Manuel Schoenfeld

Straight up, let me put you on to Manuel Schoenfeld, this dude is the real deal, no cap. He’s a total badass in the startup and climate tech world, and his story is just as wild as his work.

So, Manuel jumped into the scene with a crazy mix of experience, he’s worked at McKinsey, advising governments and big companies on modern energy stuff like Power-to-X and hydrogen chemicals. Basically, he was in the trenches figuring out how to make energy cleaner and smarter. Before that, he rolled with The World Bank and Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, focusing on renewable energy and other dope projects. Dude’s been around the block, learning how big players think, act, and fight climate change.

But what really sets him apart? He founded PowerX in 2020, right in the middle of all the chaos. It’s a climate startup that’s using AI-powered sensors to save energy, water, and cut emissions, basically, tech that helps the planet breathe easier. And get this, PowerX crushed it. They got into Y Combinator’s Winter 2020 batch (talk about elite), and are backed by heavy hitters like Sequoia Scout Fund, YC itself, and Antler. That’s a legit stamp of approval.

What’s crazy is how Manuel’s past feeds into his drive now. His time advising governments and big corps? That’s where he saw the bullshit and gaps in climate tech. His work with the World Bank and McKinsey? It’s like he’s been turbocharging his brain on how to actually solve these problems at scale. Plus, he’s a scholar, Harvard, Wharton, and other top schools, showing he’s got the brains and the grit.

But it’s about more than just the tech or the business. Manuel’s been out there, leading and advising in places like Somalia, Saudi Arabia, China, and India. That’s some real on-the-ground leadership. He’s not just talking about change; he’s out there making it happen, whether through books, articles, or just rolling up his sleeves.

And here’s the kicker: he’s got a background in Chinese, math, business, he’s got a super diverse skill set. Certified Valuation Analyst, Taekwondo Blackbelt, the guy’s got discipline and brains in spades.

Long story short? Manuel Schoenfeld is the kind of founder who’s seen the worst and the best of what’s out there, learned from it, and is now building tech that could actually save the planet. He’s motivated by more than just profit, it’s about making a real impact. He’s the guy who’s not afraid to jump into the deep end, challenge the status quo, and crush it with innovation. That’s why he’s so important, because he’s not just talking about change, he’s building it.