CleanTechies Podcast

#147 Scaling "Equity-Light" Climate Tech: Marketplace Solutions, Equity-Light vs. Software, and Electrification of Transportation w/ Russell Sprole (Virta Ventures)

January 12, 2024 Silas Mähner (CT Headhunter) & Somil Aggarwal (CT PM & Investor) Season 1 Episode 147
CleanTechies Podcast
#147 Scaling "Equity-Light" Climate Tech: Marketplace Solutions, Equity-Light vs. Software, and Electrification of Transportation w/ Russell Sprole (Virta Ventures)
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Show Notes Chapter Markers

In this episode, we chat with Russell Sprole, founder and managing partner of Virta Ventures. Virta Ventures invests at the early stages focusing on “equity-light” companies.

We dive into the nuances of marketplace models, the potential of AI in climate tech, his journey with Full Harvest, and more. 

This is a great episode for software enthusiasts interested in its place in the climate tech ecosystem. 

As always, thanks so much for listening and enjoy the episode!

https://linktr.ee/cleantechies

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Topics

  • 4:00 Starting Virta Ventures 
  • 10:22 Equity Light Solutions 
  • 13:50 Software Solutions in Antiquated Industries 
  • 17:07 Common Equity Light Business Models 
  • 22:55 Investing in Tiba 
  • 28:33 Investing in Crowded vs. Nascent Markets 
  • 34:41 Lessons from Full Harvest 
  • 47:46 Investing in Hydrogen Marketplaces 
  •  1:01:52 The Impact of AI on Climate Tech 
  • 1:06:54 Effective Practices of Portfolio Companies 
  • 1:08:33 Opportunities in the Electrification of Transportation 
  • 1:11:12 Fundraising Advice for Climate Tech Founders 

Links

Support the Show.

Starting Virta Ventures
Equity Light Solutions
Software Solutions in Antiquated Industries 
Common Equity Light Business Models 
Investing in Tiba 
Investing in Crowded vs. Nascent Markets 
Lessons from Full Harvest 
Investing in Hydrogen Marketplaces 
The Impact of AI on Climate Tech 
Effective Practices of Portfolio Companies 
Opportunities in the Electrification of Transportation 
Fundraising Advice for Climate Tech Founders