In an era where the energy transition demands both speed and creativity, agile innovation has become more than a buzzword — it’s a necessity. At the forefront of this transformation is Carlotta Krone-Danhier, Ecosystem & Business Development Manager at dena’s Future Energy Lab. With a background that bridges climate tech startups and global innovation networks, Carlotta plays a key role in connecting startups, corporates, researchers, and policymakers to accelerate digital solutions for the energy sector.

In this conversation, she shares her journey, along with insights on what drives successful innovation and how Berlin continues to thrive as a hub for climate and energy entrepreneurship.

• Hi Carlotta, thank you very much for agreeing to do the interview. Could you tell us about your background and how you first connected to the startup world?
  

Thank you for having me. My first steps in the energy space actually go back to my student days, when I worked for an NGO implementing energy-saving projects in schools.

My real entry into the startup world came at betteries, a climate tech startup repurposing used EV batteries. It was an exciting experience — I got to see both the creativity and the challenges of building something new within a small, driven team. That’s when I realized I’m most passionate about working at the intersection of startups and established industry — helping innovative ideas scale.

That passion led me to The Climate Tech Hub, where I supported startups with their international market entries and built networks in cities like Berlin, London, New York, and Singapore. Now, at dena’s Future Energy Lab, I focus on connecting the traditional energy sector with the startup ecosystem to foster collaboration and accelerate digital innovation in the energy sector.

• You’re the Ecosystem & Business Development Manager at Future Energy Lab, a living lab from dena, striving to shape the digital future of energy systems. Could you tell us more about your mission?

At the Future Energy Lab, our mission is to drive digital innovation in the energy sector. We see ourselves as a pilot and networking laboratory where digital technologies for the energy transition can be tested, developed, and scaled.

It’s a place where established energy corporates come together with startups, researchers, investors, and policymakers to explore new digital solutions that make our energy systems more efficient and sustainable. My role is to build and strengthen this community — to help ideas grow into real collaborations and projects that move the sector forward.

• Previously, you worked at The Climate Tech Hub, a network committed to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. You clearly have a passion for environmental startups. What draws you to this space?

My passion for environmental issues actually started long before my professional career — when I was volunteering in Greece, helping with sea turtle conservation. That early experience made me realize how interconnected our actions are with the health of the planet and inspired me to study environmental sciences.

Over time, I became more interested in working at the intersection of environmental and societal challenges, particularly the climate crisis. Energy quickly stood out to me because it’s such a major driver of emissions and involves a complex mix of technology, policy, and human behaviour.

What excites me most in this space is bringing people together — startups, established companies, and policymakers — to turn innovative ideas into tangible projects that create real impact. That combination of purpose, collaboration, and problem-solving is what truly motivates me.

• What is it about the startup world that attracts you most? And could you share one vital piece of advice for startup founders that you’ve learned along the way?

What I love most about the startup world is the people. I get to meet incredibly innovative minds and learn about new ideas and technologies almost every day. There’s a unique energy and optimism here — often driven by young, passionate founders who genuinely want to make a difference. It’s inspiring and keeps my work exciting.

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be: Don’t try to do it all alone. Collaborate, exchange ideas with other founders, and learn from each other’s experiences. You don’t have to make the same mistakes twice. The startup ecosystem is strongest when people share and support one another.

That’s also very much the spirit we foster at the Future Energy Lab — creating a space where startups can connect with established energy players and access valuable networks and policy insights through our startup programs at dena. Our goal is to give innovative ideas the right environment to grow and make sure they reach the market to contribute to the energy transition.

• Let’s talk about the startup ecosystem in Berlin. What are the main challenges and opportunities you see, and what might the near future look like?

Berlin remains Germany’s startup capital, with around 500 new startups founded each year. The city continues to attract young, highly qualified people from all over the world, thanks to its international atmosphere, strong venture capital scene, and creative, open community. There’s a real spirit of collaboration here.

At the same time, startups — especially in capital-intensive sectors like energy and climate tech — still face challenges navigating bureaucracy and securing long-term funding. That’s where initiatives like the Future Energy Lab come in. We offer not only free coworking space but, more importantly, a platform that connects startups with established players in the energy industry and with investors and policymakers.

By creating these networks, we help innovative ideas gain visibility, momentum, and credibility — ultimately driving the digital and sustainable transformation of the energy sector. I believe Berlin’s startup scene will continue to grow, with even more focus on collaboration and impact, particularly in areas like climate tech and digital energy. And I really hope to see more diversity — especially more female founders — shaping the ecosystem in the years ahead.

Thank you very much for sharing your story and insights, Carlotta. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

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