment thesis23:30 – What great founders must have26:10 – Founder-market fit and raw authenticity34:55 – When founders stop scaling38:50 – Fundraising isn’t the real problem44:50 – Why climate investing isn’t slowing down47:30 – Innovation thrives in chaosUseful 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/
Transcribe →AI Investing: How AI is Transforming Venture Capital
Mar 18, 202500:44:02Tap to summarizeThe 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/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple 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 2025Useful 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/
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