Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Perry Bakas of Oxylus Energy

09- Dec-2025

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Perry Bakas, co-founder and CEO of Oxylus Energy. Perry opens up about how becoming a parent has sharpened his focus and intuition as a founder.

He also shares his journey from mechanical engineering to startup leadership, and recounts the gritty reality of bootstrapping Oxylus by road-tripping to 40+ pitch competitions across the country.

show notes:

00:22 - Unhinged courage to found

01:38 - Naming Oxylus Energy

02:22 - Why methanol matters

04:20 - Innovating green methanol

09:01 - Roadshow fundraising hack

14:15 - Parenthood and focus

Read More About The Episode:

00:22 - Unhinged courage to found
Beck Bamberger introduces the podcast’s focus on the boldness needed to launch a venture-backed startup, spotlighting Perry Bakas’ dual challenge as a new founder and a new dad.

01:38 - Naming Oxylus Energy
Beck asks about the company's name, and Perry explains its Greek mythological origin and relevance to their climate mission.

02:22 - Why methanol matters
Beck and Perry discuss methanol’s critical role as a platform chemical and its potential for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors.

04:20 - Innovating green methanol
The pair breaks down Oxylus' unique technology that could produce green methanol cost-effectively, pushing past existing industry barriers.

09:01 - Roadshow fundraising hack
Beck highlights Perry’s strategy of using his student status to enter and win dozens of pitch competitions, raising early funds for Oxylus.

14:15 - Parenthood and focus
Beck and Perry discuss how becoming a parent while leading a startup sharpened his focus and priorities.