Hi pdm,
It is indeed pleasing to listen to both of these "conversations". David had been asked prior to the last AGM whether there would be a chance for Fabian to attend, but he apologised that the schedule for Fabian was too tight - there was a lot of activity lined up for him in Europe. So we can appreciate that David has used this new initiative to give us some insight into Fabian's background, thinking, and style.
I have read the transcripts of each of the conversations, and made some notes for myself, so here they are should they be of interest (my notes in italics):
On the first -
1.Fabianreferring to his initial experience with a German battery pack and systemsupplier: “you have to find your way and you have to find solutions, and just make it happen”.(This smacks of initiative and determination.)
2.Experiencewith battery cells and separator market.(Quite substantial.)
3.GMfor one of Varta’s business units (including e-bike and power sports batteries)– geared up to deliver several hundreds of millions in revenue; he wasresponsible for the R&D team, logistics etc. (Obviously a major role –great wide experience in leadership.)
4.Clearlyintending to growing AnteoTech in Europe, to be close to the customer.
5.Verykeen to get started in Europe, after spending two weeks with AnteoTech (includingthe Las Vegas conference - discussed in the next “conversation” ).
On the second -
1.Manuel:(certainly presents very well, commands respect in both style and substance)
a.AABCConference – about 40 high quality interactions with new and existing customers/partners.
b.Muchfocus on silicon; and target specifications vary greatly, resulting in manyproblems to be solved.Some want lower % silicon, some quite high %.Energy density, and reducing cost per watt/hour (eg in reducing the carbon nanotubes required). (An obvious need for our experience?)
c.“Veryrich and deep conversations”, including discussions with some complementarytechnology companies about how partnering could accelerate commercialisationfor both parties.
2.Fabian:(looks very keen, authoritative, knowledgeable and competent – not a “glamourboy” at all!But then, I knew David would choose well!)
a.Hewas well prepared about our technology, and very pleased with the feedback(probably confirmed that he had made a good career decision!)
b.30%growth by volume and 20% by value year on year, forecast for next decade –great opportunity.
c.Sovereigncapability – didn’t use those words, but the implication was there;hence the major investments within Europe.(Yes, a big driving force in our favour.)
d.Thepros and cons of solid state versus high silicon – for AnteoTech, particularlythat for the latter, existing production lines can be used! (Interesting tohear that solid state is still five years or more away – but this can often bethe case – take hydrogen power, for example.)
3.Manuel:
a.Intheory, solid state is great, but there are practical issues such asperformance at room temperature, durability and cost. Sees a substantial future for high silicon.
b.Sovereigncapability (again) – “supply chain considerations”, and particularly sourcingof raw materials (93% of graphite is controlled by China)
c.Thegreat potential for AnteoTech’s Ultranode, much lower cost per watt/hour, andthe cheapest silicon! Also the value to industry of Anteo-X.
d.IsAnteoTech the silicon anode expert? (Are we developing that reputation?)
So this new initiative is very welcome; it is one of the ways that AnteoTech can develop its investor relations further. I expect to see more of these initiatives, and appreciate that management is taking these steps.
What is also clear is that David has in these two key people, great capability and technical leadership. Congratulations to him for Fabian's appointment, in finding him and convincing him to join the team! Fabian is indeed welcome, and we can look forward to a growing European and US presence in the marketplace,
(20min delay)