Charles Esther
In the high-stakes world of nuclear innovation, one unlikely duo stands out—Liz Muller, 46, and her father, Rich Muller, 81.
Together, they’ve co-founded three successful organisations in the nuclear and climate sectors, all while sharing a home in Berkeley, California.
Their story isn’t just about science and startups—it’s a remarkable tale of trust, respect, and family values powering business success.
From OECD to Entrepreneurship
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Liz spent eight years in France working for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Despite her stable career, she felt the pull to start something of her own.
And who better to partner with than her father, Rich Muller, a seasoned physicist and inventor in the nuclear field?
Their first few attempts didn’t gain traction—but they persisted.
Eventually, their partnership bore fruit with three groundbreaking ventures.
Three Companies, One Shared Mission
Together, Liz and Rich launched:
- Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit focused on climate data.
- Deep Isolation, a company tackling nuclear waste disposal.
- Deep Fission, their latest venture aiming to bury small modular reactors a mile underground.
Each venture reflects their blend of business acumen and scientific expertise.
Liz serves as CEO, while Rich assumes the role of CTO, a clear division that allows both to lead effectively.
Working Together as Boss and Mentor
Their dynamic is unique—Liz is technically her father’s boss.
But instead of awkward tension, their relationship thrives on mutual respect.
Rich proudly calls Liz his mentor and praises her sharp business instincts.
Even when they disagree, their family bond keeps things respectful and productive.
During work, Liz calls him “Rich,” but at home, he’s “Daddy.”
This distinction helps maintain professionalism while preserving their close personal connection.
Balancing Business With Family Life
The Mullers also live together in a renovated brown-shingle home originally built as apartments.
Liz, her husband, and children live on the top floors, while Rich and his wife occupy the lower ones.
Despite sharing a building, carving out personal time is a challenge—ironically, they often see each other more for work than for play.
Still, they make it a point to have Sunday dinners and at least one quality moment together each week.
Rich even brews Liz’s coffee every morning.
How Deep Fission Was Born
The idea behind their latest company, Deep Fission, emerged from a technical question:
What if instead of burying spent fuel, they buried fresh nuclear fuel deep underground?
This sparked Rich’s invention—the Deep Borehole Reactor.
But it was Liz who realised the business potential, recognising how this innovation could slash the cost of nuclear power by up to 80%.
Their shared patent is a testament to their complementary strengths—science meets strategy.
The Power of Complementary Skill Sets
The Mullers’ secret lies in their different but equally valuable skill sets.
Rich invents; Liz strategises.
There’s no parent-teaches-child model here—they work as equals.
Rich isn’t ready to retire, nor does he need to.
His passion for science fuels the company’s innovations, while Liz’s leadership continues to drive its growth.
Lessons for Family-Led Businesses
Working with family isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.
Liz advises others to clearly define roles and lead with respect.
“Stay in your lane,” she says, “but challenge each other when it matters.”
Rich adds, “Let your child lead. They’re your partner now.”
Their story is proof that generational partnerships can thrive—with the right mindset.
Conclusion
Liz and Rich Muller show that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of family bonds.
With mutual respect, clear roles, and complementary skills, they’ve built not just companies, but a legacy.
And they’re just getting started.
