Chris Bernkopf, CEO of Podero, shares how they help utilities optimise energy use and offers advice on growing in the cleantech sector. The Guest:In this episode, we are joined by Chris Bernkopf, Co-Founder and CEO of the Austrian energy flexibility startup, Podero. With a background that spans physics, edtech, and electric mobility, and experience at CERN and Y Combinator, Chris brings a rare mix of scientific insight and entrepreneurial drive to the clean energy sector. Under his leadership, Podero develops software that helps utilities optimise device control, trade energy more efficiently, and reduce costs and emissions.Chris shares how the rise of renewables is transforming the way we consume and manage power, and why this shift demands smarter, more adaptive systems. He reflects on his journey from physics and Y Combinator to tackling one of the biggest challenges in climate tech, discussing how technology, markets, and user behaviour are converging to accelerate the clean energy transition. The conversation delves into Europe’s evolving energy landscape, the business and climate benefits of flexibility, and what it takes to build resilient solutions in a sector shaped by regulation and rapid change.Some highlights of this episode include:The shift in energy flexibility focusPodero's three-part business modelThe "Positive Flywheel" of decarbonisationBuilding resilient solutions in a sector shaped by regulation and rapid changeAdvice on overcoming sector overwhelm Listen to the Story of Software on:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, & any other podcast platform of your choice. The Story of Software Podcast is produced by Zartis, a software services company. We hope you enjoy listening to this tech podcast and feel free to share any feedback with us: [email protected]

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