The European start-up landscape

Summary

In this European Utility Week interview, Sandra Routine, co-founder of boutique Energy Solutions, discusses the challenges and progress of startups in the energy sector. She highlights the conservative nature of the industry and the need for startups to innovate not just technologically but also in processes and mindset. While acknowledging the difficulty of changing regulations, she advises startups to build their business models on current regulations and adapt to the evolving market dynamics. Routine also touches on the cultural shifts in the energy industry, with utilities becoming more open to innovation and startups driving a change in work culture, emphasizing work-life balance and international collaboration.

Takeaways

• 💡 Startups in the energy sector face challenges due to the conservative nature of the industry, which relies on heavy infrastructure.
• 🚀 More startups are entering the energy space, offering not just technology but also innovative services for the future of energy.
• ⚖️ Regulation in the EU presents challenges for startups, as it is slow to change and is built on existing market structures and technologies.
• ⏳ Startups should not base their business models on the assumption that regulation will change quickly; instead, they should adapt to the current regulatory environment.
• 💼 Despite regulatory challenges, startups are making significant progress in the energy sector by finding ways to navigate these obstacles.
• 🏢 Utilities have become more open to innovation, recognizing the need to adapt to the increasing pace of change in the industry.
• 🌍 The culture within the energy sector is shifting, with utilities adopting startup accelerators and venture arms to foster innovation.
• 🤝 Startups are often founded by young people and operate with modern communication methods and diverse, international teams.
• 🏠 Work-life balance is becoming increasingly important for newer generations, leading to healthier work environments and long-term benefits for companies.
• 👥 The evolution in the way people work is beneficial for both employees and companies, as it helps reduce burnout and promotes better health and well-being.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the interview?

The main topic of the interview is the role of startups in the European energy space and how they are navigating the regulatory environment and market challenges.

How does Sandra describe the energy industry's approach to innovation?

Sandra describes the energy industry as conservative and infrastructure-heavy, which makes it challenging for startups to introduce new innovations that require changing processes and mindsets.

What advice does Sandra give to startups regarding the regulatory environment in Europe?

Sandra advises startups not to build their business models on the assumption that regulations will change in the near future, as regulation changes can take years. Instead, startups should operate within the current regulatory framework and adapt accordingly.

How have utilities' attitudes towards innovation changed over the past few years?

Utilities have become more open to innovation, moving away from the 'do-it-yourself' mentality to seeking external collaborations and recognizing the value that startups can bring to the industry.

What cultural changes are happening within utilities and startups according to Sandra?

Cultural changes include a shift towards more international and diverse teams, increased use of technology for communication, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance.

What is Sandra's view on the importance of work-life balance for startups and utilities?

Sandra sees work-life balance as increasingly important, noting that it benefits individual health and the company environment by reducing burnout and promoting self-care among employees.

How does Sandra perceive the role of startups in challenging existing market structures and technologies?

Sandra acknowledges that startups introducing new technologies can clash with existing market structures and regulations, creating difficulties but also opportunities for innovation.

What does Sandra suggest as a strategy for startups to deal with the regulatory challenges?

Sandra suggests that startups should deal with regulatory challenges by focusing on the current regulations and finding ways to innovate within that framework, rather than waiting for regulatory changes.

How does Sandra describe the pace of change in the energy industry?

Sandra describes the pace of change in the energy industry as increasing, which even large utilities with abundant resources struggle to keep up with, necessitating a more open approach to external innovation.

What is the impact of younger generations on the startup culture according to the interview?

The impact of younger generations on startup culture includes a preference for technology-based communication, a more international team dynamic, and a stronger focus on work-life balance.

How does Sandra view the role of traditional utilities in the face of technological advancements and market changes?

Sandra views traditional utilities as needing to adapt to the rapid pace of change by becoming more open to innovation, collaboration, and embracing new ways of working that startups often exemplify.