Leaders on a Mission

Cracking the Code of Early-Stage Climate Tech Investing

Simon Leich

Which early-stage startups are poised for success in the climate tech world? Venture expert Josh Posamentier reveals the telltale green flags that signal a winning investment opportunity.

In this episode, Josh shares how early-stage venture capital is driving transformative innovations in climate tech, from renewable energy and food systems to mobility and manufacturing.

Josh dives into the critical funding gaps for climate startups, the importance of high-quality teams, and the evolving opportunities in geothermal energy, alternative proteins, and resource efficiency. He explains how Congruent Ventures balances financial returns with impactful solutions to the climate crisis, supporting groundbreaking startups that tackle emissions, pollution, and inefficiency.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how patient capital and bold ideas are reshaping the future. Hear Josh’s advice on navigating challenges, scaling solutions, and creating meaningful change in the fight against climate change.

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 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!

00:00 Episode Introduction

01:39 Josh’s Career Path

05:46 Operator vs. Investor Roles

07:29 Evaluating Early-Stage Founders

11:15 Gaps in Climate Tech Funding

14:33 Tips for Overcoming Stalled Fundraising

17:06 Balancing Impact and Returns

19:32 Challenges in Go-to-Market Strategies

22:06 Understanding Customers and Value Chains

23:22 Bridging Tech and Market Strategy

25:50 Congruent Ventures' Impactful Investments

27:12 Fervo Energy Case Study

32:44 Exit Strategy and Long-Term Vision

34:57 Top Sources of Entrepreneurial Talent

36:47 Trends in Energy and Manufacturing

40:49 Innovations in Food & Agriculture

44:17 Managing Board Commitments

45:41 Final Thoughts


Useful links:

Congruent Ventures’s website: https://www.congruentvc.com/ 

Congruent Ventures’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/congruent-ventures/

Joshua Posamentier’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/posamentier/ 

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/