Thruline Thursday 16: Building the Circular Economy - What It Really Takes to Fund a Mission-Driven Startup
For a growing wave of startups, the circular economy represents one of the most promising, and most difficult, opportunities in climate and consumer innovation. It offers the chance to rethink how materials, packaging, and products move through the economy, unlocking new revenue streams while cutting waste and emissions. But building a circular economy company is about far more than a mission-driven pitch. Success depends on solving real infrastructure problems, proving unit economics at scale, and convincing investors, corporate partners, and consumers alike that circularity can work in practice, not just in theory.
Founders in this space often face questions without easy answers. How do you build the reverse logistics and collection infrastructure that circularity depends on, especially before you have scale? How do you price a model that competes with cheap, linear alternatives? When does a partnership with a major brand accelerate growth, and when does it become a distraction? And how do you know when to push through the hardest parts of the business versus when it's time to pivot?
This Thruline Thursday explores the realities of building in the circular economy, from the early validation and infrastructure decisions that shape a company's trajectory to the funding, partnerships, and operational choices that determine whether it scales. We'll dig into the milestones that mattered, the setbacks that reshaped strategy, and the lessons that only come from building.
Join us for an open conversation with founders, investors, and fund leaders building the circular economy, as we share real stories of what's working, what's failed, and what it actually takes to close the loop.
ABOUT THE HOST
PHIL DILLARD is the Founder & CEO of Thruline Networks, an impact investing and advisory firm focused on ClimateTech, Circular Economy, and Regenerative Economy solutions. A former naval officer and manufacturing executive, Phil brings a systems-thinking lens to business strategy, capital access, and sustainable growth. He’s also the host of Thruline to the 4th Sector, a podcast spotlighting mission-driven companies redefining capitalism. With a deep belief in business as a force for good, Phil works with founders and investors to grow companies that deliver both profit and impact.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Daniel Kurzrock is an entrepreneur, operator, and strategic advisor working across food, sustainability, and the bioeconomy. He is the co-founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods, Inc., the company behind ReGrained, which pioneered the commercial upcycling of brewers’ spent grain into food ingredients.
Over more than a decade of building ReGrained, Dan has raised capital through venture investment, strategic and non-dilutive funding, crowdfunding, and community-based approaches.
He also advises founders, companies, and investors on commercialization, partnerships, business models, and capital strategy, bringing the perspective of someone who has spent years building through the same challenges.