Fueling the Future: Insights on Hydrogen Investment and Innovation from Airbus Ventures at EHTD 2024
As the hydrogen economy accelerates its transformative impact on global transport, the European Hydrogen Transport Dialogue 2024 offers a unique platform to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the sector. Held on 4-5 December 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, this flagship event will bring together 30 selected companies and over 40 seasoned investors for two days of pitching sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and exclusive One2One meetings. Set within the larger HYDROGEN DIALOGUE Summit & Expo, it promises to unite business leaders, policymakers, and scientific experts to drive sustainable solutions across the hydrogen value chain.
In the lead-up to the event, we had the chance to catch up with Claas Kohl, Partner at Airbus Ventures, whose extensive experience in finance and risk management has positioned him as a key figure in advancing investment strategies for sustainable technologies. With over a decade as Managing Director in Airbus’s finance entities and deep expertise across capital markets, Claas brings a unique perspective on the intersection of innovation and investment in the hydrogen transport sector.
Read on to uncover insights into hydrogen’s role in reshaping the future of transport, the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and Claas’s advice for entrepreneurs aiming to make a mark in this transformative space.
TT: You are speaking at the upcoming European Hydrogen Transport Dialogue 2024. How do you envision the value that this event creates?
CK: It’s with great pleasure that I’m able to represent Airbus Ventures, an independent early-stage deeptech fund, at the upcoming European Hydrogen Transport Dialogue 2024. I’m looking forward to engaging with industry stakeholders and meeting with startup prospects who are committed to accelerating the green economy in the face of significant planetary system challenges.
TT: What are the biggest barriers currently facing the adoption of hydrogen in the transport sector, and how can investors play a role in overcoming them?
CK: The widespread availability of hydrogen, as well as last-mile transportation, have not been solved, and are among the essential areas that could benefit from innovative startups providing disruptive, new technologies and new infrastructure capabilities to aid in unlocking industry opportunities for aviation, automotive, industry and beyond. The market potential will clearly depend on the pricing for the end-user relative to competing technologies. Notably, CO2 penalties cannot be assumed in all markets on a global scale.
TT: What lessons from your leadership at Airbus Ventures can be applied to identifying and fostering transformative projects in hydrogen for transport?
CK: As a financially-motivated VC fund, entrepreneurs looking to attract new investment should keep in mind that technical innovation needs to be complemented by a clear path to defendable profitability. For the case of hydrogen transport, it’s helpful for startups to think about their business model from the standpoint of the user, the provider, and key infrastructure requirements and opportunities.
TT: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the field?
CK: Start small. Configure what your real technical (and commercializable) disruption might be. Get out in the field, and chat with investors. Keep an eye on the global competition. Even if you are the champion on a single continent, you can be disrupted by a competitor from a different corner of the world. The solar industry is a good example of how quickly that can happen. If you have a true industry disruption, you’ll find investors to back the promise of your vision.
—
As the hydrogen transport sector continues to evolve, leaders like Claas Kohl offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities driving this transformation. His expertise underscores the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment in unlocking the full potential of hydrogen for a sustainable future. We look forward to seeing the impact of these ideas and initiatives at the European Hydrogen Transport Dialogue 2024, where the journey toward a greener transport ecosystem takes center stage – register now to join us there!
Stay up-to-date with all of Tech Tour’s upcoming programmes and activities by signing up for our monthly newsletter below.