In a burgeoning energy market that thrives on innovation and sustainability, Future Energy Ventures (FEV), a Berlin-based venture capital firm, has made headlines by raising a second fund totaling €235 million. As a serial entrepreneur and startup mentor, I, Violetta Bonenkamp, find this development both inspiring and indicative of a larger shift in the venture capital (VC) world toward impactful, sustainability-driven entrepreneurship. Following the complexities of the energy transition and the broader climate tech sector, let's dive into the critical assets, strategies, and takeaways from FEV’s announcement through the lens of a seasoned entrepreneur.
A Bold Leap Toward Energy Innovation
Future Energy Ventures (FEV) has positioned itself as a leading investor in startups that catalyze sustainable energy innovation. With the newly raised fund emphasizing scalable, asset-light, and profitable solutions, this move reflects the urgent global priority for renewable energy systems, digital grid solutions, and decarbonization technologies. But why should entrepreneurs care about these industry shifts? As someone who has spent years aligning business goals with societal impact, I can tell you that the market signals are unmistakable: building innovative solutions for the climate crisis is not only a necessity but a lucrative opportunity.
The VC firm is known for its focus on Series A and B startups across Europe, the U.S., and Israel. In its second funding round, FEV is taking its commitment further by planning to invest €5–10 million per company while reserving 50% of its fund for follow-on investments in portfolio standouts. For founders, getting on this radar isn’t just a matter of clever funding pitches, it requires a genuine commitment to scalability, impact, and a prominent contribution to the energy transition.
What Startups Can Learn: FEV’s Investment Strategy Unraveled
The unique aspects of FEV’s second fund are worth dissecting because they outline actionable insights for budding startups. Consider the following points:
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Asset-Light and Digital Technologies Lead the Way
Asset-heavy industries are often capital-intensive and less agile, a stark contrast to the elegance of digital solutions. If your startup operates in the renewable energy ecosystem, focus on scalability and accessibility via software innovation or platform-based models. -
Follow-On Funding Signals Partnership Potential
FEV dedicating 50% of its fund to follow-on investments tells us something critical: the firm values startups that demonstrate consistent growth and adaptability. Founders should prioritize showing measurable progress post-initial investment to secure follow-up capital. -
Geographical Focus Meets a Diversified Portfolio
Despite pledging two-thirds of investments to European markets, FEV is open to international startups, particularly in innovation hubs like the U.S. and Israel. For European entrepreneurs, this signifies a localized VC backing that avoids insulation by adopting global best practices. -
Climate Impact As Core Value
The adherence to EU SFDR Article 9 regulations, which impose stringent sustainability criteria, sends a clear message: climate-reporting frameworks and decarbonization solutions are not optional, they're prerequisites. Consider embedding these principles into your business DNA early on. -
Crisis-Driven Opportunity
FEV, like other VC firms, has likely observed the influence of geopolitical crises such as the Ukraine war, which has spurred Europe to increase its renewable energy focus. For startups, this mandates urgency in producing actionable, high-impact solutions amidst this policy-driven momentum.
For entrepreneurs like myself who are obsessed with the potential of technology to make positive societal impacts, it’s evident that aligning your startup with these criteria opens doors, not just to funding but also to transformative partnerships.
How Early-Stage Startups Can Secure VC Attention
From my experience mentoring aspiring founders in the startup incubator ecosystem, I know that drawing the attention of a firm like FEV involves more than having a great idea. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Define and Quantify Your Impact Goals
Ensure your product or business model delivers not just profit but measurable climate or energy-saving value. Tools like impact measurement software or case studies are invaluable. -
Build Scalability Into Your DNA
FEV prioritizes startups capable of reaching global markets. Adjust your business plans to include scalability across geographies and industries. -
Leverage Crisis Markets
Look into policies such as the EU Green Deal and align your solutions with government initiatives and grants, a strategy I’ve seen work for several startups in my network. -
Communicate Clearly With Numbers
Investors like FEV are results-driven. Prepare robust data on addressable markets, customer acquisition costs, and growth metrics. -
Develop Partnerships with Complementary Startups
Collaborating within your region to target mutual goals such as grid innovation or renewable storage can give you an edge when pitching to sustainability-oriented VCs like FEV.
Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Should Avoid in the Climate Tech Venture Space
- Focusing on Tech Instead of Market Needs: Remember, technology is only valuable if it addresses a targeted, scalable problem. Too many startups get stuck over-engineering their MVPs without truly understanding user demand.
- Underestimating Regulatory Complexity: The EU's sustainability ecosystem imposes a host of legal and reporting obligations. Neglecting these can slow your scaling ambitions or disqualify you from critical funds.
- Poor Narrative Crafting: Investors are swayed by emotional yet factual storytelling. Tie your solution to global needs like net-zero goals to create a compelling case.
Deep Insights from the Transition Era
For startups navigating 2025’s volatile funding environment, here are my key takeaways:
- Larger But Fewer Deals Are the Norm: With investment trends leaning towards high-value, late-stage startups, early ventures must fiercely focus on usability and scalability from the outset.
- Sustainability Aligns With ROI: Climate tech isn’t just a moral play, it’s a market-driven one. Digital solutions for energy transition, such as AI-based grid management or battery trading, are immensely investible.
- Adapt Quickly to Changing Policies: European policies are pivoting toward fostering local energy independence. Startups that adapt products to fit these mandates could see faster adoption.
Concluding Thoughts: Turning Inspiration Into Strategy
Future Energy Ventures’ second fund is more than a funding milestone; it’s a glimpse into the future of venture capital in sustainability. Entrepreneurs, whether in climate tech or adjacent fields, can pull lessons from FEV’s vision to align their startups with the shifting landscape of innovation-driven investments.
For founders who dream of creating businesses that leave a lasting impact, FEV’s approach serves as both an example and an invitation. By prioritizing scalability, meaningful climate action, and operational agility, you not only enhance your chances of securing funding but also take a decisive step toward building a legacy of positive change.
For those still unsure of where to start, focus on this: understand the problem your innovation solves, amplify its impact, and frame your story with clarity and purpose. The right VC, like Future Energy Ventures, will undoubtedly notice.
FAQ
1. What is Future Energy Ventures (FEV)?
Future Energy Ventures (FEV) is a Berlin-based VC firm specializing in early-stage investments in sustainable energy and digital energy technologies, targeting the energy transition. Discover Future Energy Ventures
2. How much funding has FEV raised in its second fund?
FEV raised a total of €235 million in its second fund to invest in Series A and B startups focusing on the energy transition and climate technology. Read about FEV’s fund
3. What type of startups does FEV invest in?
FEV focuses on asset-light and digital technology startups operating in renewable energy, grid management systems, and decarbonization technologies. Explore FEV’s investment strategy
4. What is unique about FEV’s investment strategy?
FEV emphasizes scalable and profitable business models, reserving 50% of its fund for follow-on investments. Investments range between €5–10 million per company. Learn about FEV’s approach
5. Which regions does FEV focus on for investments?
FEV directs two-thirds of its investments towards European markets but also supports startups in innovation hubs like the U.S. and Israel. Check out FEV’s geographical strategy
6. What sustainability standards does FEV adhere to?
FEV operates as an Article 9 fund under EU SFDR regulations, prioritizing investments in startups with measurable environmental impact. Learn about Article 9 funds
7. What opportunities do energy crises create for startups?
Geopolitical events, like the Ukraine war, have accelerated renewable energy policies in Europe, presenting startups with opportunities for growth in energy tech and sustainability solutions. Explore the impact of energy crises
8. Which portfolio companies have FEV invested in previously?
FEV has invested in startups like Feld Energy (agricultural photovoltaics), Jua (weather forecasting), and Enspired (battery trading). Check out FEV’s portfolio
9. What trends are shaping climate tech investments in 2025?
There is a shift toward fewer but higher-value deals as investors focus on scalable and proven climate tech solutions like battery trading software and grid management systems. Discover climate tech trends
10. Which organizations have supported FEV’s fund?
Limited Partners in FEV’s fund include E.ON, European Investment Fund, KfW Capital, and others, with additional support from the Italian government for local startups. Learn about FEV’s partnership
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.