Juan Rosenkrantz – Stanford GSB MBA Class of 2024
As I wrapped up my first year pursuing an MBA at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, I could hardly contain my excitement. A summer adventure awaited me, one that would see me diving into the world of startups in the climate tech space. This aspiration had been brewing in me for a while, driven by both my passion for climate tech and my firm belief in the power of startups to fuel innovation in the climate sector.
I was offered the role of Chief of Staff to the CEO at Nekton Labs. This dynamic company is on a crucial mission to restore our oceans’ health and combat the worst effects of climate change. How? By unleashing the potential of marine carbon dioxide removal projects through AI-driven technologies, ocean sensing, and expert-developed oceanic models.
My experience at Nekton Labs was very rewarding, offering a unique window into the skills and savvy an entrepreneur needs to thrive in the climate tech industry. Working with industry experts, I delved deep into the intricacies of spotting business opportunities, crafting robust business models, and cracking the code on funding. Over my ten-week internship, my role encompassed refining our go-to-market strategy, leading financial budgeting and human capital planning efforts, developing a venture-focused fundraising strategy, gearing up for fundraising initiatives, overseeing the expansion of our business, and managing other key team workflows.
One of the primary drivers for me to embrace this internship was to test the waters and determine whether a future as a climate tech entrepreneur was fit for me. The experience was an eye-opener, exposing me to the uncertainty entrepreneurs grapple with and the way external variables can swiftly change the game. I was impressed by the commitment and relentless passion entrepreneurs infuse into their ventures and by the pivotal role that building a team with the right chemistry has. Moreover, I discovered that, in the fast-paced world of startups, mastering the art of prioritization is key as startups have limited resources and endless tasks that are all important. Personally, I discovered that not only could I navigate the sea of ambiguity, but I could also find joy in being flexible and adaptive, even when faced with the daunting challenges that come with a company's rapid growth.
This experience led me to think about my entrepreneurial path. I'm now convinced that my home lies in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, where dedication, shared purpose, meaningful relationships, and boundless enthusiasm converge. Furthermore, I recognized the simple truth that the sweat and determination are worth every ounce, but only if you're passionately smitten with your idea and willing to pour all of yourself into it.
So, summing it all up, my time at Nekton Labs was a roller-coaster of learning, exploration, and growth. It increased my understanding of startups in the climate tech space and paved a path forward for me, one where I’m ready to embrace challenges and pursue dreams like never before.
