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
Decarbonizing Cities: The Future of Urban Carbon Capture
Mar 11, 202500:36:58Tap to summarizeCan 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/@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 – The currency of carbon02:17 – Shane’s early entrepreneurial spark06:32 – The emissions challenge in cities10:03 – From whiteboard to prototype12:56 – Engineering through COVID18:39 – Why this tech wasn’t feasible a decade ago21:22 – Scaling the business27:52 – Overcoming regulatory & adoption hurdles31:17 – A culture of innovation & integrityUseful 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/
Transcribe →Long-Term Investing for a Climate Revolution
Mar 4, 202500:45:16Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@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! 0:44 - Adrian’s journey into entrepreneurship2:08 - The lightbulb moment on climate change10:00 - Investing to solve the climate crisis14:23 - Übermorgen Ventures’ unique investment approach20:00 - Politics, regulation, and climate finance25:21 - Balancing long-term vs. short-term investments31:33 - Challenges faced by climate tech founders38:30 - The importance of resilience in founders43:00 - A success story of grit and perseveranceUseful 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/
Transcribe →The Switch to Sustainable Fertilizer: An Agricultural Revolution
Feb 25, 202500:35:35Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@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!1:04 - From PhD project to company4:35 - The hidden cost of nitrogen fertilizer6:20 - Engineering microbes to fix nitrogen8:45 - Progress milestones and field testing11:30 - Challenges: scaling sustainable agriculture15:18 - The science behind the "Switch"18:00 - Vision: feeding the world sustainably21:40 - Culture of purpose and diversity29:15 - Lessons learned as a first-time CEOUseful 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/
Transcribe →Why Tough Tech Startups Will Dominate the Next Energy Boom
Feb 18, 202500:40:44Tap to summarizeWhy 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/@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 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 investingUseful 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/
Transcribe →Cementing Change: Zero Emissions Cement at the Heart of Global Construction
Feb 11, 202500:40:20Tap to summarizeCement 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/@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 – Scaling with simplicity01:20 – Ryan’s climate tech journey05:58 – The global problem: cement carbon emissions09:54 – The science of sustainable cement:14:00 – Small commercial success18:53 – Navigating the Valley of Death 225:46 – Collaboration, not competition33:51 – Scaling for impact36:58 – Measuring successUseful 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/
Transcribe →From Poverty to Building Industries that Transform Humanity
Feb 4, 202500:49:17Tap to summarizeFrom 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/@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 – A Studio Model at Scale: SOSV’s Unique Approach01:37 – Humble Beginnings: Sean’s Journey from Poverty to Innovation08:12 – The Creator of Cloud Computing and Ride-Sharing10:34 – Biology Meets Innovation: Why IndieBio Leads the Future15:13 – Inside IndieBio: Building Community to Drive Change20:37 – Global Entrepreneurs: Innovation Without Borders31:06 – Sustainable Production for a Growing Planet.37:54 – Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Venture Capital43:12 – The Future of Innovation: Sean’s Vision for SOSV and BeyondUseful 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/
Transcribe →How Nanotechnology is Powering the Future of Next-Gen Electronics
Jan 28, 202500:43:11Tap to summarizeWhat 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/@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!0:47 – 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/
Transcribe →Cracking the Code of Early-Stage Climate Tech Investing
Jan 21, 202500:46:32Tap to summarizeWhich 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/@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 Episode Introduction01:39 Josh’s Career Path05:46 Operator vs. Investor Roles07:29 Evaluating Early-Stage Founders11:15 Gaps in Climate Tech Funding14:33 Tips for Overcoming Stalled Fundraising17:06 Balancing Impact and Returns19:32 Challenges in Go-to-Market Strategies22:06 Understanding Customers and Value Chains23:22 Bridging Tech and Market Strategy25:50 Congruent Ventures' Impactful Investments27:12 Fervo Energy Case Study32:44 Exit Strategy and Long-Term Vision34:57 Top Sources of Entrepreneurial Talent36:47 Trends in Energy and Manufacturing40:49 Innovations in Food & Agriculture44:17 Managing Board Commitments45:41 Final ThoughtsUseful 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/
Transcribe →Clean Power: How AI and Data Are Driving a Power Revolution
Jan 14, 202500:45:32Tap to summarizeMicrosoft 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/@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!00:33 Tim Vail’s career journey03:10 Carbon capture and market demand09:03 ION’s innovation in carbon capture technology13:44 The effectiveness of ION technology for capturing CO217:47 Long-term impact on de-carbonization20:16 Safe storing of CO223:00 Scaling and commercialization26:25 Challenges in funding FOAK technologies28:25 The role of DOE and global support30:47 Keys to success: bankability and verification32:44 How will this market evolve?36:35 Overcoming innovation fatigue43:29 Recruiting mission-driven talentUseful 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/
Transcribe →Funding the Future of Food: Venture Capital Investing in AgriTech
Jan 7, 202500:42:04Tap to summarizeHendrik 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/@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!00:28: Introduction01:15 Career journey & joining Astanor Ventures05:01 Technology & innovation for a better future08:13 Journey toward a regenerative food system12:18 Market dynamics and investment challenges14:53 Finding investors aligned with Astanor’s vision17:40 Astanor’s unique approach21:10 Measuring impact beyond financial returns24:07 Parallels between energy and food sectors27:52 Potential for success in agricultural food ecosystem29:47 Differences between U.S. and European markets33:32 The balance between people and technology35:47 Challenges with technical founders and key mistakes madeUseful 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/
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