Our Team: Managing Partners

  • Robert Ankeny, Co-CEO + Operations Lead

    • Key collaborator with Fortune 500
    companies such as SuperValu & SpartanNash to deliver innovative solutions. 

    • 30+ years of entrepreneurship,
    including design-build projects for billion-dollar clients.

    • Focused on renewable energy, real estate,
    and supply chain innovations.

    • Drives sustainable initiatives through advanced technology adoption and
    market insights.

  • Nate Voronyak, CO-CEO + Chief Capital OfficeR

    • Relationship builder with Fortune 500
    companies, focusing on innovative
    capital structures and partnerships.

    • President of Evolt Enterprises with 20+ years in private equity, financial engineering, and strategic consulting.

    • Expertise in structuring capital for renewable energy and real estate investments.

    • Board member and fund advisor,
    guiding medium and large-scale
    projects to success.

  • Wes Sanda, Chief Financial Officer

    • Trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies, including Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

    • 25+ years of strategic CFO experience across aviation, agriculture, and clean energy industries.

    • Key contributor to the $17.7 billion Northwest Airlines-Delta merger, leading finance operations for 35,000 employees.

    • Currently advancing scalable waste-to-energy solutions and strategic investments through a boutique private equity firm.

  • John Klaers, Chief Revenue Officer

    • 25+ year veteran across technology, healthcare, & finance sectors, with expertise in bridging technical and business domains to drive innovation & results.

    • Proven leader in capital markets & project finance, providing strategic insights for investment decisions while guiding multiple startups from inception to growth.

    • Specialized in healthcare data integration & AI/ML implementation, focusing on predictive analytics for improved patient outcomes.

    • Currently focused on developing carbon-negative waste-to-energy solutions, with a strong track record of building high-performing sales teams and exceeding revenue targets.

Board of Advisors + Industry Experts

  • Diwa Ratnam, Agriculture and AgTech Specialist

    • Direct contributor to product innovations for global brands like 3M and Nike.

    • 34 years of global product commercialization for Fortune 100 brands, including Scotchgard™ and NikeiD.

    • Expertise in driving hygiene and sustainability innovations, with $7B+ in product sales under his leadership.

    • Founder of Katan Technologies, revolutionizing cleanliness and environmental health.

  • Scott Schwalbe, Business Operations and Exits

    • Trusted partner and Co-Founder/CEO of NimbeLink, a leading IoT company, driving rapid growth and a successful investor exit.

    • Over 25 years of experience building high-performing teams in IoT, Contract Manufacturing, and Advanced Materials industries.

    • Deep expertise in go-to-market strategies, sales process development, and driving profitable growth in public and privately held companies.

    • Held senior roles in operations, business development, and sales, contributing to impactful organizational achievements.

  • Zarin Ratowsky, Finance & Money Management

     • Managing Partner at
    Paul Joseph Management.

    • 15+ years of experience in financial markets.

    • Expert in investment management & trading desk operations

    • Specializes in risk management and operational compliance.

    • Deep knowledge of various financial products & instruments including FX, equities, futures, metals, and commodities.

    • Skilled in regulatory compliance and strategic advisory.

  • Karen Bertram, Technology & Innovation Advisor

    • Trusted advisor to sustainable energy leaders, providing cutting-edge waste-to-energy solutions.

    • Waste-to-energy expert with 22+ years in pyrolysis and conversion technologies.

    • Developed patented systems for renewable energy and hydrogen production from diverse waste streams.

    • President and CEO of Integrated Energy LLC, leading sustainable energy innovations.

  • Jeff Ess, Branding & Communications Expert

    • Key collaborator with iconic brands like Target, Microsoft, and Best Buy.

    • Creative branding leader with 20+ years of experience transforming Fortune 500 companies.

    • Instrumental in scaling Geek Squad from $3M to $1B, earning international design accolades.

    • Delivers award-winning brand strategies as founder of multiple design agencies.on goes here

  • Michael Weaver Outside General Counsel

    • 25+ years assisting ag cooperatives and companies on strategic planning, tax matters, and government policy.

    • Specializes in food/agribusiness & renewable energy sectors, focusing on business structuring, governance, and cooperative equity transactions.

    • Extensive expertise in capital formation, including debt financing, securities offerings (both exempt and registered), and mergers & acquisitions.

    • Deep knowledge of carbon credits, LCFS markets, federal tax credits, and compliance programs for renewable energy and transportation fuels.