The Partnership Between Carbon13 and Siemens Energy Ventures

The journey of a female founder in climate tech is often fraught with unique challenges—from overcoming systemic imbalances to managing the financial and emotional demands of building a business. Recognising these hurdles, Carbon13 and Siemens Energy Ventures partnered to support female entrepreneurs through both financial backing and dedicated mentorship. This initiative aimed to not only increase the number of female-led start-ups but also to strengthen their resilience, refine their strategies, and equip them to thrive in a competitive male-dominated industry.

Financial and Mentorship Support: A Holistic Approach

This partnership went beyond funding; it also provided a structured mentoring programme, where experienced professionals from Siemens Energy offered guidance on essential aspects of scaling a business. Mentees engaged in regular sessions, typically meeting with their mentors every two weeks, ensuring ongoing support and accountability.

Impact and Success

The mentorship programme received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, with 80% of participants rating it as highly valuable. It proved instrumental in helping founders hone their sales techniques, improve team dynamics, prioritise workloads, and refine their pitch presentations. Participants particularly appreciated having mentors who provided both professional and personal guidance, fostering not only business growth but also confidence and stamina.

Key Testimonials

Participants shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences:

• “Annette was fantastic—she understood my company and, more importantly, she understood me as a founder.”

• “Great programme to support female entrepreneurs in the energy sector!”

• “I have loved my mentor and I hope to be in touch with her in the future!”

• “She encouraged me to do a hero pose and put a pencil in my mouth to force a smile and feel more confident.”

The partnership between Carbon13 and Siemens Energy Ventures has set a powerful precedent for supporting female founders in climate tech. By combining financial assistance with personalised mentoring, the programme has helped entrepreneurs build resilience, refine their strategies, and accelerate their impact. As the initiative continues to grow, it holds immense potential to shape the future of women-led climate innovations.