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Europe’s energy system is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in generations. Energy security, the rapid growth of renewables, rising demand from AI and data centres, and the continuing challenge of climate change are fundamentally reshaping how we generate, store and consume power. At the centre of that transformation is energy storage. Today, I’m joined by Philipp Mann, Founder of terralayr, a company building and operating battery storage infrastructure with ambitions to become a major force in Europe’s energy transition. We explore why Philipp believes the coming decades will belong to energy and infrastructure technology businesses, why Germany represents such a compelling starting point, and how terralayr has scaled rapidly while raising hundreds of millions in equity and project financing. We also get into leadership, building a high-agency culture, attracting exceptional talent, and Philipp’s ambition to build a company of generational scale and lasting impact. This is a conversation about energy sovereignty, infrastructure, technology, and what it takes to build an enduring energy business at the heart of Europe’s transformation. Tune in for an inside look at turning an ambitious student experiment into scalable energy infrastructure. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 01:08 — From Watches to Energy 03:36 — Solving Europe’s Storage Gap 07:06 — Why Batteries, Why Now? 10:15 — Finding Product-Market Fit 13:16 — Winning Major Energy Partners 15:45 — How Virtual Tolling Works 21:32 — Energy’s Defining Decades 25:19 — Raising €400M+ Capital 28:37 — Agency, Integrity & Culture Useful links:  terralayr Website:  https://www.trlyr.com/ terralayr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/terralayr/ Phillip Mann  Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippman/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What started as a student experiment is now a €140 million bet on the future of industrial heat. In this episode, Mark Verhagen, Founder and CEO of RIFT, shares the hard lessons behind taking iron fuel from the university lab towards commercial scale—and challenging fossil fuels in one of the toughest industries to decarbonise. Mark explains why sustainability alone won’t win customers, why first movers matter, and how RIFT realised its original business model wouldn’t support the capital needed to scale. He also explores knowing when to pivot, aligning financing with commercial strategy, handling the pressure of fundraising, and building a company when the odds are against you. 🎧 Tune in for an inside look at turning an ambitious student experiment into scalable energy infrastructure. --- 🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:00 – Reinventing industrial heat 03:43 – How iron fuel works 08:03 – Student project to scale-up 11:35 – Sustainability isn’t enough 14:04 – Rethinking the business model 16:03 – Learning ahead of growth 18:31 – Knowing when to pivot 23:56 – The reality of fundraising 25:56 – The odds are against you Useful links: 👇 RIFT Website:  https://www.ironfueltechnology.com/ RIFT  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/renewableironfueltechnology/ Mark Verhagen  Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-markverhagen/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Turning breakthrough science into a successful business requires more than great technology. It takes capital, manufacturing scale, commercial focus and a team capable of turning innovation into real-world impact. In this episode, Thijs Bosch, CEO of The Protein Brewery, shares the realities of leading a fermentation-based food company from startup to scale-up. Following EU novel food approval and a major Series B extension, he discusses raising growth capital, scaling production to meet demand, and building a high-performing culture that brings together biotech, manufacturing and commercial expertise.  Thijs also reflects on becoming a first-time CEO, why focus and resource allocation are critical in a scale-up, and what it takes to turn breakthrough food innovation into a commercially successful business. 🎧 Tune in to discover how breakthrough science becomes scalable innovation—and why the future belongs to those willing to think long term. --- 🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Joining a company mid-fundraise 05:00 – Moving from startup to scale-up 09:52 – The realities of becoming a first-time CEO 14:51 – De-risking breakthrough technology 16:42 – Securing EU novel food approval 19:42 – The opportunity in active nutrition 24:39 – Scaling production to meet demand 28:02 – Building a high-performance cultur Useful links: 👇 The Protein Brewery Website:  https://www.theproteinbrewery.com/ The Protein Brewery LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-protein-brewery/ Thijs Bosch Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thijs-bosch-8a53133/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What does it really take to turn breakthrough science into a business that changes industries? In this episode, Giacomo Bastianelli, CEO of Rainbow Crops, shares his journey commercialising frontier science—from biotech and software startups to building climate-resilient crops using AI, genome editing, and precision breeding. He explains why people matter more than technology, how AI is transforming crop genetics through better data, and why patient capital is essential for deep-tech innovation. Giacomo also discusses Europe's evolving regulatory landscape, building high-performing teams, and the mindset required to navigate long development cycles while creating lasting impact. 🎧 Tune in to discover how breakthrough science becomes scalable innovation—and why the future belongs to those willing to think long term. --- 🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:59 – The 3 Ps of startups 09:53 – Engineering plants differently 11:25 – Building Rainbow Crops 17:04 – AI meets crop genetics 20:20 – Europe's regulatory shift 23:35 – Commercialising deep tech 26:57 – Why patient capital matters 35:40 – Lessons from failure Useful links: 👇 Rainbow Crops Website:  https://www.rainbowcrops.com Rainbow Crops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainbow-crops/ Giacomo Bastianelli Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomobastianelli/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

AI isn't facing a compute problem—it's facing an infrastructure problem. Every breakthrough in artificial intelligence, electrification and clean energy depends on critical minerals, yet the real challenge is extracting them sustainably and economically. In this episode, Mohammad Doostmohammadi, Founder & CEO of PH7 Technologies, shares how his company is transforming the recovery of critical minerals through a closed-loop process that dramatically reduces water use, eliminates wastewater and unlocks value from low-grade ores and mine waste. He also discusses the realities of commercialising deep-tech, navigating the mining industry's appetite for innovation, and why building the right team—not just the right technology—is what ultimately determines success. 🎧 Tune in for a fresh look at scaling deep-tech ventures where speed matters—but shortcuts don’t. --- 🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps 00:00 – AI's infrastructure challenge 02:15 – The founding insight 06:30 – Unlocking mine waste 11:15 – Sustainable meets commercial 12:50 – Why copper matters 18:05 – Rethinking mineral processing 22:45 – Scaling deep-tech 30:40 – It's all about team 33:30 – Building a global vision Useful links: 👇 ph7 Technologies website:  https://ph7technologies.com/ ph7 Technologies  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ph7technologies/ Mohammad Doostmohammadi  Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-doostmohammadi/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

How do you raise millions in one of the world’s toughest deep-tech sectors when you’re still learning the industry yourself? In this episode, Susan Stone, CEO of Blue Current, shares how curiosity, relentless learning, and disciplined execution helped her lead a major fundraise within her first year in solid-state batteries. Susan explores the realities of scaling breakthrough energy technologies, navigating the “valley of torture” between innovation and commercialization, and building a culture where respectful challenge drives better decisions. From manufacturing strategy and investor alignment to AI-driven energy demand and the future of battery innovation, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading through complexity and uncertainty. Tune in for a fresh look at scaling deep-tech ventures where speed matters—but shortcuts don’t. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps 00:00 – Entering Battery Tech 04:38 – Choosing The Winner 09:02 – Capital-Light Thinking 12:58 – Solid-State Reality Check 17:02 – Go Fast. No Shortcuts. 21:22 – Batteries & National Security 24:43 – AI's Energy Demand 28:21 – Hiring For Challenge 34:39 – Breaking Down Silos Useful links: Blue Current  website:  https://blue-current.com/ Blue Current LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-current-inc/ Susan Stone Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-stone-49bb5a/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What happens when the infrastructure feeding half the world's population becomes vulnerable to geopolitics, supply chain disruption, and outdated production models? In this episode Nico Pinkowski, CEO and co-founder of Nitricity, shares how his team is reimagining fertiliser production through distributed, renewable-powered systems built closer to farmers. Nico reflects on failed technologies, difficult pivots, and the breakthrough moments that emerged when the company was at its lowest. From strengthening food security to scaling a 70-person climate tech business, he reveals why great leaders don't avoid hard problems—they stare the bull in the eyes and find opportunity where others see obstacles. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 01:00 Food Security Risks 03:57 Nitricity's Mission 06:29 The Fertiliser Challenge 08:04 When Pivots Hurt 11:10 Bombing The Pitch 13:00 Opportunities In The Gutter 14:39 Reinventing Fertiliser 20:04 Scaling The Company 30:45 Stare The Bull  Useful links:  Nitricity website:  https://www.nitricity.co/ Nitrcity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nitricity/ Nico Pinkowski  Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspinkowski/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What happens when you realise incremental change is no longer enough? For Randi Wahlsten, that moment led her from a successful corporate career to founding Matr Foods, a company reimagining how sustainable food is created and consumed. In this episode, Randi shares the realities of building a new food category from scratch, transforming simple ingredients through fermentation, and scaling a business around a vision before the market existed.   From raising capital and building a first-of-its-kind factory to leading through uncertainty and challenging industry norms, this conversation explores what it takes to turn purpose into progress. Tune in for an honest conversation about conviction, innovation, and building something the world doesn't yet know it needs. ---  Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps:   00:00 Building a New Category 01:20 Leaving Corporate 02:50 Fermentation's Opportunity 05:00 Beyond Meat Alternatives 06:20 How Matr Works 08:45 Scaling Across Europe 11:45 Fundraising Lessons 16:30 Startup Reality 22:50 What Investors Want 25:10 Hiring for Growth 27:40 Female Founder Bias 34:20 Future of Food Useful links:  Matr Foods website:  https://matrfoods.com/ Matr Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matrfoods/ Randi Wahlsten  Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-wahlsten-285115/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Europe imports millions of tons of soybeans every year. But what if the future of farming could change that completely? In this episode, Simon Leich sits down with Benjamin Laga, founder and CEO of Protealis, to explore how AI, genetics, and next-generation breeding could help Europe grow more of its own protein and reduce its dependence on imported soy. Benjamin shares his journey from biotech startups to global corporations like BASF, and explains why he left the corporate world to build a company focused on sustainable agriculture and food security. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why Europe depends so heavily on imported soybeansHow protein crops could reshape the future of farmingHow AI is accelerating crop breeding and genetic selectionWhy sustainable farming starts with better crop systemsThe challenge of turning scientific innovation into real-world impactThis episode is a fascinating look at the future of agriculture, food independence, and the technology changing how crops are developed. Watch now and discover how one startup is trying to transform Europe’s food system. Tune in on… Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:36 Meet Benjamin Laga 01:32 From Startup Life to Big Corporations 05:18 How Benjamin Started Protealis 07:52 Building a Company with Purpose 09:25 Starting a Business During Covid 10:23 Why Europe Imports So Much Protein 12:09 Soybeans & Europe’s Nitrogen Problem 14:51 Using AI to Improve Crop Breeding 18:16 How AI Predicts Better Crops 22:44 Why Soybeans Struggle in Europe 25:54 Developing High Protein Crops 27:10 Growing Soybeans Across Europe 28:19 Turning Research Into a Real Business 30:00 Building the Right Company Culture 32:12 Hiring People for Startup Life 34:09 Belgium’s Growing AgTech Scene 35:34 The Future Vision for Pr Useful links: Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if agriculture could become the world’s most powerful engine for climate and health—without sacrificing yield? In this episode, Dr. Robert Berendes, scientist, entrepreneur and longtime ag innovator, unpacks how deep tech, genome editing and AI are transforming a “low-tech” industry into a high-impact platform for planetary regeneration. He explores the shift from calories to nutrition, soil health and carbon sequestration, why new genetics will rewrite competitive dynamics in ag, and what it really takes to scale ventures from flagship labs to farmers’ fields. Along the way, Robert shares hard-won lessons on talent, regulation, capital cycles and why agriculture in 2030 will look nothing like today. Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that leave every acre better. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 0:00 – Rethinking innovation in ag 1:08 – Ignoring the noisy consensus 3:43 – From consulting to Syngenta 5:38 – Why ag is misunderstood 10:09 – Reading and writing genomes 12:56 – Power shift to farmers 17:24 – Inside the Flagship model 22:59 – Talent that drives disruption 28:42 – Funding cycles and exits 34:10 – Agriculture in 2030 Useful links: Flagship Pioneering website: https://www.flagshippioneering.com/ Flagship Pioneering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering/ Robert Berendes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-berendes-39b62a67/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if we could remove CO₂ from the atmosphere today—and keep it gone for 1,000 years? In this episode, I’m joined by Barclay Rogers, founder and CEO of Graphyte, who is pioneering a breakthrough method called Carbon Casting that uses biomass by-products and low-energy engineering to lock away carbon at a fraction of the typical cost. We explore why many emissions cannot be abated, how durable removals differ from nature-based fixes, and what it takes to make carbon removal bankable and scalable. Remarkably, Graphyte went from founding to full-scale operation in just 18 months—proving that durable carbon removal can be delivered today, not decades from now.  Listen in to discover how Graphyte is rewriting the carbon removal playbook—faster, cheaper, and at scale. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 0:00 – Opening: The 1,000-year carbon removal challenge 2:10 – Barclay’s journey: From engineer & lawyer to founder 5:50 – What “carbon removal” really means vs. abatement 9:30 – Nature-based solutions vs engineered removals 13:20 – Introducing Carbon Casting: how it works 17:45 – Why biomass waste + dry storage = low-cost removal 22:50 – Scaling: from pilot to modular global model 27:10 – Market mechanics: credits, buyers, quality ratings 31:40 – Financing and bankability: project finance in CDR 35:15 – International expansion & global biomass potential 39:00 – Practical advice for climate-tech founders 43:00 – Closing thoughts & next steps Useful links: Graphyte Website: https://www.graphyte.com/ Graphyte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphytecarbon/ Barclay Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barclayrogers/ Leaders on a Mission Website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

What if the key to transforming our food system isn’t growing more, but wasting less? In this episode, Apeel CEO Luiz Beling reveals how plant-based coatings are extending the shelf life at the source, cutting food waste, and creating value across the supply chain. Luiz opens up about resetting Apeel’s strategy for scalability, leading through misinformation, and fostering a culture that prizes progress over perfection. From pivoting toward growers and packers to mastering decision speed and rebuilding stakeholder trust, this is a masterclass in leading with clarity through complexity. 🎧 Hear how leaders reset, refocus, and rebuild stronger than before. --- 🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:00 — Decision speed - perfection 02:29 — Four priorities on entry 05:12 — How Apeel works 06:57 — Extra days, extra value 13:47 — Startup vs big company 17:48 — Hiring for agility 22:07 — Value across supply chain 29:28 — Farmer adoption reality 35:24 — Fighting misinformation Useful links:  Apeel website: https://apeel.com Apeel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apeel/ Luiz Beling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizbeling/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Computation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude. In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe’s regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype. Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:00 – Clean chemistry = mission 02:41 – From pharma to enzymes 05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years 07:03 – AI + physics workflow 10:55 – Why cost always wins 11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind 14:52 – End-to-end solution model 19:31 – First hits in 3 months 23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision 28:42 – Bio-melanin case study 35:24 – Fundraising and future Useful links: ZYMVOL  website: https://zymvol.com/ ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/ Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Can alternative protein earn back meat-eaters’ trust? At Prime Roots, CEO Kimberlie Le believes the answer lies in reinventing the deli—one of the most consumed, and most distrusted, meat categories. Using koji mycelium and chef-led formulation, Prime Roots has developed clean-label deli meats that meat-eaters often prefer in blind taste tests. In this episode, we break down how their ingredient simplicity, category focus, and manufacturing efficiency unlock a more scalable, credible path for the future of food. Tune in to learn how Prime Roots is rebuilding belief in alternative protein—one deli cut at a time.. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:00 – The trust gap in alt-protein 01:12 – Kimberlie’s flexitarian roots 05:36 – Why the deli—not burgers 08:12 – Koji fermentation and clean labels 10:16 – Rebuilding trust through taste 14:01 – Blind taste test wins 18:39 – Product lineup: ham to salami 23:26 – Distribution and go-to-market 28:18 – Scaling with margin discipline Useful links: Prime Roots  website: https://www.primeroots.com/ Prime Root’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primeroots/ Kimberlie Li LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberliele/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Direct air capture has long been too costly and energy-intensive to scale. But economist Ethan Cohen‑Cole is changing the equation. As CEO of Capture6, he’s embedding carbon removal into water infrastructure—cutting brine disposal costs, generating fresh water, and mineralizing CO₂ in one modular system. In this episode, Ethan shares how Capture6 is turning industrial waste into a climate asset by avoiding energy-intensive heat steps and integrating directly into existing desalination and wastewater systems. Learn how this approach flips the economic model of carbon removal—unlocking cost-effective, globally scalable projects that don’t rely on subsidies or voluntary carbon markets.  Tune in to hear how better economics make carbon capture viable. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?  Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.  Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies. Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.  Tune in on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726 …to listen to the latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:56 – Why removals must scale 01:28 – From economist to climate founder 05:09 – What makes DAC expensive 10:18 – Capture6’s unique solution 13:01 – Brine as feedstock 16:59 – Rethinking carbon economics 20:46 – Storage, value, and durability 27:23 – Scaling through replication 31:25 – Project execution + capex 35:16 – Vision for global impact Useful links: Capture6 website: https://capture6.com/ Capture6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capture6/ Ethan Cohen-Cole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecohencole/ Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/