When it comes to Europe’s energy transition, the story is no longer just about wind turbines, solar panels, or hydrogen plants — it’s about the digital intelligence that connects them all.
In this episode of 0100 Impact Talks, Dr. Till Stenzel, Partner at SET Ventures, explains why the next decade of decarbonization will be driven less by hardware breakthroughs and more by the smart systems that optimize how energy is produced, stored, and consumed.
With almost 20 years of experience across venture capital, energy policy, and cleantech, Till offers a candid view of Europe’s leadership — and limitations — in the global race to net zero. He describes how SET Ventures, a pioneer in energy-focused VC since 2007, evolved from early hardware bets to backing the digital infrastructure that enables grid flexibility, industrial electrification, and smarter buildings.
Till also reflects on the challenge of scaling energy startups across a fragmented European market, where national regulations often hinder what technology already makes possible. Yet, he remains confident that Europe’s highly digitized grid, mature industrial base, and increasing investor appetite — from corporates to family offices — give the continent a decisive edge.
As he puts it, “The key for adoption comes through competitiveness, resilience, and at the end of the day, the lowest-cost energy system you can build.”
SET Ventures’ fourth fund, a €200 million Article 9 vehicle, continues that mission — financing the intelligence layer of the energy system and helping Europe move from transition to transformation.
