In this special crossover episode, our very own Ravi Kurani, host of The Liquid Assets Podcast and founder of water diagnostics company Sutro, shares his journey from pool boy to water tech entrepreneur on The CleanTechies Podcast. Ravi discusses the complexities of the water industry, highlighting its fragmentation, slow-moving nature, and the challenges of long sales cycles. He emphasizes the critical importance of water across various sectors, from agriculture to industrial processes, and the often-overlooked nature of water-related issues in comparison to other environmental concerns.
The conversation delves into the unique aspects of water technology, including the water-energy nexus, policy challenges, and the need for innovative solutions. Ravi points out the discrepancy between antiquated water laws and modern usage patterns, particularly in places like California. He also discusses the concept of "day zero" issues, where regions face the possibility of completely running out of water, and the urgent need for better water management and recycling systems.
Looking towards the future, the importance of distribution in water tech startups and the need for decentralized solutions is echoed by Ravi. He suggests that the industry might benefit from a hybrid VC-PE financing model to support water technologies through different stages of development. The episode also touches on the global nature of water challenges, with potential hubs for water tech innovation emerging wherever critical water issues arise. Overall, the discussion underscores the complexity of water-related problems and the vast opportunities for innovation in this space.
What you'll hear in this episode:
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