Fast-charging India EV with 250MWh Li-ion Cell Gigafactory, ft Akshay Singhal of Log9 | TOI S03 E04

In this episode, we have Anjali Sosale, Partner at WaterBridge, chatting with Akshay Singhal, founder and CEO of Log9 Materials (‪@Log9Materials‬)

Log9, India's leading battery technology company, is the only one to have ground-up developed Lithium-ion cell technologies for gigafactory production. With India’s largest battery R&D team of 125+ members, Log9 has a 250 MWh battery pack production capacity (equivalent to batteries for 40K 3-wheelers). Akshay is an IIT Roorkee graduate, with a Ph.D. in nanotechnology. A Forbes "30 Under 30 Asia" Awardee, Akshay does angel investing in ClimateTech startups through Climate9ers Capital. Incidentally, he is a seed investor in Loopworm - a WaterBridge Ventures portfolio company.

We dive into Akshay's childhood, his overarching concern for the planet, his tryst with his first DeepTech company while still enrolled at IIT Roorkee, his journey pioneering battery technology, the culture of long-term commitment at Log9 and Log9's expansion plans in 2024.

Key Moments -

(0:00): Introduction Akshay Singhal, co-founder of Log9 Materials
(1:50): From schooling to PhD at IIT Roorkee
(2:47): Converging on Graphene Nanotechnology as the starting point of Log9
(6:50): A conservation optimist's crusade against climate change
(9:42): Tailwinds for EV today in India
(11:32): Indigenously building India's earliest battery technology
(16:19): Challenges restricting public/private capital inflow into EV
(18:09): Implementing a safe and profitable EV infrastructure
(21:56): Improving EV debt-financing scenario
(24:38): Opportunities in India & SE Asia, particularly in BMS
(28:34): Funding Landscape - Then vs Now
(30:37): Expectations from Log9's investors
(31:56): Experience dealing with EV OEMs in India
(34:10): Forging partnerships with Amara Raja, Bosch and Petronas
(35:51): Crafting an org culture resulting in an attrition rate of 2%
(38:22): Log9's expansion plans in 2024

Relevant Links:

WaterBridge Ventures: https://www.waterbridge.vc/
Log9 Materials: https://www.log9materials.com/

Linkedin Profiles:

Akshay Singhal:   / akshayvsinghal  
Anjali Sosale:   / pinkamma  
WaterBridge Ventures: www.linkedin.com/company/waterbridgeventures

You can also listen to this podcast on
Spotify: https://rb.gy/s6czkp
Apple Podcast: https://rb.gy/dlrxos


Disclaimer: The information in this podcast (“Content”) is solely for educational and information purposes. The content does not reflect the views or opinions of WaterBridge Ventures and/or any of its members. The content is not intended to be legal or other expert advice or services and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate professionals. The content shall not be reproduced, distributed, shared, or relied upon in any manner whatsoever, in whole or part, without prior written permission of WaterBridge Ventures. In no event shall WaterBridge Ventures and/or any of its members be liable for any liability, loss, injury or risk which is incurred or suffered as a direct or indirect result of the use of the content.