Welcome to our Meet the CEO series, featuring interviews with leaders from Activate portfolio companies. In this edition, Simon Bushell, CEO of Sympower, discusses his insights and experiences. Sympower is an energy load aggregator that helps commercial and industrial facilities monetize their energy assets through grid services.
Simon Bushell founded Sympower and has a background in climate communications. He holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and University College London.
Bushell identifies inequality as a significant global challenge following climate change. "Inequality of access to resources is only amplified by climate change," he explains, noting its disproportionate impact on lower-income communities.
When asked about investment advice for similar companies, Bushell emphasizes the importance of finding investors who understand not just the technology but also company culture and market trends. "If you find people willing to put in that time and effort, they will be more likely to stick through the highs and lows," he advises.
Bushell's motivation for addressing complex challenges stems from his desire to make a tangible impact on climate change. He believes that energy flexibility is crucial for a successful energy transition: "A lack of energy flexibility will create a major bottleneck in the energy transition."
Outside his current role, Bushell imagines himself as a skipper in Amsterdam due to his love for boats and water activities.
Regarding his partnership with Activate Capital, Bushell praises their sector knowledge and understanding of market differences between regions. He notes their supportive role since investing in August 2022: "They’ve been nothing but supportive of our journey."