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The Fundamental Molecule

De: The Fundamental Molecule with Tom Ferguson Burnt Island Ventures
  • Resumen

  • Welcome to The Fundamental Molecule. This show explores the intersection of water, technology and entrepreneurship. Each week, Tom Ferguson, Managing Partner of Burnt Island Ventures, interviews innovators, experts, entrepreneurs and investors in the world of water, to help us understand where this trillion dollar industry is headed. These are the stories of the people building the future of the world’s most valuable and fundamental resource. Explore all of our episodes and learn more at https://www.burntislandventures.com/the-fundamental-molecule
    2023 Burnt Island Ventures
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Episodios
  • Matt Johnson - Constraints, Sequencing, and Finding the Fun
    Jun 12 2024
    People do business with people they like, and Matt Johnson is one of the most likable people I have met in the last 10 years. He is a cocktail of curiosity, energy, reflectiveness, enthusiasm, and both left and right brains that come together in a genuinely compelling person. And his company is a reflection of him and his co-founder, Bibi - a phenomenally designed, user centric, cost effective solution for a pervasive problem, not only in water, but in real estate and all real assets as well. LAIIER have already secured leak detection contracts with two of the biggest companies in the world and have a good shot at becoming a new standard in building resilience. Their story is a fascinating study in entrepreneurship, and they're in a very interesting position indeed. Please enjoy my conversation with Matt Johnson. Subscribe to The Fundamental Molecule here: https://www.burntislandventures.com/the-fundamental-molecule For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fundamental-molecule/id1714287205 ----------- Matt shares his entrepreneurial journey from Colorado to London, emphasizing the cultural insights and strategic growth tactics he's adopted. He and Tom discuss LAIIER's innovative solutions for preventing damage in real estate and industrial settings, the challenges of negotiating with large entities, and the significance of understanding customer needs for business success. Their discussion here today takes a deep dive into the complexities of water technology that encapsulates the essence of overcoming adversity with a positive mindset, underscoring the critical role of humor and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey. 0:00 Start 0:49 Introduction 2:15 Matt’s journey to LAIIER 6:47 What LAIIER produces 8:36 Advantages and disadvantages of Matt’s training 11:28 The discovery process 14:47 Working with big name entities 18:15 The importance of sequencing 21:55 Alleviating some of the sales pressure on him 24:43 A fundamental founder sales problem 29:09 Replicating founder level sales quality in a sales organization 33:11 Negotiation lessons and resources 36:51 Cultural differences between Britain and the US 39:56 Reflections on becoming an entrepreneur 42:00 Matt’s single piece of advice for water entrepreneurs Links: Burnt Island Ventures: https://www.burntislandventures.com/ LAIIER: https://www.laiier.io/ Quotes: “So it is really like different strips of tape that you can stick on, around, under pieces of equipment that do very precise measurement of different liquids on the surface, and then report that remotely. "Culturally, it's now aspirational to be entrepreneurial in the UK." "It's crucial to be methodical about consistency in communication during customer discovery." "Great businesses are built through facilitating a connection, often reassembling existing things in a new context." "The advantage of the founder is industry knowledge, charm, and willingness to take risks, but the advantage of a sales team is negotiation and execution." “If you can maintain a sense of humor when it gets really tough, you're more likely to maintain the creative energy required to not just survive it, but to thrive in it.”
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    44 m
  • Nicole Neeman Brady - Intrapreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Public Service
    May 29 2024
    Nicole Neeman Brady is a real standout in the world of water. An entrepreneur, an intrapreneur fund manager, mentor to countless emerging water professionals, she has packed a lot into her time in the sector. She's currently a managing director with Renewable Resources Group, where she oversaw the raising and deployment of the $927 million sustainable Water Impact Fund, the largest of its kind ever. She is also a public servant of considerable standing, having just left the board of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which is the largest municipality in the US with an annual operating budget of $7.5 billion. And she previously served on the Colorado River Board of California. As you will hear, she's a deeply smart, generous, and reflective person with a fascinating career. Please enjoy my conversation with Nicole Neeman Brady. Subscribe to The Fundamental Molecule here: https://www.burntislandventures.com/the-fundamental-molecule For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fundamental-molecule/id1714287205 ----------- Nicole shares details from her transformative journey from early days at high-profile firms like McKinsey and Goldman Sachs to her pivotal role in pioneering distributed water treatment solutions. She discusses the challenges and strategies in water management amid climate change, the complexities of board governance, and the impact of strategic decisions on environmental sustainability. Throughout the episode, Nicole offers insights into water rights investing, the dynamics of the SPAC market, and the crucial role of storytelling in advocating for environmental issues. Episode Highlights: 0:00 Start 0:49 Introduction 2:00 Nicole’s journey to the water sector 6:35 The Renewable Resources Group (RRG) 9:16 Fundraising around water 11:54 Investing in water rights 14:37 SPAC markets 19:11 Serving on the LADWP board 22:55 Running an effective board 27:09 The role of a board Chair 29:30 Nicole’s perspective on MBAs and YPO 32:49 The future of water as an investable area 35:16 Communicating the water story Links: Burnt Island Ventures: https://www.burntislandventures.com/ Nicole Neeman Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neemanbrady/ Quotes: “I saw the critical need for innovative solutions in water management.” “It can be a tremendous and clear opportunity to find a way to monetize water, to make investments in the sector while addressing water security challenges and really promoting sustainable and environmental good practices.” "My water journey…really began with a deep fascination and passion for sustainability and resource management." "We wanted to focus on distributed water treatment, really under the thesis that much like the energy sector, water too would move from large scale projects to more distributed solutions." "I think there's been a much more notable recognition of the climate change's impact on water sources and their lack of durability and resiliency." “We have to embrace storytelling as a strategic priority.” “If you feel like you're drowning in problems, there's always a solution waiting to be distilled.”
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    39 m
  • Steve Kloos - Thinking Right to Left
    May 15 2024
    In 2015, we still used those table speakers for conference calls. Remember those? Kind of looked like a spaceship. I had just started at Imagine H2O, and the first external call I had on my second day was with someone who was very highly regarded by my colleague Ivy Nguyen, who is now a BIV IC member. Hi, Ivy! That someone was Steve Kloos, partner at True North Venture Partners, previously at GE Water and Osmonics. And Ivy was really right. Over the following eight years, Steve became a friend, mentor, colleague, and through an annual seminar for IH2O companies that he ran, probably the single biggest influence on how I and the team thought about the science of early stage company creation and entrepreneurship. I was so grateful for his support through the formation of BIV Fund I, and it was a wonderful moment when we saw the possibility of working together. Along with Christine joining, BIV has now entered a new phase, and one that sets us up excellently for the long term. We have a three-person partnership of complementary skills and backgrounds, and it's tremendously exciting to have Steve join us. He's an exceptionally smart, kind person with a hell of a resume and is one of the highest integrity individuals I've had the pleasure of working with. Subscribe to The Fundamental Molecule here: https://www.burntislandventures.com/the-fundamental-molecule For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fundamental-molecule/id1714287205 ----------- Steve Kloos’ career in the water field, his expertise in membrane technology, and his significant contributions at Osmonics, GE, and partner at True North Venture Partners is explored. He and Tom discuss the critical roles of mentorship, strategic thinking, and the dynamics of corporate integration and venture capital in fostering innovation. Key themes discussed are the power of water treatment technologies, the importance of understanding value chains, strategies for startup success and sustainability, and the need for continuous learning and adaptability in addressing climate change and advancing water technology. Episode Highlights: 0:00 Start 0:49 Introduction 2:23 Steve’s journey with water 4:45 Membranes and their importance 5:49 GE’s acquisition of Osmonics 8:04 Steve’s progression within GE 9:59 GE’s vulnerabilities 12:28 Transitioning from focusing on business internally to externally 16:11 GE Ventures 18:05 True North and startup theory 22:35 Coaching startups 27:20 Risk retirement and registers 30:15 Lessons learned as AquaHydrex CEO 31:56 A unique tool in acquiring funding 34:16 Hydrogen and water’s intersection with climate and climate risk 39:27 Current 42:09 What excites him about BIV 46:10 Steve’s advice for prospective water entrepreneurs Links: Burnt Island Ventures: https://www.burntislandventures.com/ Current: https://currentwater.org/ “Onion Theory of Risk”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy9cAANwMe Quotes: "The true north of any company lies in understanding its customers and working backwards from there." "Innovation is not just about having a groundbreaking idea; it’s about making it sustainable and scalable." "Water is not just a resource; it’s a critical player in our collective response to climate change." "Being a learner is more than a mindset; it’s the most crucial skill for any entrepreneur."
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    48 m

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