Astrid Atkinson, CEO of Camus Energy: $20 Million Raised to Build the Future of Grid Management

In today's episode of Category Visionaries, we speak with Astrid Atkinson, CEO of Camus Energy, a Grid Management platform that’s raised over $20 Million in funding, about how coming transformation in the critical utilities sector provides opportunities for startups to claim space for themselves and drive change for the better. Developing large-scale software infrastructure to manage the way we produce, distribute and consume energy, Camus Energy is preparing for a future in which decentralization and diversification are the key concepts that need to be accommodated. Utilities might get a bad reputation for being slow-moving and resistant to change, but with disruption on the horizon it’s time to let real-world needs shape what solutions become successful. We also speak about Astrid’s time in the early years of google and the lessons she brought with her into the startup space, why transformation leaves space for agile startups to compete on an even footing with established industry players, and how engaging directly with potential customers helped Camus Energy define the parameters of their innovative character. Topics Discussed: Astrid’s role in the early years of Google and the vital lessons she learned about the role of individuals in creating global impact What led Astrid to launch a startup in the utilities space, despite a bad reputation for being conservative and resistant to change Why the energy grid of tomorrow needs an innovative software solution to manage the speed and scale of the transition How decentralization and diversification are going to shape the future of our energy sector, and how Camus Energy is preparing to be a part of it Why Astrid believes in healthy competition, and in creating spaces with enough room for everyone in a market to succeed How changing needs shape the solutions which succeed, and why it’s sometimes worth taking the risk of creating a transformative market category   Favorite book:  Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers (Collins Business Essentials)