Soil can feed us. But our global food systems are under pressure, from climate change, soil degradation, and the challenge of feeding 8 billion people.
In this episode, we sit down with Robert Gerlach, impact entrepreneur, Oxford PhD, and co‑founder of Klim, a Berlin-based regenerative agriculture startup on track to become a unicorn.
Robert arrives in the studio with a surprising object: a giant sequoia cone. Inside are tiny seeds that grow into the tallest, most resilient trees on Earth.
For Robert, this tree is the perfect blueprint for how we need to rebuild our food systems:
- Resilience – farming that can withstand climate shocks.
- Connection – farmers learning from each other, sharing regenerative practices.
- Longevity – food systems that can feed the planet for generations to come.
Based in Berlin, Robert also reflects on the city’s role as a thriving hub for impact innovation, where entrepreneurs, investors, and sustainability pioneers are shaping solutions with global relevance.
* The Future of Farming – Why restoring soil health isn’t just an environmental choice, but the only way to secure our food supply.
* AI-Powered Agriculture – How machine learning and technology can help farmers adapt to climate volatility.
* The Business of Impact – Why sustainable business models must connect revenue directly to positive change.
* Berlin as an Impact Hub – How the city’s ecosystem supports sustainability-driven startups
This episode is part of a 5-episode series in partnership with Startup Berlin by Berlin Partner.
1. A Sequoia Cone and a Big Idea
[00:00 – 05:56]
Robert brings a giant sequoia cone to the studio, using it as a metaphor for building resilient food systems that can withstand climate change, stay connected, and feed generations to come.
2. The Future of Farming
[11:43 – 15:45]
Robert explains why farming must stop degrading soil — and why restoring soil health is the only path to securing the world’s food supply.
3. AI Won’t Replace Farmers
[16:33 – 18:54]
From satellite monitoring to machine learning, Robert shares how AI can empower farmers to adapt to climate change — not replace them.
4. A Sustainable Business Model That Works
[51:29 – 53:12]
Robert explains why true sustainability means linking revenue growth directly to positive impact — and how Klim is built on that principle.
5. Berlin as an Impact Powerhouse
[21:19 – 25:46]
Robert talks about Berlin’s role as a hub for deep tech and impact entrepreneurship — and why it’s a strong place for sustainability-focused startups.
6. Raising Capital as an Impact Startup
[25:49 – 29:35]
From early-stage support to Series B challenges, Robert shares the realities of fundraising in Europe as a climate-focused entrepreneur.
7. The Talent Challenge
[31:03 – 36:31]
Robert discusses why hiring top talent is one of the toughest parts of building Klim — and why Berlin’s lifestyle and ecosystem are still strong draws.
8. Diversity in Agriculture
[36:42 – 39:27]
Robert reflects on diversity in the farming community — and why openness to regenerative agriculture spans generations and farm sizes.
9. Will Farmers Be Replaced by Robots?
[40:00 – 41:05]
An audience question sparks Robert’s answer: automation will support farmers, not replace them.
10. Can Food Be Truly Sustainable?
[44:52 – 47:09]
Robert explains how scaling regenerative agriculture can make food healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient.
11. What Is Regenerative Agriculture?
[47:18 – 50:58]
Robert breaks down the principles: soil health, crop diversity, minimal disturbance, and integrating nature back into farming practices.
12. The Rapid-Fire Lessons
[1:04:37 – 1:08:44]
In the quickfire round, Robert shares what drives him, the biggest lessons he’s learned as a climate tech founder, and why startups should tackle the hardest problems.
13. The Jam: Resilience in Rhythm
[1:09:31 – End]
Robert and Ain TheMachine turn the sound of the sequoia cone into a live electronic jam — a soundtrack for the future of farming.
Take part in the conversation, come to the release events, suggest topics, meet the guests