The Seed

Jake Wombwell Povey

Welcome to The Seed by 7 Generation Ventures podcast.

Our intention with this podcast, is to shine the light on climate tech, investigate the space, and share the stories from the founders, the investors, and the pioneers who are shaping this critical space at this critical juncture.

We hope that by sharing the stories of the guests that we bring on the show that we provide some of the insights as well as community to those who are pushing the boundaries and working so hard to make the world a better place by building or investing in the engineering companies that are going to be able to make that change.

Thank you for joining us and enjoy the show.

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Episodes

Opportunities in the Circular Economy with Julia Davies
Dec 13 2023
Opportunities in the Circular Economy with Julia Davies
In this episode, environmentalist and investor, Julia, opens up about her investing journey in the field of climate tech and sustainability. As the founder of 'We Have The Power', an organisation that invests in solutions and startups tackling single-use waste, Julia discusses her mission and the challenge of catalysing practical action towards a sustainable circular economy. The episode dives into the accomplishments, potential, and challenges faced by various circular economy startups that Julia supports, including Dizzy, Revolution Zero, and Clean Bus. Julia also highlights her vision for focusing on reuse over recycling, advocates for changes in consumer habits, corporate behaviour and government legislation, and shares her unique insights on striking a balance between investment appeal and socio-environmental impact.Enjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackContact Julie LinkedinWe Have The Power00:01 Introduction to the Podcast01:00 Guest Introduction: Julia Davies02:17 Julia's Journey to Sustainability03:10 The Role of Early Stage Startups in Impact Finance05:08 Julia's Investment in Reuse and Circular Economy06:24 The Challenge of Changing Consumer Habits07:40 The Role of Corporations in the Sustainability Transition09:58 The Potential of the Circular Economy10:39 Innovations in the Circular Economy: Case Studies12:09 The Challenge of Systems Change in the Circular Economy19:08 The Role of Government Regulation in Sustainability24:29 The Importance of Focusing on Impact in Investment43:16 Inspiration and Advice for Sustainability Journey46:24 Overhyped and Underhyped Trends in Sustainability47:44 Investing in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation48:36 Policy Reform for a Sustainable Future
When AI Meets Atoms with Windscape AI
Nov 29 2023
When AI Meets Atoms with Windscape AI
Join us for today's podcast where our host Jake Wombwell-Povey interviews the two co-founders of Windscape AI, Eric Thompson (CEO) and Jason Yosinski (CTO).Windscape combines low-cost pressure sensors and artificial intelligence to provide cleaner and more accurate data to optimise wind turbine operations. Though selling this technology to utilities is challenging due to the long, costly, and bureaucratic process, they have found early adopters and are working towards permeating the industry. The co-founders also express their views on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and their potential uses in sustainability and climate change. They identify some overhyped trends and discuss their preferred policy reform of a price on carbon.Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackContact Windscape.aiLinkedinWebsite00:01 Introduction to the Podcast01:01 Guest Introduction: Co-founders of Scape AI02:29 Origins of Windscape and the Founders' Journey08:54 Understanding the Technology Behind Windscape09:04 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Windscape09:13 The Impact of Technological Advancements on Windscape's Existence11:12 How Winscape Improves Efficiency for Wind Turbine Operators15:55 The Distinction Between AI and Machine Learning21:56 Challenges and Lessons from Selling Novel Technologies in the Wind Industry24:14 Understanding Wind Farm Ownership and Operations24:52 Building Relationships with Asset Managers27:19 Challenges and Barriers in Wind Farm Operations29:42 Navigating Stakeholder Mapping and Incentivization31:33 Finding Advocates within Organizations33:28 Targeting Early Adopters in the Wind Industry34:07 The Impact of Windscape on Wind Farm Output37:46 Potential Applications of AI in Power Generation45:33 Investing in Sustainability and Climate Crisis Solutions48:04 Enacting Policy Reforms for Climate Crisis48:54 Contacting and Learning More About WindscapeIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe to our channel and leave a review.
Using Technology to Create a Brighter & Cleaner Future With Oliver Jones & Luke Gavin Founders @ Elmo
May 5 2021
Using Technology to Create a Brighter & Cleaner Future With Oliver Jones & Luke Gavin Founders @ Elmo
Today's guests are Olly Jones,  & Luke Gavin Co-Founders @ ElmoInstagram - @elmodrive Twitter - @elmodriveElmo is led by founders Oliver Jones (Angel Investment Network; Startup Microdose Podcast) and Luke Gavin (Octopus Energy; Element Energy); and supported by a senior team including CTO Eamonn Gahan (VP Engineering at Acre & Drover) and performance marketer Rod Richmond (exited founder of CleanDigital marketing agency).Elmo is the world’s first Net Zero electric vehicle subscription platform integrated with the energy ecosystem. Consumers and SMEs can access electric vehicles with no deposit, on flexible monthly contracts, including everything needed to run the car - from insurance to charging.With Elmos flexible, convenient and digital-first platform, they are accelerating the transition to EVs and reimagining the €384BN EU leasing industry to align with the needs of modern consumers. After an exciting 2020, they are beginning to scale in 2021, and capitalise on a golden market opportunity to become Europe’s leading electric vehicle subscription service.In today’s episode we cover:We always go back to our mission The mission is to get 10,000 people into an electric car The Green Dream Why Cars are actually an expensive way of reducing carbon How we have to radically change how we live Making people act on Climate change Enjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded 2nd April, 2021
How to Address the Climate Emergency with Chris Goodall Founder @ Carbon Commentary
Apr 28 2021
How to Address the Climate Emergency with Chris Goodall Founder @ Carbon Commentary
Today's guest is Chris Goodall,  Author of 'What We Need To Do Now'. Former chair at ChargePoint Servs, bought by Engie and Investor in cleantech.Chris Goodall is a businessman, author and climate change and new energies expert. He is the author of different publications;  Articles and Analysis, Sustainability: All that Matters, How to Live a Low-carbon Life (2nd Edition), Ten Technologies to Fix Energy and Climate, Green Guide for Business, The Switch and most recently What We Need to do Now (Jan 2020) A consultant and adviser to investors and companies across the fields of low-carbon energy and the circular economy - Chris works with big NGOs and companies and gives his best advice on how they can become more energy efficient. He had advised Marks and Spencers on community energy and even Helped green peace with the possibility of a 100% switch to LED in the UK. He now invests in young companies in the low carbon world. He publishes Carbon Commentary, a website and newsletter on energy efficiency and advances in renewables. His most recent publication ‘What we need to Do Now’ offers a clear plan for getting the UK economy to Net Zero within a few decades and looks in turn at each of the main challenges.  Goodall is a strong believer in research and is an optimist about the energy future.In today’s episode we cover:The progress we’ve made on convincing people of the urgency of climate change The Sense of Importance of Climate Change What Needs to Change to Tackle the Climate Emergency Policy Changes - Including Carbon tax The switch to renewable hydrogen by traditional industries Enjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded 30th March 2021
Transforming Electricity Generation with Juan Pablo Cerda, CEO & Founder @ Zeigo
Mar 26 2021
Transforming Electricity Generation with Juan Pablo Cerda, CEO & Founder @ Zeigo
Today's guest is Juan Pablo Cerda, CEO & Founder @ Zeigo  Twitter @zeigoenergyInstagram @zeigoenergy Juan Pablo is the founder of Zeigo, a London-based technology company at the forefront of renewable energy. He has 15 years of experience working within the energy and environmental sector.Juan Pablo believes in disrupting the corporate procurement of renewable energy to accelerate the green revolution and contribute to a sustainable future. As an entrepreneur and business founder, he has the vision to achieve a fully decarbonised energy system around the world sooner than 2050.Zeigo, is a renewable energy platform powered by data & smart technology. It provides companies across the world with a one-stop-shop for all their renewable energy needs from PPAs to short term contracts.Working to improve efficiency through automation to create liquidity in the market, Zeigo has built an extensive network of renewable energy generators and suppliers.  By focusing on scale, they aim to democratise the renewable energy market for companies of all sizes and bring simplicity and transparency to the market. Zeigo raised £800,000 in its Seed Funding Round led by Naruhisa Nakagawa, founder of Caygan Capital. Zeigo also attracted a second round of investment from new and existing angel investors. In today’s episode we cover:The current state of the UK electricity generation marketWhat are Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and how can they help the UK decarbonise electricity generationHow Zeigo is revolutionising the PPA marketWhat the future of electricity generation might look likeEnjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded  February 18th, 2021
Tech for Good with Paul Miller, OBE, Managing Partner @ Bethnal Green Ventures
Mar 12 2021
Tech for Good with Paul Miller, OBE, Managing Partner @ Bethnal Green Ventures
Today's guest is Paul Miller, OBE, the Founder and Managing Partner of Bethnal Green Ventures (@rellimluap)Paul Miller is the CEO and Managing Partner of Bethnal Green Ventures.Prior to BGV, Paul was an entrepreneur (startup to improve adult education system) and policy advisor. He also currently serves as Chair of Trustees for GoodGym, a non-profit running organisation that combines regular exercise with helping our communities. Bethnal Green Ventures are Europe’s leading early-stage tech for good VC. They back ambitious founders using technology to tackle big social and environmental problems that aim to radically improve millions of lives. Take 6% of shares for companies going through their accelerator program. 8 years of experience and track record127 tech for good ventures backed£80m of follow on investment raised by portfolio 12.3m users of BGV portfolio companies’ products and services362 people employed by portfolio companies (46% of which are women – well over double tech sector average)In today’s episode we cover:Who are Bethnal Green Ventures and what is Tech for Good?How Bethnal Green works with its startups and its accelerator?How investing in purpose driven organisations is no longer charitable - they are better businesses, better employers, better value providersThe BGV Investment ThesisThe BGV Portfolio, including how some businesses have thrived through the covid pandemic.How institutional capital is slowly making its way into the spaceHow diversity might not be as easy as it looks, but that it should be easier than it isLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Bethnal Green VenturesBig Society CapitalDr DoctorPicloEnjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded January 25th, 2021
Fostering Entrepreneurship To Deliver Change with Kelsey Lynn Skinner
Mar 5 2021
Fostering Entrepreneurship To Deliver Change with Kelsey Lynn Skinner
Today's guest is Kelsey Lynn Skinner, Partner @ IP Group Plc  (@Kelsey_innovate)Kelsey Lynn Skinner has been a partner at IP Group plc since 2018. Prior to joining IP Group she had acted as a Board Director in a number of venture, tech and angel funds. She spent a decade in Silicon Valley as a venture investor for early-stage and growth technology companies.Kelsey is a graduate of Stanford University/School of Business Graduate. Kelsey also has a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering & Thermodynamics from Stanford University, where she played fullback for the National Champions rugby team. She is honoured by recent awards including "Investment Woman of the Year" from Investment Week and selected as Top 5 "Best Board Director for a Private Company" from the UK Sunday Times.Kelsey works at IP IP Group Plc is a leading investment manager specialising in commercialising intellectual property by evolving great ideas, mainly from its partner universities, into world-changing businesses. IP Group Plc was founded in 2001 and has also launched Offices in the US, Australia and New Zealand. IP Group has a strong track record of success and its portfolio comprises holdings in approximately 80 early-stage to mature businesses across three main sectors -- Life Sciences, Technology, and Cleantech. The Company is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the code IPO FTSE 250 index with market capitalisation exceeding £1B and Turnover of £1.7B.IP Group plc is evolving great ideas into world-changing businesses. It addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges through the companies it backs including @nanopore @FLFusion @CeresPower The Group provides access to business building expertise, capital, networks, recruitment and business support. Their strength lies in managing this process from finding suitable intellectual property to commercialise to either helping develop businesses and create value out of them, or identifying and establishing appropriate commercial partnerships to do so.Enjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded February 8th, 2021In today’s episode we cover:The difference between the Cleantech 1.0 of the 2000’s and the 2.0 wave of the 2020’sHow venture capital investors think about IP heavy, and asset heavy investmentsHow boards and NEDs can work with founders to support and challenge themHow diversity helps us to bring more diverse thinking and views to the table, and deliver more empathic impactsSome of the companies Kelsey has invested in, including AqdotLinks to topics discussed in this episode:AQDotIP Group
Scaling Climate Tech Start Ups with Peter Bachmann
Feb 26 2021
Scaling Climate Tech Start Ups with Peter Bachmann
Today's guest is  Peter Bachmann, Managing Director and Fund Manager  @ Gresham House Plc. Peter Bachmann is the Fund Manager on the £300m British Strategic Investment Fund with a focus on sustainability infrastructure - infrastructure which helps us live more sustainably.Prior to joining Gresham House, Peter was at Scottish Equity Partners where we helped deliver a 3x return by investing in promising British Tech scale-ups and infrastructure players.Gresham House plc is a London Stock Exchange quoted asset manager with £4bn in AUM providing funds, direct investments and tailored investment solutions including co-investment, responsibly and sustainably, across a range of differentiated alternative investment strategies.Gresham's expertise includes forestry, renewable energy, housing and infrastructure, strategic public and private equity. Gresham House is committed to taking the long view in delivering sustainable investment solutions that will continue to be a growing factor in the strength of our market positioning.In today’s episode we cover:Gresham House’s Sustainability Focus and the opportunity for Sustainable InfrastructureScaling Infrastructure InvestmentsAngel investing in the Sustainability spaceThe importance of Sustainability Outcomes alongside any metrics and disclosureLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Gresham HouseScottish Equity PartnersWoolf UniversityMy Wardrobe HQAI.DriversBower CollectiveEnjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded January 25th, 2021
Pippa Gawley - Zero Carbon Capital
Feb 12 2021
Pippa Gawley - Zero Carbon Capital
Today's guest is Pippa Gawley, Founder & MD @ Zero Carbon Capital (@ZeroCarbonCap)Pippa is Founder and Managing Director at Zero Carbon Capital, on a mission to address climate change through deep-science, hard-tech innovation. Pippa has a long history in this space and spent the last 4 years as a clean-tech investor in the US and UK. She is an active and passionate member of the impact investing world in the Bay Area,  the UK and beyond.  Zero Carbon Capital launched the Zero Carbon Fund (ZCF) in 2020, to bring her experience and thesis to the early stage UK venture scene. ZCF  invests in ambitious teams with breakthrough deep-tech ideas that can scale to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least half a gigaton per year. This target helps Pippa’s team filter for businesses that can have the biggest impact towards mitigating climate change - the single biggest challenge of our time.The team’s vision is “an earth where a good standard of living is enabled for everyone, safely and affordably, with zero carbon emissions; reliable electricity, healthy food, comfortable buildings, responsible industry and effective transportation”Zero Carbon Capital’s current portfolio comprises 9 diverse startups, several having gone on to raise follow on funds from some of the biggest names in Cleantech, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures in the US. In today’s episode we cover:Pippa’s own journey to becoming a climate-tech VCThe complexities and nuances of working with deeptech, IP intensive businessesThe reason Zero Carbon Capital use a half-gigaton emissions reduction hurdle when evaluating startups, and how this works in practiceHow the team evaluates and manages a diverse portfolio of teams and technologiesSome of the trends Pippa is excited about, and the ideas Zero Carbon Capital are backing Enjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded December 8th Jan, 2020
Using Community To Battle Food Waste with Tessa Clarke, Olio
Feb 4 2021
Using Community To Battle Food Waste with Tessa Clarke, Olio
Today's guest isTessa Clarke, Co-Founder & CEO @OLIO (@TessaLFClarke)Tessa is CEO and Co-Founder of OLIO, a peer-to-peer food sharing app preventing waste by connecting neighbours in hyperlocal communities. Tessa has been featured in Vogue and listed as a Forbes Top 50 Female Sustainability Leader.OLIO was born out of a frustration shared by the two Co-founders, who couldn’t understand why it had to be so difficult to avoid sending perfectly good food to landfill. This frustration became a call to action when they began to dig into the problem, and understood what a huge market failure this really was. Between 33-50% of all food produced globally is never eaten, and half of that food waste takes place in people’s homes. With 8.4m people living in food poverty in the UK alone, this just seemed incomprehensible. OLIO set out on a mission to build a more sustainable future where our most precious resources are shared, not thrown away. The ambition of OLIO is that by 2030 we can halve the food waste in people’s homes and the local community. OLIO’s food sharing platform empowers users to share surplus food, accelerating the sharing economy mind-set while building local communities. Since it was founded in 2015, OLIO has signed >2,600,000 users across 49 countries, and is the largest peer-to-peer food sharing network in the world. In today’s episode we cover:Tessa’s own journey to becoming a sustainability leader The complexities and nuances of the global food waste challengeHow OLIO managed to identify users, create a community, and leverage their platform to create sustainable changeOLIO’s own business model, and the challenges faced as well as advantages enjoyed by impact-driven teamsCOVID’s effect on food systems and peer-to-peer sharing in the UK, and how OLIO kept its community intact, and even strengthened over the course of 2020Enjoy the show!Contact JakeLinkedinSubstackEpisode recorded December 22nd, 2020