Keep Climate Tech Weird, Part 2: Trading Places

Here’s the second half of our series on Texas. If you missed the first one, it might be handy to go back listen first.

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Part 2: "Trading Places"

Quentin “Q” Scrimshire (MODO Energy)

Q discusses why Texas, particularly Austin, is becoming a major hub for energy storage and renewables. Modo Energy is a B2B SaaS platform helping battery storage owners maximize returns through benchmarking and revenue forecasting.

Why Texas?

Leading the U.S. in battery storage, Texas was the logical choice for Modo’s U.S. expansion. Austin's tech-friendly culture, lower living costs, and grid under ERCOT played key roles.

Challenges Ahead:

Despite fast renewable growth, Texas' energy market faces political challenges, with anti-net-zero rhetoric clashing against renewable energy's economic reality.

Hailey Eustace (Commplicated)

Hailey shares her experience working with the Texas governor’s office, spotlighting Texas’ strategic deep tech and climate tech investments that have made it a leading climate hub.

The Role of Policy:

Public-private partnerships have been crucial to driving innovation, with early SpaceX investments laying the groundwork for Texas’ tech boom.

Global Appeal:

As an angel investor, Hailey continues to back companies looking at Texas for their U.S. base, highlighting Austin’s central location, ecosystem, and talent.

Q’s Catalysts:

Ray Dalio’s Principles: Quentin uses Dalio’s systematic approach to decision-making to ensure his company’s success.

Jim Rickards: His insights into monetary economics help Q navigate investment and energy markets.

The Smiths (Morrissey): Morrissey’s music gives Quentin inspiration and calm amid startup chaos.

Listen now and subscribe to Wicked Problems for more climate tech conversations at WickedProblems.earth.

Links:

• MODO Energy
• Hailey Eustace (Commplicated, LinkedIn)

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