Our Team: Managing Partners
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.