Energy Tech Startups - WindEverest Corporation on Energy Tech Startups

WindEverest Corporation on Energy Tech Startups

12/17/24 • 51 min

Ever thought about how to make EV charging smarter and greener? Wind Everest is turning wind energy into a game-changer for electric vehicles, and Robert Rolnik is at the helm of it all. Picture an app that works like a weather report for wind power—letting you know the best times to charge to slash carbon emissions by up to 90%. Texas might be just warming up to EVs, but with 7-8% of new car sales already electric, the potential is massive. Robert’s path from telecom engineer to cleantech innovator is packed with insights, from tackling the quirks of Texas’ deregulated electricity market to figuring out how EVs can help stabilize the grid. Wind Everest isn’t stopping at personal cars either—think fleets, delivery services, and even military vehicles. It’s innovation with a side of saving the planet.

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00:00 - Energy Tech Startups
00:16 - WindEverest Overview
06:06 - Wind Energy & Electric Vehicles
09:47 - Robert Rolnik's Background
11:36 - Software Development Journey
14:32 - Griddy vs. Renewable Energy Plans
20:00 - Legal Aspects of 100% Renewable Energy
25:00 - Ad: Energy Tech Nexus
27:30 - EV Drivers' Perspectives on ION Energy
31:39 - Electric Vehicle Subsidies
34:51 - Addressing Range Anxiety
39:50 - WindEverest's Business Model
43:14 - Houston's Energy Tech Ecosystem
48:05 - Contacting Robert Rolnik
49:00 - App Release Timeline

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Previous Episode

Alchemy Industrial on Energy Tech Startups

When it comes to bringing manufacturing back to the US, reshoring isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game plan, and Mush Khan from Alchemy Industrial is in the thick of it. From building game-changing energy storage systems to figuring out how AI and robotics can shake up the factory floor, Mush is rethinking what it means to make stuff in America. He’s got big ideas about how Houston can lead the charge in energy and manufacturing innovation, and he’s not shy about tackling the challenges of hardware startups, workforce gaps, and the wild ride that is decentralizing power systems. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rebuild an industrial powerhouse in today’s world, this conversation is packed with the grit and vision to inspire.

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00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Alchemy Industrial Overview
07:26 - Alchemy Industrial's Journey
12:22 - Manufacturing Energy Storage Systems
17:28 - Alchemy's Product Overview
19:34 - Enchanted Rock & HEB Backup Power
23:12 - Inflation Reduction Act Insights
25:14 - Early Adopters of Energy Technology
28:15 - Microgrid Innovations
32:14 - EnergyTechNexus: Platform for Growth
32:30 - Power Disruptions in Texas
36:50 - Frequency of Power Loss
43:24 - Funding Education in Energy
47:50 - Fundraising for Hard Tech Startups
50:54 - Houston's Position in Energy Transition
53:10 - Insights from Houston Climate Week
55:32 - Successful Events at Houston Climate Week
1:02:30 - Audience Support Opportunities

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Next Episode

Latham & Watkins on Energy Tech Startups

Energy tech startups face a unique maze of legal pitfalls, and we’re breaking it all down with tips and strategies that could save your company. From dodging toxic investment terms like full ratchets to navigating funding rounds without losing founder control, we’ll unpack what works (and what doesn’t) in this high-stakes world. Ever wonder why project finance often beats venture capital in energy tech? Or how to connect with coastal VCs when you’re rooted in Houston’s energy scene? Whether it’s structuring deals, managing down rounds, or building investor relationships, this convo blends Silicon Valley savvy with Texas grit to give you the inside scoop on steering your startup toward success.

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00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus
00:20 - Introducing Latham & Watkins
03:20 - Importance of Energy and Infrastructure Expertise for Startups
06:02 - Navigating Long-Tail Engagements: Business Building with Latham & Watkins
11:29 - Learning Monetization Strategies in Startups
17:06 - Fundraising Red Flags for Startups
20:48 - Key Considerations for Founders When Choosing Investors
22:54 - Control vs Valuation: Understanding Trade-offs
26:27 - Overview of Houston’s Investor Landscape
31:15 - Energy Tech Nexus: Your Growth Platform
31:32 - Corporate Venture Capital Insights
34:58 - Project Level Financing Explained
36:41 - Current Trends in the Energy Industry
38:15 - Challenges in Fundraising
42:02 - Increasing Capital Flow into Houston
44:50 - Understanding Startup Valuation
49:20 - Risks of High Valuations in Startups
55:18 - Creating a Clean Tech Powerhouse
59:26 - Founders' Advice for Success
1:03:09 - Thank You and Closing Remarks

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