Episode 1: Breaking into energy

Our first podcast is with serial entrepreneur Christoph Ostermann, CEO & Co-Founder of Sonnen, a residential energy storage systems tech company, recently exited to Shell and Audun Abelsnes, MD of Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator on the trials, tribulations of starting up in the energy space and how to overcome them.  The energy sector is notoriously difficult to penetrate, with high barriers to entry.  It also has a reputation for being slow to innovate.  Yet the prize for breaking through is significant - both in terms of value and in terms of social impact, by other increasing access to energy or making it cleaner, with fewer emissions.

Christoph and Audun share their thoughts on funding, proofs of concept, building teams and the ups and downs of partnering with corporates with John Mushriqui, a serial entrepreneur now working at Launchpad, BP's business-builder. 

Energy is in something of a crisis. Start-ups with brilliant tech may hold the key. But they need help to scale. That’s where Launchpad comes in. A business builder that unlocks BP’s unique advantage to scale fast globally - for maximum impact.

So we’re putting on a series of podcasts called Frankly where experienced entrepreneurs and energy experts deal it to founders straight. No BS. Help them grow their businesses so they can help solve the energy crisis.

We will hear the war stories direct from entrepreneurs and hustlers who have built - or who are building - energy start-ups. And from investors who focus on the energy industry – what do they look for and avoid?

The purpose of these podcasts is to educate and to inform. Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of bp or its affiliates. Reference to any product, technology or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by bp or its affiliates.