Mike Schroepfer, Partner at Gigascale Capital, on sustainability in emerging tech
TLDRIn this insightful interview, Mike Schroepfer, former CTO of Meta and current partner at Gigascale Capital, discusses his transition from Silicon Valley to climate tech investing. He shares his experiences and learnings from building platforms at Meta, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for societal impact. Mike highlights the potential of investing in scalable, sustainable technologies and the need for market-driven solutions to tackle climate change. He also reflects on his personal journey, offering valuable advice for those aspiring to make a significant impact in the tech industry.
Takeaways
- 🚀 Mike Schroepfer's career journey from Boca Raton to Silicon Valley and his role in building iconic platforms like Facebook and Meta highlights the importance of leveraging technology for impact and scale.
- 🌟 The power of experimental learning and taking risks in one's career path was emphasized, as seen in Mike's decision to join a startup and his current focus on climate tech investments.
- 🛠️ Schroepfer's experiences reflect the value of understanding both the technical and human aspects of building successful technologies, emphasizing the role of teamwork and leadership.
- 🌱 His transition from Meta to climate tech investing through Gigascale Capital illustrates the application of platform-building expertise to tackle global challenges like climate change.
- 💡 The discussion underscores the significance of technological innovation and disruption in creating more efficient and sustainable solutions across various industries, including energy and computing.
- 🔋 The importance of grid storage and advancements in battery technology was highlighted as a key area for investment and growth in addressing energy demands and climate issues.
- 🌐 The potential of fusion energy as a future solution for sustainable power generation was mentioned, showcasing the need for diverse technological approaches to energy challenges.
- 📈 Schroepfer's investment philosophy centers around identifying technologies that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically competitive, driving market adoption and impact.
- 🤖 The role of AI as a transformative technology was discussed, with its potential applications in various sectors, including climate tech, receiving special emphasis.
- 🌊 Mike's work with the Carbon to Sea Initiative and Additional Ventures showcases the intersection of technology, philanthropy, and environmental conservation efforts.
- 🏄♂️ Outside of his professional endeavors, Mike Schroepfer finds joy in spending time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities like skiing and surfing.
Q & A
What are the two main questions Mike Schroepfer believes need to be answered when developing a new product or technology?
-The two main questions are: can we do this, and do people want it? He emphasizes the importance of creating prototypes and engaging with customers to address these questions effectively.
How did Mike Schroepfer's early exposure to technology in his hometown influence his career path?
-Growing up in Boca Raton, Florida, during the birth of the IBM PC, Mike had exposure to computers through his neighbor's IBM PC Junior and his school's career days where IBM representatives would talk about computers. This early exposure sparked his interest in technology, leading him to pursue a career in the field.
What was Mike Schroepfer's experience like as an intern at Apple, and what did he learn from it?
-During his internship at Apple, Mike's project was canceled, which made him feel miserable because he felt his work had no impact. This experience taught him the importance of working in an environment where his efforts could contribute to tangible outcomes and that he enjoyed building products that people use.
What led Mike Schroepfer to co-found Gigascale Capital, and what is its focus?
-Mike Schroepfer co-founded Gigascale Capital with Victoria and Evaline to invest in and accelerate the development of technologies that can help combat climate change. His focus on this area was inspired by the need for technological disruption and innovation to address the large-scale and urgent problem of climate change.
What was the significance of Mike Schroepfer's experience working at a startup in the computer graphics field?
-Working at the computer graphics startup was significant for Mike because it provided him with a wide range of experiences and challenges due to the small team size. He was handed tasks he wasn't qualified for, which allowed him to learn and grow rapidly. Additionally, seeing his work used in a major movie like Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was a formative experience that solidified his passion for technology and its potential impact.
What are some of the key factors that Mike Schroepfer believes are necessary for successful climate technology investment?
-Mike Schroepfer believes that successful climate technology investment requires identifying technologies that are both better and cheaper than existing solutions. He also emphasizes the importance of market forces, government incentives, and a deep understanding of the potential for technological disruption in the industry.
How does Mike Schroepfer approach learning new things and staying updated in the rapidly changing field of technology?
-Mike Schroepfer approaches learning by adopting a learner's mindset and focusing on first principles thinking. He believes in the importance of being able to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies, emphasizing that understanding how to learn is more important than knowing a specific technology, given the fast pace of change in the field.
What was Mike Schroepfer's role at Mozilla, and how does he differentiate it from the CTO role?
-Mike Schroepfer was the VP of Engineering at Mozilla. He clarifies that he was not the CTO, and there were two remarkable CTOs during his tenure. His role focused on managing engineering teams, but he did not oversee the entire technical direction of the company, which would be the responsibility of the CTO.
What are some of the key technologies or initiatives that Mike Schroepfer finds particularly promising in the fight against climate change?
-Mike Schroepfer finds several key technologies promising, including grid storage solutions, new heat pump technologies, fusion energy, and carbon capture methods. He is particularly excited about technologies that can disrupt the market by being both more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than current solutions.
How does Mike Schroepfer view the role of markets and government in driving technological innovation and addressing climate change?
-Mike Schroepfer believes that markets can drive technological innovation by incentivizing the development of cheaper and better solutions. He also sees a role for government in providing incentives, funding early-stage science, and implementing policies that accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies.
What advice does Mike Schroepfer have for individuals looking to make a positive impact through their careers?
-Mike Schroepfer advises individuals to focus on learning and self-improvement, seeking out experiences that provide opportunities for growth, and aligning their efforts with areas where they can have high impact. He encourages running experiments with one's career and being open to taking calculated risks to find fulfilling and impactful work.
Outlines
🎙️ Introduction and Conversation Start
The script begins with an introduction by Kevin Scott and Christina Warren, hosts of the Behind the Tech podcast. They are joined by Mike Schroepfer, formerly of Meta (previously Facebook), who has a rich background in technology and is now involved in exciting projects through his investment firm, Gigascale Capital. The hosts express their enthusiasm for discussing Mike's current work and his experiences in the tech industry, particularly as they relate to climate change and the development of new technologies.
🌟 Mike's Journey into Technology
In this segment, Mike Schroepfer shares his origin story in technology, starting from his childhood in Boca Raton, Florida, during the birth of the IBM PC. He discusses his early exposure to computers through his neighbor's IBM PC Junior and his own Commodore 64. Mike's interest in science and math led him to pursue a degree in computer science at Stanford University. He also talks about his parents' influence from their work in the radio business and his own early involvement with technology through his FCC license to broadcast.
📚 College Experience and Career Choices
Mike delves into his college experience at Stanford, where he had the opportunity to explore various engineering disciplines without having to commit to one early on. He shares his excitement about the Silicon Valley environment during the early '90s and the exposure to innovative technologies such as the Apple Newton. Mike's experience with computer science and electrical engineering classes led him to realize the potential of software to create impactful and tangible results, which ultimately shaped his career in the tech industry.
🔧 Balancing Competence and Over-Confidence
The conversation shifts to a discussion on managing the balance between competence and over-confidence. Mike identifies himself as a 'grounded optimist' and emphasizes the importance of being solution-oriented rather than focusing on reasons why something can't be done. He shares his experiences at Meta, where the company faced challenges related to rapid growth and infrastructure development. Mike also talks about his transition from software to hardware and then to consumer hardware, highlighting the learning curve and the need to understand customer preferences and support.
💡 The Importance of Experimentation
Mike and Kevin discuss the significance of conducting experiments to validate ideas and learn more about potential projects. Mike emphasizes the need to build prototypes, gather data, and engage with customers to determine whether a concept is feasible and desired. He shares his approach to identifying physical constraints, market positioning, and strengths, advocating for constructive conversations that focus on why an idea might work rather than why it might fail. Mike also talks about the importance of learning from experiences, such as his time at Apple and his work at a computer graphics startup.
🚀 Career Milestones and Learning from Experiences
Mike reflects on his varied experiences throughout his career, from internships at Motorola and Trilogy Software to working at a computer graphics startup and interning at Apple. He discusses the valuable lessons learned from each opportunity, including the impact of macroeconomic conditions on projects and the importance of building products that people use. Mike shares how these experiences shaped his approach to problem-solving and his passion for creating impactful technologies.
🌱 Shifting Focus to Climate Tech
Mike talks about his transition to focusing on climate tech investments through his firm Gigascale. He shares his thought process during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led him to consider his role in addressing climate change. Mike discusses the need for technological disruption in the market to rebuild physical infrastructure sustainably and the potential for new technologies to outcompete incumbents. He highlights the importance of leveraging technological advancements to create better, cheaper alternatives and the role of government incentives in accelerating these changes.
🔄 The Role of Platforms and Infrastructure
The discussion turns to Mike's attraction to building platforms and infrastructure. He explains his intuitive love for leverage in technology and the desire to create tools and systems that can be used by many people to achieve significant impact. Mike talks about his proudest achievements at Meta, such as React and PyTorch, which have been widely adopted by millions of users worldwide. He also shares his belief in the potential of markets to allocate capital efficiently and support the development and deployment of innovative technologies.
🌐 The Future of Energy and the Grid
Mike and Kevin discuss the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, particularly related to the electric power grid. They talk about the flat demand for electricity in the United States and the potential for increased demand due to growing industries and data centers. Mike highlights the disruption caused by new energy sources like wind and solar and the need for grid storage solutions. He also mentions the potential of technologies like superconductors and fusion energy, emphasizing the importance of supporting and accelerating these innovations.
🎉 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights
In the concluding segment, Kevin and Christina reflect on their conversation with Mike Schroepfer. They discuss the importance of Mike's approach to problem-solving and his ability to lead and inspire large teams. They also touch on the significance of his work in building platforms and the potential for his current climate-focused investments to create large-scale change. The hosts express their appreciation for Mike's insights and his dedication to tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Technology
💡Innovation
💡Climate Change
💡Investment
💡Platform Building
💡Sustainability
💡Entrepreneurship
💡AI (Artificial Intelligence)
💡Learning
💡Experimentation
Highlights
Mike Schroepfer's approach to innovation involves creating tangible prototypes and engaging with customers to validate ideas.
Schroepfer emphasizes the importance of simplifiers in organizations, individuals who can break down complex problems into manageable parts.
The discussion highlights the value of having a learner's mindset and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies.
Schroepfer's experience at Stanford taught him the importance of understanding and managing complex systems.
The interview explores the concept of 'stop energy,' which refers to the tendency to focus on reasons why something can't be done, rather than exploring possibilities.
Schroepfer's work at Meta involved not only software development but also hardware and consumer product creation, providing a holistic view of tech innovation.
The conversation delves into the balance between optimism and pragmatism in tackling challenging problems like climate change.
Schroepfer's transition from CTO of Meta to climate tech investing reflects his belief in leveraging technology for social good.
The importance of asking 'what's the cheapest, fastest, easiest experiment to learn more?' is emphasized as a key principle in Schroepfer's approach to innovation.
Schroepfer's investment firm, Gigascale Capital, focuses on early-stage climate tech companies that have the potential to scale and create impact.
The discussion touches on the potential of AI and virtual reality in shaping our future and the role of technologists in driving change.
Schroepfer's experiences working on computer graphics and its application in movies like Star Wars: The Phantom Menace illustrate the power of technology in creative industries.
The interview highlights the importance of building platforms and infrastructure that others can use to create and innovate.
Schroepfer shares his motivation for focusing on climate change, stemming from a sense of responsibility and the desire to use his resources for the greater good.
The conversation concludes with Schroepfer's reflections on the need for technological disruption in the energy sector and the opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
