Member Spotlight: Marco Hartmann
This week, I spoke with 9Zero member Marco Hartmann, who leads sourcing and partnerships at Climeworks - pioneers in direct air capture (DAC) technology. We talked about his journey from Switzerland to San Francisco, how studying natural sciences turned into a passion for systems change, and what it’s like to help shape one of the world’s most dynamic climate markets.
9Zero: What’s Your Climate Journey?
Marco: Growing up in Switzerland, it’s hard not to feel connected to nature. The mountains, lakes… you’re surrounded by natural beauty all the time. I think that translated early on into an interest in sustainability, and eventually I studied biology and chemistry.
After graduating, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t want to spend my life in a lab. At a career fair, I talked to people from Climeworks actually, which at the time was still relatively small. They were spinning out of ETH Zurich, where I had studied, and I remember thinking: this is so cool—this is something real we can do to undo some of the damage we’ve caused. But they were looking for chemical engineers, and I had a more organic chemistry and bio background. I ended up going into consulting for a few years.
Eventually though, I wanted to pivot back toward sustainability. I did an MBA and a Master’s in Design Innovation because I was fascinated by behavior change—how systems and experiences influence the way we act.
That eventually led me to climate-focused consulting here in San Francisco. I worked on decarbonization strategies, market entry for battery startups, and other projects, but over time, I felt the pull to be on the operational side of things. The carbon removal space stood out to me because it combines technology development and market creation. You’re not just building a better widget—you’re helping create demand for something that hasn’t really existed before.
So when Climeworks announced they were expanding to the U.S., it felt like the stars aligned; a Swiss company coming to the U.S., and a Swiss person already here! I joined a year ago.
9Zero: So why Climeworks? What do you do in your role?
Marco: Climeworks has been around for over 15 years—we were early in direct air capture (DAC), and we’ve learned a lot from that. We have two facilities in operation in Iceland. But over time, we also realized that we could help companies navigate the broader carbon removal landscape—not just DAC.
My role is in sourcing and partnerships, which means I help identify and collaborate with other carbon removal technologies. Some companies need removals that align with their operations, like maybe something in Latin America, or a method like biochar that has co-benefits for agriculture. So we’ve built up a network and offering that includes other solutions, from enhanced weathering to reforestation.
It’s exciting because the field is still evolving, and we get to support that growth while helping companies take meaningful climate action.
9Zero: What’s it like working in a small team within a larger organization?
Marco: Climeworks started in Switzerland, but here in the U.S., we’re still growing. I used to work remotely from SF, but as the team has grown, being in person has become more important. We looked at different spaces around the city, and 9Zero was an obvious choice. Not just for the space, but really for the people and the fact it was advancing climate solutions just like us. Having other climate folks around who are working on similar challenges makes a big difference. You overhear conversations that spark ideas or meet someone who’s working on something complementary.
9Zero: You’ve been at 9Zero for a few months. Any surprising synergies or cool encounters?
Marco: I want to attend more events! I attended the Carbon and CCUS lunch a while back and it was really fun to meet people who work in the same space as me. So, yeah! I’ve met a few people who are either working on similar challenges or just bring a different perspective that helps me think differently.
There’s a nice synchronicity here, and it’s especially useful in a field like carbon removal, where things are changing so fast. Even hearing how others approach behavioral change or policy or tech adoption can give you ideas you bring back to your own work.
9Zero: 2024 Was a Big Year for Climeworks. What’s Coming Next?
Marco: Yes, a big year! We introduced our next generation of technology and working to scale our new offerings beyond DAC, and expanding our customer base. But what’s really exciting is the market itself. Carbon removal is at an inflection point. Every few weeks, something new happens—a company makes a bold purchase, a new technology launches, a policy shifts. It’s never boring.
And for me personally, I love meeting new innovators. That’s something else that’s nice about 9Zero. People are building incredible things.
9Zero: What advice do you have for someone wanting to break into climate or carbon removal?
Marco: Networking is super important. Climate can feel intimidating because it’s so broad, but the people are open. If you’re passionate and bring a relevant skillset, you can find your way in, even if your background isn’t traditionally “climate.”
A lot of the industry is still nascent, which means there’s room for newcomers to shape it. You don’t necessarily need 10 years of experience. You just need to show up, be passionate, listen, and offer to help. And keep learning—because this space moves fast.
9Zero: Last question - favorite spot in SF?
Marco: I just went to Nari, a Thai restaurant that was incredible. Highly recommend. And I do capoeira here in the city—it’s a Brazilian martial art and a really fun community.
💡 Want to connect with Marco and others shaping the future of carbon removal? Come by 9Zero and join the conversation.
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