In this episode, CJ interviews Georgy Egorov, CFO of ZeroAvia, who shares his journey from pioneering AI drug discovery to co-inventing a Covid vaccine, and now leading the charge toward zero-emission aviation with hydrogen-powered airplanes. They talk about the complexities of getting funding for a climate tech company and the need for these products to outperform traditional options without relying on green labels. Then Georgy explains the importance of risk management in this industry and some of the many factors he has to consider. With roots in investment banking, he discusses how this experience has helped him become a better CFO and provides advice for identifying the right career opportunities. Tune in for a conversation with a forward-thinking CFO driving innovation in one of the world’s most ambitious startups.

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SPONSORS:

Leapfin is accounting automation software that automatically prepares and posts reliable journal entries. High-growth businesses like Reddit, Canva, and Seat Geek choose Leapfin to eliminate manual tasks, accelerate month-end close, and enable accounting leaders to provide faster insights to help their companies grow. To automatically standardize your revenue data with measurable business impact, check out leapfin.com today.

Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That's why over 100K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best. Learn more at mercury.com.

Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC.

NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 40,000 companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅, head to NetSuite https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at operators-guild.com.

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@cjgustafson222 (CJ)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(02:04) Sponsor – Leapfin | Mercury

(04:02) Hydrogen Planes and What ZeroAvia Does

(07:33) The Challenges of Getting Funding as a Climate Tech Company

(10:39) Monetizing Software or Smaller Components to Grow Revenue

(13:29) Climate Tech Products: Climate Benefits Versus Inherent Quality

(16:07) Sponsor – NetSuite | Operators Guild | Maxio

(20:21) Greenwashing

(20:56) Explaining Capital Outlay to Investors

(21:57) Derisking the Business

(24:49) Taking On Risk Without Slowing the Business Down

(25:32) Execution Risk Versus Market Risk

(30:08) Balancing Investor Expectations and Managing Risk

(30:41) Climate Tech Investors and the ESG Bubble

(33:11) Georgy’s Criteria for Choosing Employers

(38:00) How Investment Banking Prepared Georgy to Be a CFO

(40:48) The Personal Account Perspective for Identifying Opportunities

(42:37) Traveling as an Investment Banker

(44:59) Stories from Georgy’s Investment Banking Days

(48:39) Long-Ass Lightning Round: Advice About Preparation

(50:41) Finance Software Stack

(51:17) Craziest Expense Story

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Risk, Reward, and Revolution: Financing The Clean Future of Flight with ZeroAvia's Georgy Egorov

Run the Numbers