Techstars Founder Spotlight Sessions - Energy & Sustainability with CruxOCM

Establishing a robust investor network or securing your first significant enterprise client can be challenging for early-stage entrepreneurs. This session will address the complexities of corporate sales cycles and the importance of building trust in regulated industries.

During this Techstars Founder Spotlight Session, Managing Director Audun Abelsnes will engage in a discussion with Vicki Knott, CEO and Co-Founder of CruxOCM, focusing on her team's experiences in acquiring early enterprise clients and strategic investors within the energy and sustainability sectors.

This dialogue aims to provide genuine insights from founders who have navigated the challenges of enterprise sales and fundraising.

Learning Outcomes

• Techniques for acquiring early enterprise clients in intricate, high-stakes sectors
• Methods for managing lengthy corporate sales and procurement processes
• Ways to foster investor confidence prior to achieving significant traction
• Practical advice on securing your first large customer contracts
• Interactive Q&A session with actionable insights for founders at any stage

Featured Speakers

Audun Abelsnes

Managing Director, Techstars

Audun has a wealth of experience in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly in scaling technology firms within the energy, sustainability, and industrial innovation sectors.

Vicki Knott

CEO & Co-Founder, CruxOCM

Vicki Knott is the CEO and Co-Founder of CruxOCM, a company focused on human-centered industrial autonomy to enhance the operation of critical energy infrastructure.

With a background as a chemical engineer and control room operator, Vicki possesses unique operational insights that inform her leadership in enterprise technology. This combination allows her to align strategic goals with practical industrial challenges.

Under her guidance, CruxOCM has created AI-driven automation solutions that yield significant benefits, such as increased revenue, reduced operator workload, and enhanced safety in pipeline operations. The company's effective execution and relevance in the industry have attracted investment from M12, Microsoft’s Venture Fund.

Vicki’s vision extends beyond mere efficiency; CruxOCM aims to develop technology that enhances human expertise, fostering resilient and sustainable industrial systems at the crossroads of digital transformation and critical infrastructure.

Intended Attendees

• Startup founders and co-founders
• Entrepreneurs in energy, climate tech, and sustainability
• Participants from Techstars alumni and accelerator programs
• Early-stage teams targeting enterprise or industrial markets
• Founders preparing for fundraising or initial major customer agreements

Registration Information

Attendance at this session requires prior registration.

Secure your place to gain valuable insights from founders who have effectively managed investor relations and enterprise customer acquisition.