BP Ventures 2019 Summit

Our 2019 Summit brought together over 100 of the brightest thinkers, leaders and innovators from the worlds of venture capital and energy. Held at the Saatchi Gallery in the opening week of their newest exhibition – Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh – our event explored the power of young perspectives and how they can help us advance the energy transition

As well as a refreshing look at how diverse leadership and talent can transform the global energy system, our guests had the opportunity to explore relics and recreations from King Tut’s tomb. Invitees also retraced explorer Howard Carter’s steps when he discovered the young pharaoh’s tomb in 1922 with a unique VR experience. 

MD of BP Ventures, David Gilmour, started the event with an update and review of BP Ventures’ progress from the last year, touching on a number of key investments including, Belmont Technologies, Calysta and Grid Edge. David also shared our vision for the year ahead as we continue to advance the transition to a lower carbon economy. 

We were joined by Jacqueline de Rojas, President or Tech UK, who delivered a powerful speech on the need to drastically change our energy consumption, and each of our roles in reducing our carbon footprint. 

We were also fortunate enough to be joined by Tom Anderson, CEO of one of our newest partners – Grid Edge. Tom offered a fascinating insight into what it’s like to successfully grow a young company, and the importance of challenging the status quo to disrupt an industry. 

BP’s own Chief Digital Innovation Officer, Morag Watson, gave an overview of how importance of future and current generations working together in delivering meaningful change. She also highlighted the range of backgrounds and diversity of thought that are helping to drive BP’s Digital Innovation agenda.