The Dragon is incredibly proud of ODs continuing to reach for the sun and who, in doing so, have become hugely successful in a wide range of fields. From making a piece of history like Francesca Wilcox (OD 2013) to developing life-saving apps like Michael Dent (OD 2002), capturing snow leopards on camera like Dan O’Neil (OD 2005) to playing for England like Maia Bouchier (OD 2012) … Read on for the next feature in our Diversity of Dragons series, where the Dragon hears from Ted Christie-Miller (OD 2008), Founder of Residual.
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When the Dragon asked me to reflect on my career, I couldn’t help but laugh at how seemingly random this journey has been. I’m not sure my younger self — playing Eggie by the forum and half-listening to my geography class — could’ve predicted where life would take me, meandering through politics, start-ups, and finally founding my own company. The Dragon was where I first learned how to think, not what to think. It was a place that encouraged curiosity, debate and the occasional bit of mischief. That mindset — question things, and explore widely — has shaped my whole career.
After university, I stumbled into the world of politics, taking up a role at the leading Westminster think tank Onward, where I set up a cross-party commission on climate change. I spent three years digging into the climate challenge, which included doing the environmental work for another former Dragon, Rory Stewart (OD 1986), while he attempted to become Prime Minister.
Working in policy taught me how decisions get made (or don’t), and how big systems either work — or fall apart. However, I soon realised I wanted to be closer to the action, driving change rather than observing it.
That led me to a company called BeZero Carbon. When I joined, at just 20 or so people, it was a very early-stage start-up with an uncertain future. Today it is the best-funded climate tech start-up in the country and the primary ratings agency for carbon markets. The work was fascinating, but also frustrating: industrial companies with serious potential to clean up their operations were stuck on the sidelines of the carbon market.
So, I co-founded Residual. We help industrial companies turn waste into revenue by developing high-quality carbon removal projects. We empower the big emitters to become the agents for reversing climate change and giving them new revenue streams in the process. Our secret sauce is combining data-driven project design with industry know-how. We help companies navigate the mess of carbon markets while getting top dollar for their credits. Our goal? Unlock financing for 5 million tonnes of carbon removals annually by 2030 — the UK’s entire carbon removal target.
Founding Residual has been a fascinating lesson in resilience, adaptability, and—most importantly—teamwork. It’s all about finding people who share the mission and can make things happen, and fast. I was lucky enough to meet my co-founder, Laura Fritsch, a former founder and a lecturer at Oxford on carbon markets, with whom I could share this journey.
We’re still in the early innings, but I’m optimistic. Tackling climate change on a meaningful scale is a brutal challenge whilst a massive opportunity for innovation. I wouldn’t have gotten here without the foundation the Dragon gave me: think big, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to break the mold.
If any ODs are interested in learning more, please do get in touch at [email protected]
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Let us know what you’ve been up to since your Dragon Days, we’d love to share your story.
