Zach Dell & Justin Lopas | Solving the Hardest Problem in America - Base Power

Base, a vertically integrated energy company, modernizes the power grid by manufacturing and operating distributed battery storage systems. By controlling the entire stack—from hardware design and manufacturing to installation and energy trading—the company creates a flywheel effect where increased scale drives down costs and improves consumer pricing. Founders Zach Dell and Justin Lopas emphasize a culture of high ownership and multidisciplinary talent, deliberately avoiding consultants to maintain operational agility. The business model targets massive market opportunities in states like Texas by providing home backup and grid services, effectively treating energy as a technology-driven infrastructure challenge. The founders advocate for solving complex, high-stakes problems with smart, driven teams, positioning energy as the most critical sector for future human prosperity and emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a high-intensity, iterative approach to business building.