In this episode of Fault Lines, host Augustin Sayer sits down with Juan Pablo Soulier, Partner at Prelude Ventures, whose career spans Renault, Tesla, Waymo, Rivian and entrepreneurship. Juan shares his journey from pioneering battery research and building Tesla’s Supercharger network to helping launch Waymo’s autonomous fleet infrastructure, revealing how mission-driven cultures and long-term thinking shaped his path.

The conversation explores the future of mobility, climate technology and venture capital, as Juan explains why he joined Prelude Ventures to back the next generation of founders. From EV adoption and autonomous vehicles to energy infrastructure and deep tech investing, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on how some of the world’s most transformative technologies are built, and where the biggest opportunities lie ahead.

[00:00:00] Introduction – Juan Pablo Soulier’s journey from Renault to Prelude Ventures
[00:01:23] Betting on electric vehicles back in 2009
[00:03:02] Battery chemistry and the economics of early EVs
[00:06:00] Why charging infrastructure became the real opportunity
[00:07:26] Joining Tesla and moving to California
[00:10:15] Tesla’s culture: talent, ownership and extreme commitment
[00:14:44] The pros and cons of hiring young go-getters
[00:18:02] Building Tesla’s Supercharger network from scratch
[00:21:02] How customer behavior shaped the charging network
[00:23:18] Surviving Model 3 production hell
[00:26:06] Leaving Tesla to join Waymo
[00:28:13] The hidden infrastructure behind autonomous fleets
[00:31:31] Why electricity capacity is a bottleneck for robotaxis
[00:33:41] Witnessing Waymo become truly driverless
[00:34:24] Tesla, BYD and the global EV race
[00:36:34] Will our children still need driver’s licenses?
[00:38:38] Becoming an entrepreneur with Vammo in Brazil
[00:40:29] Returning to EVs and AI at Rivian
[00:41:04] Joining Prelude Ventures to back climate technologies
[00:42:46] Growing up in Colombia and discovering a mission
[00:44:37] What Juan looks for as an investor today
[00:45:00] Climate investing, deep tech and the next frontier of innovation

Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions.

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