Biography of Nicholas Flanders: Co-Founder and CEO of Twelve -Entrepreneur
Visionary Behind Twelve: Nicholas Flanders
Nicholas Flanders is the Co-Founder and CEO of Twelve, a
pioneering company that is reshaping the chemical industry with its
groundbreaking technology. Twelve focuses on transforming carbon dioxide (CO2)
into useful products like chemicals and fuels, which are traditionally made
from fossil fuels. Nicholas's passion for environmental innovation has been a
constant throughout his career, and he has dedicated his efforts to solving the
climate crisis through energy solutions that promote sustainability.
Biography of Nicholas Flanders: Co-Founder and CEO of Twelve -Entrepreneur# transform CO2 into sustainable products#startup#age#net worth#Twelve story
An Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
Before founding Twelve in 2015, Nicholas was deeply involved
in the startup ecosystem. He served as the Chief Operating Officer of Levo
League, a community focused on empowering young professionals, particularly
women, to elevate their careers. His leadership helped the company grow its
online presence and provide valuable resources to its members. Levo League,
launched by Caroline Ghosn and Amanda Pouchot, became a hub for career
development, with notable investors and widespread recognition from top media
outlets.
From McKinsey to Sustainability
Nicholas’s career took a pivotal turn after he worked at
McKinsey & Company, where he gained expertise in sustainability and
resource productivity. As a fellow in the sustainability division, he
co-authored critical studies on global energy systems and the role of cleantech
in combating climate change. His work at McKinsey exposed him to the need for
innovative solutions that could transform industries and address environmental
challenges, setting the stage for his future ventures.
The Inspiration for Twelve
The idea for Twelve came from Nicholas’s deep understanding
of the energy and climate landscape. After years of research and experience, he
realized that the key to solving the climate crisis lay in rethinking how we
produce essential chemicals and fuels. Rather than relying on fossil fuels,
Twelve’s technology uses CO2, water, and renewable energy to create
hydrocarbons—the building blocks for chemicals and materials. This process,
known as carbon transformation, mimics natural photosynthesis but on an industrial
scale.
The Opus™ System: Transforming CO2
At the core of Twelve’s mission is the Opus™ System, a
revolutionary technology that uses CO2 electrolysis to turn carbon dioxide into
useful products. The system employs polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) to
break down CO2 and convert it into chemicals and fuels like sustainable
aviation fuel (SAF). This approach not only addresses the greenhouse gas
problem by capturing and repurposing CO2 but also eliminates the need for
fossil fuels in the production of essential materials.
Scaling Up Carbon Transformation
Since its founding, Twelve has been working to scale its
technology and make it commercially viable. With facilities in Alameda,
California, and a demonstration plant in Moses Lake, Washington, the company is
working on producing sustainable jet fuel. By taking CO2 from the atmosphere
and using renewable electricity, Twelve is proving that the future of energy
production and chemical manufacturing can be clean and fossil-free.
A New Kind of Chemical Company
Twelve is not just another chemical company—it is a
climate-driven enterprise that is redefining how products are made. The
company’s innovative approach is designed to eliminate global emissions and
create a fossil-free future. Through carbon transformation, Twelve can make
everyday products, like plastics and fuels, from air instead of oil, helping to
combat climate change and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
A Commitment to Climate Impact
Nicholas Flanders and his team at Twelve are committed to
solving the global climate crisis by providing a sustainable alternative to
fossil fuels. By using carbon dioxide as a feedstock, Twelve can help
decarbonize industries that have traditionally been reliant on fossil fuels.
This approach is crucial for achieving the long-term goal of reducing global
emissions and moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the planet.
Recognition for Innovation
Nicholas’s work at Twelve has not gone unnoticed. In 2016,
he was named to Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list in the Energy category,
recognizing his role in developing innovative energy solutions. His dedication
to finding scalable solutions for climate change earned him a place as a 2016
Echoing Green climate fellow. These recognitions highlight his leadership and
the significant impact he is making in the fight against climate change.
A Strong Foundation in Education
Nicholas’s academic background played a crucial role in
shaping his entrepreneurial journey. He graduated with distinction from Cornell
University, where he earned a degree in mathematics, economics, and
international relations. Later, he pursued a Master’s in Engineering and an MBA
at Stanford University, where he gained the technical and business acumen
needed to launch and lead Twelve. His education has been instrumental in his
ability to bridge the gap between technology and business.
A Career Focused on Environmental Solutions
Nicholas Flanders’s career has been defined by his
commitment to environmental sustainability. From his early work at McKinsey to
his leadership at Levo and eventually founding Twelve, Nicholas has
consistently sought ways to create a positive environmental impact. His work
reflects a deep understanding of the global energy system and the need for
transformative solutions that can help reduce emissions and mitigate climate
change.
Looking to the Future
As the CEO of Twelve, Nicholas is leading a company that is
at the forefront of a new era in energy and chemical production. The company’s
mission to eliminate global emissions and replace fossil fuels with sustainable
alternatives is ambitious but essential. With the continued development of the
Opus™ System and partnerships across industries, Twelve is poised to play a
critical role in building a climate-positive future. Through his leadership,
Nicholas is helping to create a world where products are made from air, not
oil, and the planet’s future is safeguarded for generations to come.
Timeline for story
2015: Nicholas co-founded Twelve to transform CO2 into
useful products like chemicals and fuels.
Pre-2015: Served as COO at Levo League, empowering young
professionals, particularly women.
Pre-2015: Worked at McKinsey & Company, focusing on
sustainability and cleantech.
2016: Twelve’s technology earned Nicholas a spot on Forbes'
30 Under 30 list in Energy.
2016: Nicholas became an Echoing Green climate fellow for
his innovative energy solutions.
2016: Twelve's Opus™ System was developed to transform CO2
into sustainable products.
2020: Twelve expanded with a demonstration plant in Moses
Lake, Washington.
2020: Twelve focused on scaling up carbon transformation for
sustainable fuel production.
2020-2023: Nicholas led Twelve’s growth, making it a
climate-driven enterprise for fossil-free chemical production.
