OVNIs Ep. #95 - Nare Janvelyan - 9 figure fund : Backing World-Changing Climate

What this episode covers

In this episode of the OVNIs Podcast, host Marie Outtier welcomes Nare Janvelyan, investor at Voyager, for a deep dive into the unlikely path that brought her from Harvard’s chemical physics labs to the world of climate-tech venture capital. Nare retraces her journey from researching nanomaterials to advising late-stage startups in San Francisco, then ultimately finding her place in climate-focused VC—where her scientific background, consulting experience, and passion for global impact naturally converge. She explains how this blend allows her to evaluate technologies from first principles, understand commercialization challenges, and support founders building ambitious, world-changing companies. Together, they explore how Voyager structures its investment lens across North America and Europe, what gives the team its multidisciplinary edge, and how climate tech founders can bridge the gap between deep science and market realities. Nare also shares insights on battery technologies, space-based manufacturing, geopolitical contradictions around climate, and the traits she believes are essential for mission-driven entrepreneurs. The conversation ends with a dynamic quick-fire round—from overrated buzzwords to her recommended reading—offering both inspiration and clarity for anyone curious about the future of climate innovation. [00:00:00] Introduction — Marie welcomes Nare & her “unexpected” Harvard PhD background [00:01:13] From lab to business — leaving academia for management consulting in San Francisco [00:03:01] Discovering venture — why climate tech VC was the perfect fit [00:04:47] Joining Voyager — culture, team composition & what makes the fund unique [00:08:16] Deep tech in practice — materials event & the example of Lida’s microwave furnace [00:12:11] From scientist to founder — what Voyager looks for in deeply technical teams [00:12:56] Transatlantic lens — investing across North America & Europe, policy and culture gaps [00:19:25] Batteries & China — Electroflow, LFP, and why “copy-paste” from China won’t work [00:23:24] Changing her mind — carbon capture, hydrogen hype & what doesn’t fit VC [00:26:08] Space manufacturing — why making materials in orbit could change everything [00:29:03] Mission & urgency — climate founders, grit, and the immigrant mindset [00:30:39] Quick-fire round — overrated buzzwords, hydrogen, book rec & closing Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

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