#150 AI Fund Operations, Canada x Climate VC, "Growth-as-a-Service", & More w/ Nick Findler & Chad Rickaby (ClimateDoor)

🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, VC edition. Today, we are talking to Nick Findler & Chad Rickaby from ClimateDoorThe major topics we covered were… * What is “Growth-as-a-Service” and how it applies to Climate VC* How AI is transforming the venture space and streamlining operations* What it is like founding a company with your childhood best friend 🤝Ask yourself this: is the content we put out valuable enough to you that you’d be willing to buy us a latte 🍵 once a month? 📺 Watch on YouTube🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify🗣️ Join the Slack ChannelThe Guest: Nick Findler* Nick Findler has secured over $100M for global ventures in the green transition* His entrepreneurial journey includes roles at Stardust Solar, a solar installation training and education platform, and Forrest Innovations, eradicating mosquito-borne diseases* Beyond traditional sustainability, Nick integrates Artificial Intelligence within ClimateDoor for operational efficiency and innovationThe Guest: Chad Rickaby* Chad Rickaby is a global advocate for sustainable business growth with a background in government relations and international trade* His strategic collaborations with governments, Indigenous communities, investors, and climate financing entities have led to millions in funding for businesses* Chad's expertise in political science, public policy, and international markets positions him as a key figure in sustainable development🚨🚨🚨 Shoutout to our sponsor Net Zero Insights — Net Zero Insights is the leading market intelligence platform on climate information with all the latest you need on funding rounds, VCs, and the climate tech ecosystem. Use this link to schedule your demo and get a 10% discount! 🚨🚨🚨The “VC”: ClimateDoorClimateDoor is a Growth-as-a-Service (GaaS) firm dedicated to powering the next stage of growth for companies within the clean economy with business development, sales, capital raising, government grants, and ESG advisory.They partner with companies at the Seed and Series A stages to help them propel to the next level.Having embraced Generative AI, they are a great example of how AI is modernizing operations even in the venture space. They are also a thought leader and active player in the Canadian venture ecosystem.Enjoying the CleanTechies PodLetter? Please show your support by subscribing! 📝 Show Notes:Topics* 00:00 Introduction and Background* 07:14 Overview of Climate Door* 13:27 The story of Polar Beer Taps* 16:10 Advantages of "Growth-as-a-Service"* 23:24 Canadian Venture Ecosystem* 26:20 Blending Capital Sources in Climate Tech* 29:30 Navigating Fundraising and Building Investor Relationships* 35:01 Streamlining Operations with AI* 39:51 Hiring Advice for Early Stage Companies* 42:57 Fundraising Advice for Bridge Stage Companies* 49:03 Challenges in Finding Value Spots in ClimateLinks* Nick Findler | Chad Rickaby | ClimateDoor* Connect with Somil | Connect with Silas* Check out our sponsor, NextWave Partners, for all your Climate, Renewables, and Sustainability recruitment needs.* This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Asks 👋* We have recently launched a listener survey, and we would love to hear from you how we can improve the show and what you like most. Please take 7 minutes to help us with this. It’s 7 minutes for you, but it makes a huge impact on how we can serve you. * Have a specific guest or topic you’d like us to discuss? Leave a comment and let us know. Here’s the thing: Somil and I both have day jobs, so if you’re in the helping mood, we both have an ask for you today.Somil: I’m currently seeking to connect with founders in the built environment space for a project I’m working on. If you’re in that space, schedule a chat here!Silas: As many of you know, my day job is solving people’s hiring headaches in climate - do you have a hiring headache? Well, let me be your Advil. (booking here)🚨🚨🚨 Attention Hiring Managers!!! Are you struggling to find qualified candidates? Maybe getting candidates but can’t bring them across the line consistently? Or not getting sufficient applicants? — Reach out to our sponsors, NextWave Partners today to help solve that for you.NextWave Partners is a leading Global Renewables, Climate, & Sustainability recruitment consultancy solely focused on these impact areas. They are also B-Corp Certified.Reach out to them today to help you solve your hiring challenges and get you one step closer to making an impact.🙏🏽 Thanks for tuning in, and see you all next episode! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe