We believe systemic change begins with human connection.
Meet the Co-Founders
Ilkay Demirdag (Co-CEO, Istanbul) brings deep expertise as an energy industry executive and board member. A former private equity investor and venture capitalist in energy and climate, she now leads Energy Shift Capital’s strategic partnerships and investor relations.
Risto Kuulasmaa (Co-CEO, Los Angeles) is a serial founder, venture capital investor, and global community builder. At Energy Shift Capital, he leads growth, platform development, and day-to-day operations.
Advisory Board
Vazil Hudak
Vazil Hudak is the former Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic. He has worked as the Vice President of the European Investment Bank.
Mali Baum
Mali Baum is a board Member at the European Innovation Council at the European Commission. She is the CEO of WLOUNGE and founder of the Magda Group.
Ilker Baburoglu
Ilker Baburoglu is an energy sector entrepreneur and investor who has co-founded and led multinational energy and commodity trading companies. His company, TransMed, is involved in energy projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Payel Farasat
Payel Farasat is Chief of Growth, Investor, Family Office Catalyst powering Energy Transition toward Regenerative Economy
Oli Harris
Oli Harris Partner at Dream Ventures, an early-stage VC firm spun out of a US single family office
Jussi Åkerberg
Jussi Åkerberg is an energy sector executive leading Business Finland’s Flexible Energy Systems as the Head of Program.
Alistair Langer
Alistair Langer is a Senior Partner at 783 Capital Partners, structuring capital from early-stage ventures to infrastructure-scale rollouts. Advisor of founders, family offices, and institutions.
Emil Lüth
Emil Lüth is a venture strategist building bridges across climate tech ecosystems, from finance to policy. He works as a business develeoper and deal originator at the Transition Finance Network TFN.