David Tze has crafted a unique career at the intersection of oceans, food, technology, investment, and climate. As the former CEO of NovoNutrients, he was, essentially, killing three birds with one stone: extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, growing synthetic protein that could feed the world, and finding new and more sustainable ways to harvest fish. This multi-pronged mission emerged out of a professional journey that saw him swing through a variety of crucible moments, including optimizing the online sale of baseball hats and founding an aquaculture investment firm alongside Jared Polis, the current governor of Colorado. Although NovoNutrients has closed up shop since this episode was recorded in March 2025—as all too often happens in the wild world of climate-tech startups—David’s story is a vivid reminder that climate careers can emerge from the most unexpected detours.
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Transcript
From Empowering Baseball Cap Collectors to Innovating in Aquaculture
David Tze, former CEO, NovoNutrients
Notes and resources
Climate Swings
Want to work in climate but don’t know where to start? Climate Swings takes you inside the minds of people who’ve made the leap. From reformed bankers to academics, corporate sustainability gurus to climate-tech founders, host Michael Ethan Gold explores how professionals from all walks of life blazed a trail to meaningful climate work. Each episode unpacks a unique climate career journey, revealing the pivotal moments, unexpected detours, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a climate-curious professional eyeing a career shift or already working in the space, you’ll discover actionable insights to help navigate your own climate path. Join us as we swing from vine to vine across the expanding climate career jungle. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts, on Substack at climateswings.substack.com, and on YouTube @ClimateSwingsPod.
Want to work in climate but don’t know where to start? Climate Swings takes you inside the minds of people who’ve made the leap. From reformed bankers to academics, corporate sustainability gurus to climate-tech founders, host Michael Ethan Gold explores how professionals from all walks of life blazed a trail to meaningful climate work. Each episode unpacks a unique climate career journey, revealing the pivotal moments, unexpected detours, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a climate-curious professional eyeing a career shift or already working in the space, you’ll discover actionable insights to help navigate your own climate path. Join us as we swing from vine to vine across the expanding climate career jungle. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts, on Substack at climateswings.substack.com, and on YouTube @ClimateSwingsPod.
Appears in episode
Michael Ethan Gold
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