From spark to surge: practical tips for scaling energy startups

The Petronas FutureTech 4.0 panel discussed scaling energy startups in Asia, focusing on the impact of the FutureTech Accelerator Program. Since 2019, Petronas Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Petronas, has supported 65 startups through the program, receiving over 900 applications across the past three cohorts.

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The FutureTech Accelerator Program supports early-to-growth startups through three core objectives: to empower companies, helping them validate their offerings and scale globally; to strengthen the broader tech startup ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region; and to tackle business challenges by fostering innovation and facilitating strategic partnerships.

Timestamps: 

[00:08] – Session introduction

• Importance of innovation in the energy sector
  

[00:57] – Overview of Petronas Ventures

• Introduction to FutureTech Accelerator Program
  

[05:47] – Speakers introductions

• Emir Nurov on AI-powered solution for reducing electricity bills
• Manish Jaiswal on electric vehicle charging solutions across more than 16 countries
  
• Aida Faizura on how startup innovation will be key to solving tomorrow’s industry challenges for Petronas and its corporate partners

[08:27] – Biggest challenges in scaling energy startups

• Establishing brand trust 
• Developing effective go-to-market strategies
• Navigating complex regulatory environments
• Importance of product-market fit

[14:54] Mentorship insights

• Value of having experienced mentors in startup journey

[18:30] – Fundraising strategies

• Tailoring pitches to investor needs
• Differences in pitching to strategic and institutional investors

[24:17] – Benefits of accelerator programs

• Networking opportunities with potential partners
• Understanding enterprise expectations

[29:20] – Final advice for energy startups

The FutureTech 4.0 program will select 20 startups for its 12-week accelerator, with applications closing on April 18.

Special thanks to our speakers Emir Nurov (Resync), Manish Jaiswal (Kazam), and Aida Faizura and Pik Tze Hong (Petronas Ventures).