From headlines to fundamentals: Investing perspectives on the energy transition





From headlines to fundamentals: Investing perspectives on the energy transition
The world is undergoing nothing less than a new industrial revolution. While headlines focus on the climate urgency, the energy transition is reshaping entire industries, creating trillion-dollar markets, and offering one of the most compelling long-term investment opportunities in our generation.
As an investor, a common challenge is separating hype from reality. In 2025, capital floods into AI and digital transformation but these technologies create massive new energy demand. The companies building the foundational energy systems - from generation to grid management to intelligent consumption, aren't just supporting the energy transition. They're enabling every other technological revolution happening right now.
Which technologies will actually scale? And how do you build investment strategies that capture value in a rapidly evolving landscape?
👥 Your Expert Panel
Daan Walter
Principal, Ember
Macro visionary and systemic thinker leading strategy research on the future of energy. Specializes in forecasting electrotech growth and analyzing strategic implications across global markets.
What Daan brings to the discussion:
- Data-driven clarity on what's actually happening in energy markets
- Logic foundation: Why electrification isn't ideological—it's strategic and scalable
- Global lens: Comparative insights across countries and sectors
- Forecast accuracy: Track record of identifying trends before they hit mainstream
Helmer Schukken
Managing Partner, Rubio Impact Ventures
Impact investor and experienced entrepreneur turned VC. Dedicated to scaling purpose-driven companies that combine financial returns with measurable climate impact.
What Helmer brings to the discussion:
- Venture capital perspective: How to spot and scale the next generation of climate innovators
- Founder empathy: Real-world lessons from building and backing mission-driven businesses
- Impact measurement: Proving that profitability and purpose reinforce each other
- Deal flow insights: What gets VCs excited (and what doesn't)
Hein Ploegmakers
Managing Partner, Gilde Buy Out Partners
Private equity investor specializing in buyouts and growth strategies. Brings both early-stage experience and institutional discipline to evaluating energy transition opportunities.
What Hein brings to the discussion:
- PE discipline: How institutional investors separate hype from investable fundamentals
- Risk-return realism: What makes transition businesses attractive at scale
- Capital allocator's lens: Where private equity sees sustainable opportunity
- Due diligence insights: The questions that matter when deploying serious capital