Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Orianna Bretschger, Aquacycl

15- Jul-2025

On today's episode, Beck Bamberger sits down with fellow San Diegan Orianna Bretschger, Co-Founder and CEO of Aquacycl. In this episode, Oriana shared why the dirtiest water inspires the best solutions, her mindset shift from scientist to founder, and the realization that you will never please everyone in business.

Orianna’s biggest mindset shift after leaving the lab? Stop pitching the tech and focus on the real-world problem you’re solving for each stakeholder. People care about their specific pain points, not the science behind your “cool widget.”

show notes:

1:30 The global wastewater challenge

04:25 Aquacycl’s innovative approach

06:07 Navigating long sales cycles

10:20 From scientist to CEO: Mindset shifts

17:27 Building a strong Co-Founder relationship

23:28 Lessons in Leadership: Pleasing Everyone Isn’t Possible

Read More About The Episode:

1:30 The Global Wastewater Challenge

Orianna Bretschger shares how her early experiences in water-scarce regions shaped her perspective and dives into the startling fact that wastewater treatment contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire shipping industry, yet only 20% of global wastewater is even treated. She introduces the scope of the problem, both environmentally and in terms of public health.

04:25 Aquacycl’s Innovative Approach

Orianna highlights Aquacycl’s solution: treating wastewater where it’s generated using containerized, plug-and-play technology that drastically reduces energy needs and costs for industrial clients like PepsiCo, while also benefiting municipalities by relieving their treatment capacity.

06:07 Navigating Long Sales Cycles

Orianna and Beck discuss the challenges of lengthy sales processes in the water industry. Orianna distinguishes between government and direct enterprise sales, sharing that even with private companies, closing deals can take 8–18 months due to deal sizes, stakeholder complexity, and the level of approvals required.

10:20 From Scientist to CEO: Mindset Shifts

She describes her biggest shift: moving away from discussing the technology itself to focusing on the customer’s problems and business value. She emphasizes that buyers prioritize solutions that address their specific pain points, not just “cool widgets.”

17:27 Building a Strong Co-Founder Relationship

Orianna explains how her longtime collaboration with Aquacycl’s Co-Founder and CTO, Sophia Babanova, evolved from academia to entrepreneurship. She recounts the thoughtful and diplomatic process of recruiting Sophia and how their direct and honest communication allows them to navigate challenges effectively.

23:28 Lessons in Leadership: Pleasing Everyone Isn’t Possible

Reflecting on her years as a CEO, Orianna shares her realization that founders cannot make everyone happy, whether it be clients, investors, or team members. She discusses the importance of clear communication, managing expectations, and finding alignment, even when needs and priorities diverge.