Why I invested in Manta Biofuels

Harvesting algae to create a more renewable alternative to jet fuel. Source here.

There is so much to learn about the climate crisis and the great number of contributors that should be understood and addressed at some level. As I started down my renewable path, I have been focused on the electricity-related opportunities that deserve exploration in the next 20-30 years. But it wasn’t that long into my research that I realized that there are many more challenges that won’t be solved by electrifying our transportation or industrial processes.

One glaring example for me was recognizing that airplanes need a viable alternative energy source so that we can reduce the need for carbon-intensive jet fuel. Airplanes cannot simply swap in electric motors powered by lithium ion batteries as the additional weight makes air flight impractical. And the investment required to change the way we have been building and supporting air travel is daunting.

So, we need to get creative because continuing to burn this particular fossil fuel is only making things worse for the planet. This is what makes this particular story so appealing to me. I ran across Manta Biofuel early in 2021 and was fascinated by their approach. Manta is pursuing a renewable alternative to jet fuel that has the potential to scale to meet the needs of the air transport industry and that leverages much of the existing infrastructure already in place!

I was so intrigued that I ultimately tracked down a way to be an early investor in the company through the Republic app.

Manta Biofuel harvests algae from terrestrial farms to produce the raw materials to use as input into existing crude oil refineries. Source here.

I won’t do the company justice by trying to explain their proprietary harvesting technology (which involves magnetic beads!) but I do think it is worth watching their pitch video to familiarize yourself with their innovative approach. But what should stand out is how they are not attempting to change the entire crude oil supply chain but instead focused on the component that is creating the most harm, namely the dirty and (less) renewable input to the refinery process.

My own investment in the company was really not that significant but I am rooting for Manta Biofuel. I hope to discover more companies like them to keep refining my mental model for this massive energy space, to inspire me and to remind me that innovation can take many forms.