Christiaan van Nispen

Business Development | Commercial Strategy | Energy Systems | Growth | Energy transition

Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands

About

Most energy solutions don’t fail on technology. They fail in commercialisation. That is where I create impact. A strong understanding of the underlying problem is key. In the energy transition, one challenge often allows for multiple technical solutions, but only a few that truly work commercially. Operating at the intersection of strategy, product and deals, complex systems such as storage, smart grids, (L)EV charging and Energy-as-a-Service are translated into propositions that customers actually buy. I have built ventures, secured funding, won large contracts and developed partnerships, with one consistent goal: turning ideas into revenue.

Experience

  • Senior Manager Storage and Smart grids at Joulz
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    Helping shape the transition from standalone energy assets to integrated energy ecosystems. Responsible for developing scalable propositions in energy storage, smart grids, virtual power plants and energy hubs. Bridging technology, commercial strategy and partnerships to create new business models that unlock flexibility, resilience and value in an increasingly congested energy system. Focused on turning distributed energy assets into orchestrated Energy-as-a-Service solutions.

  • Managing Director at Tiler
    Apr 2019 - May 2024 · 5 yrs 2 mos

    Founded and led TILER from concept to market launch, pioneering wireless charging for light electric vehicles in collaboration with TU Delft. Built the commercial strategy, secured funding, and scaled international partnerships in mobility and real estate. Structured B2B sales and lease models, driving recurring revenue and market adoption.

  • Business Development Manager at Delft Enterprises B.V.
    Apr 2019 - Aug 2020 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Advised deep-tech startups on commercialization strategies and early-stage product-market fit. Bridged technology innovation and market needs — serving as interim CCO at Birds.ai and founding TILER.

  • innogy Innovation Hub (On-site)
    • Commercial Director and Vice President
      Aug 2016 - Mar 2019 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      Led EV and home-solar storage solutions at Innogy California, winning major utility RFPs and securing $50M in revenue pipeline. Strengthened Innogy’s US market position in smart energy systems.

    • Lead Innovation Manager
      Sep 2014 - Aug 2016 · 2 yrs

      Spearheaded product development innovation at Innogy, creating three successful internal groups related to smart energy solutions, demand responds programmes and managing a scale-up platform. Achieved significant market growth and two successful acquisitions, leading a multidisciplinary team of 12 FTE

  • Energy Consultant at KPN
    Dec 2013 - Aug 2014 · 9 mos

    Led a project to install smart meters at 16,000 unmanned sites at KPN. Achieved €15M savings in energy transport costs through efficient implementation and energy management improvements.