CleanTechies
CleanTechies Podcast
#154 Automated Site Selection & Environmental Due Diligence for Developers, Permitting Challenges, the Cost of Solar, & More w/ Robin Laine (Transect)
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#154 Automated Site Selection & Environmental Due Diligence for Developers, Permitting Challenges, the Cost of Solar, & More w/ Robin Laine (Transect)

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🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, founder edition.

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Today, we are talking with Robin Laine from Transect.

We cover…

  • The issue choosing the best locations for renewables and how Transect solves that

  • How Robin established a “culture-first” company

  • How to convert a manual solution into a scalable technology


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The Guest: Robin Laine

Robin Laine, CEO and Co-founder of Transect, has had a rich 17-year tenure within the environmental sector, marked by diverse roles ranging from field biologist to national program manager across various organizations. Her experience spans land surveys for sensitive resources, permitting processes for numerous development ventures, and providing environmental oversight for Fortune 500 enterprises.

Now, at Transect, Robin channels her passion to create an online platform that facilitates environmental due diligence and site selection.

The Company: Transect

Solar Software, Remote Sensing, Data Advisory

One-liner: Transforming site selection to improve renewable energy performance for developers

Transect's software redefines the landscape of site selection and environmental due diligence, representing a transformative tool for developers across various sectors. Offering instantaneous analysis tailored to renewable energy, utilities, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects, Transect facilitates swift identification and assessment of optimal sites, compressing timelines from weeks to mere minutes.

Its standout features encompass rapid site localization, comprehensive critical issues assessment, seamless integration with real-time data updates, adaptable functionality across diverse industries, intuitive user interface, cost-effective efficiency, and preemptive risk management.


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📝 Show Notes:

Topics

  • 02:37 Need for Transformation in Permitting

  • 05:58 How Transect Streamlines the process

  • 08:47 Building Trust with Developers

  • 11:50 Robin's Journey from Consultant to Entrepreneur

  • 23:33 Raising Transect's Seed Round

  • 24:38 Early Contracts and Scaling the Team

  • 32:24 Building a Culture-First Company and Hiring for Mission Alignment

  • 38:45 Being Customer-First

  • 45:32 Opportunities for Software in the Renewables Industry

  • 47:25 Future Solar Energy Costs

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CleanTechies
CleanTechies Podcast
CleanTechies is a Podcast and Newsletter where Somil & Silas interview the leading ClimateTech Founders and Investors to share their advice and journeys with other Founders and Investors to help others succeed.