Brewed For Change

Why the Best Startups Think Beyond Capital: A Conversation with Vishal Mahajan

In the latest episode of Brewed for Change, Karishma Gajaria of Green Frontier Capital speaks with Vishal Mahajan, Director at Brand Capital (Times of India Group), about his transition from investment banking to venture capital and how Brand Capital takes a differentiated approach to investing in consumer-driven and disruptive businesses. The discussion covered the importance of patient capital, the rise of green and sustainable startups, and how strategic investments can help disruptive companies scale effectively. 00:00 Introduction to Brood for Change 00:37 Vishal Mahajan's Career Journey 05:15 Brand Capital's Unique Investment Approach 18:04 Success Metrics and Challenges 24:06 Focus on Green and Sustainable Startups 34:48 Future of the Startup Ecosystem 39:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Powering the Future: Breakthroughs in Battery Tech with Dr. Jagjit Nanda

In this episode, host Sandiip Bhammer of Green Frontier Capital interviews Dr. Jagjit Nanda, Executive Director of SLAC-Stanford Battery Center. They discuss his career and research on battery technology, focusing on innovations in battery chemistries. Dr. Nanda talks about Rincell, the role of universities, and collaborative efforts in scaling tech innovations. He also shares how he contributes to India's growth from the U.S., emphasising collaboration and globalisation's impact on climate tech. Dive in to unpack a whole lot of knowledge about CO2 capture, patient capital for energy transitions, and the global north vs. global south divide in tech.

Decoding Climate Finance: A Conversation with Dr. Dhruba Purkayastha, Climate Policy Initiative

This week Ritika Jajoo sat down with Dhruba Purkayastha, PhD, India Director for Climate Policy Initiative, a global nonprofit research and advisory institution whose mission is to help governments, businesses, and financial institutions drive economic growth while addressing climate change. Dr. Dhruba speaks in depth about his work at the Climate Policy Initiative, including the anchor role they have played on the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group. Topics include how the notion of a "Just Transition" has taken center stage, and Dr. Dhruba's insights about what sectors in India will play pivotal roles in mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Bridging Economies and Innovation: A Conversation with Tarun Khanna

This episode of ‘Brewed for Change' features a discussion between the host Sandiip Bhammer, Founder and Managing partner of Green Frontier Capital, and Tarun Khanna Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at Harvard Business School. They explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on India's approach to climate change, the role of local innovation, and the need for public-private partnerships. Professor Khanna emphasises the importance of entrepreneurship in driving technological transitions and the potential for India to lead the global South through example. The conversation also touches on the role of academia in preparing future leaders for the green economy and the importance of cross-border collaboration, particularly between the US and India, in advancing climate tech. Key challenges and future opportunities for India and the United States in the climate change sector are also discussed.

Green Gains: Shaka Harry's Plant Protein Prowess Under Liberate Foods

This week we sat down with Anand Nagarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of Liberate Foods who produces Shaka Harry plant-based meat products for the Indian consumer.  Mr. Nagarajan shared some of his journey as an entrepreneur, and mission to impact consumption from a commercial standpoint. Central to this was his recognition that Indians eat meat differently, and to develop great-tasting products that reflect Indian cuisine and the Indian palate.  Mr. Nagarajan explained the three alternative protein technologies: plant-based, precision fermentation, and lab-grown meat. In the near future, Liberate Foods will be the only company in India that has all three of these technologies in-house.