Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Gary Ong, CEO & Founder of Celadyne, a green hydrogen platform that's raised over $5 Million in funding.
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
- Genesis of Celadyne: Gary discussed how his PhD research in material science led to the founding of Celadyne, focusing on hydrogen technologies to aid industrial decarbonization and durable trucking.
- Navigating COVID Challenges: The startup faced significant challenges during COVID-19, including finding alternative lab spaces and working in shifts to maintain progress.
- Simplifying Technology for Commercialization: Gary explained how focusing on the most critical feature—gas permeability—helped streamline the development process and reduce the commercialization timeline.
- Government Contracts: Securing contracts with the Department of Energy and Department of Defense required patience and a deep understanding of their unique needs and specifications.
- High-Touch Marketing Approach: Celadyne uses a high-touch, B2B marketing strategy, leveraging existing connections within the hydrogen ecosystem to engage with key decision-makers at major OEMs.
- Fundraising Insights: Gary emphasized the importance of selecting investors who offer more than just capital, highlighting the value of expertise and strategic alignment in the fundraising process.
//
Sponsors:
Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership.
The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.