Today’s episode features Felix Krause, founding partner of Vireo Ventures, one of Europe’s leading early-stage energy tech investors. Felix is based in Berlin and brings decades of experience across solar project development, corporate VC, and now independent fund management.

We dig deep into why electrification is the real unlock for climate, and why Felix and his team believe the software that manages energy flows—not new forms of generation—is where VC dollars can make the biggest impact.

Felix also talks candidly about:

• How Vireo built a reputation as a hands-on, brutally honest investor
• Why “doing good and making money” aren’t mutually exclusive
• How to spot founders with true grit and fire in their eyes
• Why Europe is at a critical inflection point for tech sovereignty

We also cover how AI and increasing data availability are quietly enabling new software business models in energy—from optimizing legacy boilers in multifamily buildings to managing distributed assets securely.

If you're wondering how to build (or back) meaningful energy tech in today’s shifting market, this episode is packed with pragmatic insights—and just the right amount of optimism.

Topics

Short Version

• 04:36 Founding Vireo Ventures: The Transition to Investment
• 09:20 Building Relationships with Founders
• 14:20 The Importance of Honesty in Investment
• 17:52 Navigating the Future of Energy
• 22:44 Data and Cybersecurity in Clean Tech
• 25:12 Navigating the Go-To-Market Strategy
• 25:57 Investing in Early-Stage Software Companies
• 27:27 The Role of Data Extraction in Electrification
• 29:55 Understanding Business Models in Climate Tech
• 31:11 Evaluating Software Sales Strategies
• 34:13 AI's Impact on Electrification and Business Models

Links

• Felix Krause | Vireo Ventures
• Connect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedIn
• Follow CleanTechies on LinkedIn
• This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.

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