🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition.
Today, we are talking to Nick Findler & Chad Rickaby from ClimateDoor
The major topics we covered were…
What is “Growth-as-a-Service” and how it applies to Climate VC
How AI is transforming the venture space and streamlining operations
What it is like founding a company with your childhood best friend 🤝
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The Guest: Nick Findler
Nick Findler has secured over $100M for global ventures in the green transition
His entrepreneurial journey includes roles at Stardust Solar, a solar installation training and education platform, and Forrest Innovations, eradicating mosquito-borne diseases
Beyond traditional sustainability, Nick integrates Artificial Intelligence within ClimateDoor for operational efficiency and innovation
The Guest: Chad Rickaby
Chad Rickaby is a global advocate for sustainable business growth with a background in government relations and international trade
His strategic collaborations with governments, Indigenous communities, investors, and climate financing entities have led to millions in funding for businesses
Chad's expertise in political science, public policy, and international markets positions him as a key figure in sustainable development
🚨🚨🚨 Shoutout to our sponsor Net Zero Insights — Net Zero Insights is the leading market intelligence platform on climate information with all the latest you need on funding rounds, VCs, and the climate tech ecosystem. Use this link to schedule your demo and get a 10% discount! 🚨🚨🚨
The “VC”: ClimateDoor
ClimateDoor is a Growth-as-a-Service (GaaS) firm dedicated to powering the next stage of growth for companies within the clean economy with business development, sales, capital raising, government grants, and ESG advisory.
They partner with companies at the Seed and Series A stages to help them propel to the next level.
Having embraced Generative AI, they are a great example of how AI is modernizing operations even in the venture space.
They are also a thought leader and active player in the Canadian venture ecosystem.
📝 Show Notes:
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:14 Overview of Climate Door
13:27 The story of Polar Beer Taps
16:10 Advantages of "Growth-as-a-Service"
23:24 Canadian Venture Ecosystem
26:20 Blending Capital Sources in Climate Tech
29:30 Navigating Fundraising and Building Investor Relationships
35:01 Streamlining Operations with AI
39:51 Hiring Advice for Early Stage Companies
42:57 Fundraising Advice for Bridge Stage Companies
49:03 Challenges in Finding Value Spots in Climate
Links
Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.
This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.
Asks 👋
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Have a specific guest or topic you’d like us to discuss? Leave a comment and let us know.
Here’s the thing: Somil and I both have day jobs, so if you’re in the helping mood, we both have an ask for you today.
Somil: I’m currently seeking to connect with founders in the built environment space for a project I’m working on. If you’re in that space, schedule a chat here!
Silas: As many of you know, my day job is solving people’s hiring headaches in climate - do you have a hiring headache? Well, let me be your Advil. (booking here)
🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.
NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.
Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.
🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode!
#150 AI Fund Operations, Canada x Climate VC, "Growth-as-a-Service", & More w/ Nick Findler & Chad Rickaby (ClimateDoor)