In this week’s Cambridge Tech Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of climate tech with Nicky Dee, co-founder of Carbon 13, a climate accelerator based in Cambridge. Nicky's journey from academia to entrepreneurship is filled with moments of serendipity, and her passion for sustainability and innovation shines through as she discusses the evolution of climate tech, the founding of Carbon 13, and the future of startups in this critical field.
Key Highlights:
The Origin of Carbon 13: Nicky shares how frustration with traditional financial metrics in startups and a growing interest in sustainability led her to form Carbon 13.
Cambridge’s Climate Tech Ecosystem: While Cambridge isn’t leading the way in climate-focused investments, Nicky highlights how global interest is growing, especially in cities like Berlin and regions like the US, with new legislation and investment opportunities.
The Story Behind Carbon 13
When asked how she ‘accidentally’ ended up with a PhD, Nicky gives a candid, amusing account of her journey from marine research to entrepreneurship, describing her life as “a series of accidents.” Yet, these accidents led her to become deeply entrenched in the world of innovation, eventually co-founding Carbon 13 in response to a growing need for climate action.
She explains that, while Cambridge has been a hub of technical innovation, it has lagged in supporting climate tech.
“Cambridge hasn’t led the way, but we’ve got connections elsewhere, and the investment community in Europe seems to be more switched on,”
This insight prompted Carbon 13 to expand into Berlin, seeking both capital and talent to address global climate challenges.
Building Teams That Scale
Nicky emphasises that one of the biggest challenges she observed was the difficulty climate-driven startups face when trying to scale. Carbon 13’s solution?
Focus on building the right teams and putting impact at the heart of the business. She explains
"One of the main reasons entrepreneurs struggle to scale is around team dynamics. We wanted to solve that by creating a program that helps them build the right teams from the start.”
Impact at the Core
Nicky and her team have a clear mission: create businesses that are not only financially viable but also make a measurable impact on the planet.
“We’re not just about ‘doing nice things’—we’re tying impact to value propositions that drive scaling,”
Through its venture builder program, Carbon 13 has helped launch over 70 companies, with many focused on significant global issues like carbon removal and materials innovation.
On Fundraising and Global Expansion
When discussing the challenges of raising funds for climate tech startups, Nicky points out the differences between Cambridge and other regions. While Cambridge has traditionally been slow to invest in this space, Europe, particularly Berlin, has been more receptive.
Carbon 13’s expansion to Berlin last year highlights the importance of accessing capital beyond local ecosystems.
She also touches on the UK's SEIS scheme and how it's enabled Carbon 13 to raise micro-funds and demonstrate a track record. “It’s allowed us to show how we make investment decisions, which has paved the way for bigger funds,” Nicky explains.
Ready to Get Involved?
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build a climate tech startup, Carbon 13’s venture builder program is designed for you. Whether you’re a technical expert or a business leader, the program provides a structured pathway to create and scale your startup.
Apply for the Venture Builder Program:
Ideal for founders at the pre-company formation stage.
Next cohort starts in Easter 2025.
Open to applicants from around the world, with programs running in both Cambridge and Berlin.
For more information, visit Carbon 13.
Why You Should Listen to the Episode
This episode is packed with insights into the evolving world of climate tech and how entrepreneurs can make a real difference in the fight against climate change. If you’re interested in learning more about how to build impactful startups or want to get inspired by Nicky's journey, be sure to tune in.
As Nicky says,
“We need innovation to top up our ability to hit net zero targets—we’re going to miss them by 35% if we don’t act now.”
Listen to the full podcast episode and subscribe to stay updated on the latest in tech innovation.
Takeaways:
Learn about the future of climate tech and its growing importance.
Get inspired by the personal journeys of industry leaders like Nicky Dee.
Discover how to get involved with Carbon 13's venture builder program.
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes from the Cambridge Tech Podcast!
To listen and subscribe, search for ‘Cambridge Tech Podcast’ on your favourite podcasting platform or visit cambridgetechpodcast.com.