This simple sequence makes 83% of Water Founders Leave Early - that's what I found, investigating 1571 water tech companies and their 3356 founders!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

🙌 Supporters 🙌

A big thank you to my partner SimpleLab: https://link.dww.show/simplelab

And a great shout-out to Blue Foot Membranes: https://link.dww.show/bluefoot

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Episode #️⃣
The Dynamics of Water Innovation Book: https://www.bluetechresearch.com/the-dynamics-of-water-innovation/

Global Water Intelligence's WaterData: https://www.gwiwaterdata.com/

My Review of Paul O'Callaghan's book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A36PsBc1cnc

My deep dive in Water Tech's growth stage investment scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqQwOC-ys4c

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 Why start-up founders matter to investors

01:02 The Universal Sequence

02:33 3 Red Flags that Predict Failure

03:45 Methodology

05:40 Sponsor
06:26 1. Founders' Profile

08:23 2. Fundraising Events
10:06 3. Market Events

12:13 4. Team Development

15:02 5. Board Structure

16:47 6. Future Evolution

18:24 Sponsor

📝 IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE

🔍 The critical 5-step sequence that predicts 83% of founder departures (and how board appointments trigger the countdown)

💼 Why hiring velocity is the second strongest predictor of founder exits, and what happens when a company reaches 80 employees

🚩 The three red flags that doom startups after founder departures, including why losing two founders in 24 months leads to 72% failure rate

💰 How fundraising impacts founder tenure and why hardware companies see 8% higher founder turnover than software startups

🌐 The surprising geographical differences in founder longevity across regions and what market milestones actually keep founders engaged

About this Podcast:

Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast, the leading podcast for water industry professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking deep insights into water tech innovation, investment trends, and strategic moves in the sector. Host Antoine Walter blends his technical expertise with sharp business acumen to deliver weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with C-suite executives, detailed analysis of major water industry developments, and practical insights for water tech startups and seasoned players alike.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ever wondered if unbreakable membranes really existed? Listen to this!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

🙌 Supporters 🙌

A big thank you to my partner SimpleLab: https://link.dww.show/simplelab

And a great shout-out to Blue Foot Membranes: https://link.dww.show/bluefoot

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Episode #️⃣
Connect with Stephan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-van-hoof-bb77316/

BlueFoot Membranes was spun out from VITO: https://vito.be/en

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 In this Week's Episode

01:38 The Membrane Market

04:38 Unique Features and Benefits

11:03 Stephan's Journey and Blue Foot's Growth

16:01 Commercial Strategy and Partnerships

22:44 Global Expansion Strategies

27:39 OEM Strategy and Customer Relations

32:46 Future Growth and Funding Plans

37:27 Rapid Fire Questions

📝 IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE

🧠 How Blue Foot combines the best features of flat sheet, tubular, and ceramic membranes into one unbreakable solution

💧 The journey from VITO spin-off to scaling a disruptive membrane technology with OEM partnerships across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia

⚡ The real-world benefits of 50% lower energy consumption and compact footprint that's changing how industries approach water reuse

💼 Why Blue Foot's strategic fundraising of €15 million supports their ambitious 2028 target of €40 million revenue with 100% annual growth

🏭 How breakthrough membrane technology is enabling water reuse in challenging industrial applications like breweries and slaughterhouses

About this Podcast:

Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast, the leading podcast for water industry professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking deep insights into water tech innovation, investment trends, and strategic moves in the sector. Host Antoine Walter blends his technical expertise with sharp business acumen to deliver weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with C-suite executives, detailed analysis of major water industry developments, and practical insights for water tech startups and seasoned players alike.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are 100x multiples achievable in Water Tech when no-one ever reached 10x? Peter Yolles (Echo River Capital) believes so... and he's on track to prove it!

How? Listen to this!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

🙌 Supporters 🙌

A big thank you to my partner SimpleLab: https://link.dww.show/simplelab

And a great shout-out to Blue Foot Membranes: https://link.dww.show/bluefoot

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣

Echo River Capital: https://www.echorivercap.com/

Reach out to Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolles/

Epic Cleantec on the mic': https://link.dww.show/epic

Aclarity on the mic': https://link.dww.show/pfas-aclarity

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

📝 IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE

💸 How Echo River Capital aims for 100X returns in water tech and why Peter believes it's possible within a 10-year investment window

🔬 The "Three Ds" investment thesis - digitize, decarbonize, and decentralize - that guides Peter's strategy in the water technology sector

🏢 Why the 20th century centralized water systems are collapsing and how new decentralized solutions represent billion-dollar opportunities

🌎 How water tech companies can monetize carbon reductions through voluntary carbon markets, opening new revenue streams beyond traditional water utility customers

🚀 Why Peter focuses on university spin-outs with validated technology but pre-commercial status, and how this approach shortens the path to successful exits

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

02:23 The Quest for 100x Returns in Water Tech

07:17 Peter's Journey from Entrepreneur to Investor

09:13 Echo River's Unique Approach to Early-Stage Investments

21:32 The Three Ds of Water Tech

26:48 Decarbonization and Its Business Potential

30:48 The Future of Water Tech Investments

35:17 Is 100x Achievable?

40:18 Investor Literacy in Water

47:47 Future of Water Investments

01:02:18 Rapid Fire Questions

About this Podcast:

Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast, the leading podcast for water industry professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking deep insights into water tech innovation, investment trends, and strategic moves in the sector. Host Antoine Walter blends his technical expertise with sharp business acumen to deliver weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with C-suite executives, detailed analysis of major water industry developments, and practical insights for water tech startups and seasoned players alike.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if decentralized water bottle plants were the key to providing safe and affordable drinking water to rural communities? Learn how in this World Water Day Special!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

🙌 Supporters 🙌

A big thank you to my partner SimpleLab: https://gosimplelab.com/

And a great shout-out to Blue Foot Membranes: https://bluefootmembranes.com/

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣

1001 Fontaines' website: https://www.1001fontaines.com/

Amandine's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandine-muret-1a14b369/

Send Amandine a mail: am.muret@1001fontaines.com

My conversation with Gary White: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water/s11e13-the-world-s-best-water-entrepreneur-actually-runs-a-charity

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

📝 IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE

🧪 How 1001 Fontaines pioneered a business-minded approach to water access 20 years ago when most NGOs strongly opposed the idea of selling water to vulnerable populations

🏗️ The innovative decentralized water kiosk model that empowers local entrepreneurs while ensuring water quality, service continuity, and affordability

💰 Why focusing on drinking water quality (1.5L per person daily) rather than complete domestic water needs creates a more sustainable and effective solution in rural areas

🌏 How the organization has evolved from Cambodia to Madagascar and Bangladesh, adapting its model from rural kiosks to urban hub-and-spoke systems while maintaining its core mission

🔄 The challenges of working in regulatory "gray areas" and why bottled water as a utility deserves recognition in global water access frameworks

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Changing Our Approach of Water Development

03:57 The Role of Bottled Water in Rural Areas

04:58 World Water Day Reflections

06:17 The Complexity of Safe Water Access

08:54 1001 Fountains' Unique Model

11:21 Entrepreneurial Approach to Water Development

25:36 Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

39:13 Navigating Legal and Policy Challenges

44:45 Marketing Strategies and Entrepreneur Support

55:28 Funding and Financial Strategies

59:50 Future Directions

01:09:29 Rapid Fire Questions

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if your next AI prompt could help restore wetlands and improve water security? Listen to this!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

🙌 Supporters 🙌

A big thank you to my partner SimpleLab: https://gosimplelab.com/

And a great shout-out to Blue Foot Membranes: https://bluefootmembranes.com/

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣

Connect with Will Hewes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hewes-61947232/

Check out Amazon's take to Water Stewardship: https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/natural-resources/water

My conversation with Botanical Water: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water/how-tomatoes-become-drinking-water-and-microsoft-wants-in

My conversation with FIDO Tech: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water/s5e4-how-to-save-time-money-and-water-thanks-to-92-accurate-leak-detection

My discussion with Lauren Kenyon Enright on measuring Water Stewardship: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water/s11e9-how-to-end-bullshit-and-measure-your-water-stewardship-commitments-right

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

📝 IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE

💧 How AWS manages water in data centers while pursuing ambitious water-positive goals by 2030

🔍 The tech and strategies making AWS 10x more water-efficient than industry average with just 0.18L per kilowatt-hour

♻️ Why recycled wastewater and smart replenishment projects are the foundation of AWS's sustainability approach

📊 The metrics and methodology behind AWS's water-positive pledge and how they've already reached 41% of their target

🌱 Real-world examples of innovative water projects in Chile, Brazil, and Ohio that are transforming local watersheds and agriculture

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 Introduction

02:27 Editorial

05:19 Water Efficiency in Data Centers

13:56 Replenishment Goals and Strategies

22:07 Community-Driven Water Replenishment Projects

25:14 Balancing Innovation and Risk

30:39 Scaling Agricultural Water Efficiency

35:36 Future of Water Replenishment and Sustainability

39:29 Rapid Fire Questions

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What went on at Aquatech Amsterdam 2025? What's to remember and take home? Listen to this!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

Check out SimpleLab: https://gosimplelab.com/

Check out Blue Foot Membranes: https://bluefootmembranes.com/

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣

Hope Hydration: https://www.hopehydration.com/

QUA's nomination for the Global Water Awards: https://globalwaterawards.com/

Holland Sensor: https://hollandsensor.com/

SUIKI by TDK: https://suiki.earth/

REDstack: https://www.redstack.nl/

Oxyle: https://oxyle.com/

Aquagga: https://www.aquagga.com/

Puraffinity: https://www.puraffinity.com/technology

Purgatoria: https://purgatoria.nl/en/

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 Key Facts about Aquatech 2025

00:51 Pick 5: Hope Hydration

15:31 Pick 4: QUA

24:07 Pick 3: Holland Sensor

33:12 Pick 2: SUIKI (by TDK)

44:49 Pick 1: REDstack

1:04:15 Aquatech's Digital Derby

1:07:11 Contestant 1: Oxyle

1:11:32 Contestant 2: Aquagga

1:16:50 Contestant 3: Puraffinity

1:21:27 Audience Questions

1:24:55 And the winner is...

1:25:39 Closing Thoughts

About this Podcast:

Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast, the leading podcast for water industry professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking deep insights into water tech innovation, investment trends, and strategic moves in the sector. Host Antoine Walter blends his technical expertise with sharp business acumen to deliver weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with C-suite executives, detailed analysis of major water industry developments, and practical insights for water tech startups and seasoned players alike.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

China proposed to add direct lithium extraction technologies to its export control list. In short: DLE Tech faces an export ban!

What consequences will it have for Lithium Projects around the World? Who's secretly celebrating this export ban, and why? What are quick fixes and long-term solutions? How does this play more broadly in China's long game in the EV revolution? Let's find out!

Check out SimpleLab: https://gosimplelab.com/

Check out Blue Foot Membranes: https://bluefootmembranes.com/

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣

My exploration of Eramet (and beyond) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3bMCdZj760

My interview with Standard Lithium's CEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz3w6IAy_38

My exploration of the Salton Sea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN9pmk83_xo

My short on Simbol Material - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q_2SCrDkC-A

My Lithium Project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeZJpBySIQo

🎙️ PODCAST 🎙️

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

👋 SOCIAL MEDIA 👋

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 The Chinese ban on DLE Technology Export

01:10 What is China "Retiring"?

06:35 Which Lithium Projects are Impacted?

17:22 Who are the Winners?

24:02 Why did China ban the export of DLE Tech?

#DLE #Lithium #DirectLithiumExtraction

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Turing just raised a $14 million Series A to further develop its Artificial Intelligence solutions applied to ware. Curious about the full story? Listen to this!

More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

Big thanks to my sponsor, SimpleLab: https://gosimplelab.com/

#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣

Turing's Series A: https://theturingcompany.com/turing-secures-14-million-to-scale-ai-powered-water-management-solutions/

Hiep Le's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiep-le-187a7a14/

Prakash Govindan's appearance on the podcast: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water/s11e1-an-unpopular-challenging-yet-true-take-on-venture-capital-in-water

🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️

Podcast Channel: @dwwpodcast

Main Channel: @AntoineWalterDWW

Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water

Website: https://dww.show/podcast/

🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?

⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

00:00 In this weel's Episode

02:57 Turing's Journey

05:18 Understanding Real-Time Operational Excellence

07:22 The Story Behind Turing's Formation

12:36 Turing's $14 Million Series A Round

19:24 Turing's Diverse Clientele and Solutions

21:47 Innovations in Singapore's Water Management

24:24 Ideal Customer Profiles & Business Model

29:06 Geographical Expansion

31:20 Adoption Hurdles and Customer Retention

33:49 Revenue, Profitability, and Future Goals

37:51 Rapid Fire Questions

About this Podcast:

Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast, the leading podcast for water industry professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking deep insights into water tech innovation, investment trends, and strategic moves in the sector. Host Antoine Walter blends his technical expertise with sharp business acumen to deliver weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with C-suite executives, detailed analysis of major water industry developments, and practical insights for water tech startups and seasoned players alike.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.