Rewiring Energy: Disruption, Transparency, and Scaling with Purpose – Joe McDonald, TEM

In this energised episode, David Hunt is joined by Joe McDonald, Co-founder and CEO of TEM – a fast-scaling UK energytech startup reshaping how energy transactions are done. From his early days at LimeJump and the acquisition by Shell, to co-founding TEM and challenging the very core of how electricity is bought, sold, and valued – Joe shares a story of timing, execution, and bold ambition.

Joe and David dive into:

• The broken nature of the wholesale electricity market – and how TEM is fixing it with AI-driven infrastructure
• Why energy transparency is the antidote to greenwashing
• How scaling culture and teams in a remote-first world requires deep intentionality
• Lessons from Shell, LimeJump, and what it really means to build a challenger business
• Fundraising, lucky timing, and the power of storytelling in startup success

From disrupting energy incumbents to reimagining organisational design, this is a deep and inspiring episode for cleantech entrepreneurs, investors, and energy innovators alike.

🔑 Key Quotes:

“We’re not trying to be greedy – we’re trying to build something enduring. That means picking the right people, partners, and investors.” – Joe McDonald

“We’re not just innovating around the edges; we’re replacing the wholesale electricity market itself.” – Joe McDonald

“Remote-first doesn’t mean working from your bedroom – it means being intentional about culture, connection, and collisions.” – Joe McDonald

“This is about power – both in electrons and in people. Rewiring how energy is transacted is a chance to redistribute both.” – Joe McDonald

About Joe McDonald:

Joe McDonald is a seasoned energy entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in the sector. He co-founded tem. in 2021, aiming to revolutionize the way renewable energy is bought and sold. Prior to tem., Joe held leadership roles at Limejump, including Vice President of Sales and Product, where he was instrumental in developing virtual power plants that enabled small renewable energy assets to access market opportunities akin to larger utilities. His efforts contributed to Limejump's successful acquisition by Shell in 2019, earning him a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list.

At tem., Joe leverages his deep expertise in

About Hyperion Executive Search:

Hyperion are a specialist executive search firm working with some of the most innovative cleantech companies in the world, helping to find extraordinary talent to enable their growth and success. Partnering with leading cleantech VCs, as well as directly with founders and entrepreneurs in the sector. With our clients we are transforming business and growing a strong and prosperous cleantech economy.

If you want to grow your team, or move forward your career, visit www.hyperionsearch.com, or email info@hyperionsearch.com


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🎧 Episode and guest overview

In this episode of Leaders in Cleantech, David Hunt is joined by Danijel Visevic, Managing Partner of World Fund, Europe’s largest climate tech VC. Danijel shares his personal and professional journey — from journalism and politics to launching a €300M venture fund dedicated to decarbonisation. They explore the challenges of scaling deep tech and hardware-centric startups, the urgent funding gaps at Series B, and how Europe risks losing its most promising IP to the US or China. With thoughtful insights on talent, climate urgency, and the real impact of aligned capital, this is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about climate innovation.

About Danijel Višević:

Danijel Višević is a General Partner at World Fund. He is a recognised climate tech thought leader, policy professional and journalist by vocation. Before co-founding World Fund, he was Director of Communications at Project A Ventures, co-founder of Zetra Project and Krautreporter. Danijel was also co-responsible for the audio-visual appearance of Angela Merkel for nearly half a decade.

About World Fund:

World Fund is a leading European venture capital fund investing in climate tech companies with significant decarbonisation potential. Their portfolio spans key sectors, such as energy, industry, built environment, transportation, food, agriculture, and biotech. World Fund has backed prominent companies such as cylib, Vaeridion, Planet A Foods, IQM and Space Forge. The firm manages a €300m fund and focuses on bridging the financing gap in the early growth stage.

Social links:

• Danijel Viševićon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/visevic/
• World Fund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldfund/
• World Fund website: https://www.worldfund.vc/

⏱️ Chapter Notes / Markers

00:00 – Introduction & First Meeting
David and Danijel recall their first meeting and set the stage for the conversation.

01:00 – Danijel’s Mission & the Origins of World Fund
How purpose, politics, and journalism led to founding Europe’s largest climate tech VC.

04:00 – Investment Thesis: Deep Tech for

About Hyperion Executive Search:

Hyperion are a specialist executive search firm working with some of the most innovative cleantech companies in the world, helping to find extraordinary talent to enable their growth and success. Partnering with leading cleantech VCs, as well as directly with founders and entrepreneurs in the sector. With our clients we are transforming business and growing a strong and prosperous cleantech economy.

If you want to grow your team, or move forward your career, visit www.hyperionsearch.com, or email info@hyperionsearch.com


Follow us online, write a review (please) or subscribe
I'm very keen to hear feedback on the podcast and my guests, and to hear your suggestions for future guests or topics. Contact via the website, or Twitter.
If you do enjoy the podcast, please write a review on iTunes, or your usual podcast platform, and tell your cleantech friends about us. That would be much appreciated.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hunt-cleantech/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidHsearch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidhuntcleantech/

Also follow our podcast handles to stay up to date.
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What’s it all about?

In this episode, I’m joined by Monica Collings—former CEO of Vattenfall UK and ESB Energy, and now a board chair, non-exec, and strategic advisor across the energy transition space. We discuss her journey from executive leadership to a portfolio career, lessons from leading through the energy crisis, building resilient cultures in volatile times, and why diversity, inclusion, and human-centred leadership are critical to the future of cleantech and utilities. A thoughtful, honest, and inspiring conversation on what it really takes to lead—especially when the pressure is on.

About Monica Collings:

Monica Collings, an influential portfolio Chair and Non-Executive, brings exceptional expertise in business transformation, engagement, and leadership to drive meaningful change and deliver lasting value through the transition to net zero.

As the award-winning Chief Executive of retail energy innovator So Energy, Monica led the successful merger with ESB Energy, showcasing her ability to navigate complex industry landscapes. Her extensive experience spans executive roles at Vattenfall and transformative positions across the retail, home improvement, property, and automotive sectors.

Monica now holds an array of board and strategic advisory roles, including serving as Chair of the international charge point operator Plug-N-Go, and as a Non-Executive Director at Adler & Allen and Dalcour Maclaren. Recognised on the prestigious Involve x YouTube 100 Global Role Model List and recently appointed Chair of POWERful Women, Monica is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her tenure as the sole female Chief Executive of a domestic energy supplier during the energy crisis highlights her unwavering commitment to amplifying well represented customer voices in the boardroom, fostering gender diversity in leadership, and championing equitable solutions within the energy sector.

Social links:

• Monica Collings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicacollings/
• Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circles_in_a_circle?igsh=MWhzbzBsamhtaGg5ZQ==

Episode Links:

About Hyperion Search:

At Hyperion Search, we specialize in building world

About Hyperion Executive Search:

Hyperion are a specialist executive search firm working with some of the most innovative cleantech companies in the world, helping to find extraordinary talent to enable their growth and success. Partnering with leading cleantech VCs, as well as directly with founders and entrepreneurs in the sector. With our clients we are transforming business and growing a strong and prosperous cleantech economy.

If you want to grow your team, or move forward your career, visit www.hyperionsearch.com, or email info@hyperionsearch.com


Follow us online, write a review (please) or subscribe
I'm very keen to hear feedback on the podcast and my guests, and to hear your suggestions for future guests or topics. Contact via the website, or Twitter.
If you do enjoy the podcast, please write a review on iTunes, or your usual podcast platform, and tell your cleantech friends about us. That would be much appreciated.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hunt-cleantech/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidHsearch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidhuntcleantech/

Also follow our podcast handles to stay up to date.
LinkedIn: ...