Rockstart Energy
Rockstart Energy is the energy arm of Rockstart, an early-stage investor that runs a 6 to 12 month support package and invests up to Series B.
Rockstart Energy at a glance
| Established | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Address | Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| Programmes | 3 standing programmes |
| Stages supported | MVP, Early revenue |
| Equity | 0 of 2 programmes that state a policy take no equity |
| Official website | rockstart.com/energy |
Which Rockstart Energy programme fits you
3 programmes compared by who they are for, the stage they accept, how long they run and what they cost.
By stage
- MVP
- Rockstart Startup Support Package
- Early revenue
- Rockstart Startup Support Package
| Programme | Best for | Stage | Duration | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockstart Startup Support Package | Early-stage energy startups with a team and some traction | MVP – Early revenue | 6 to 12 months | Hybrid | Takes equity |
| Rockstart Energy investment | Early-stage startups driving the energy transition | — | — | — | Takes equity |
| New Energy Challenge | Start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry | — | Annual competition | — | — |
Track record
What Rockstart Energy reports about its portfolio.
All figures self-reported — rockstart.com, as of 2026.
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Rockstart Energy, separate from the funding calls above.
Rockstart's energy work runs through a rolling support package and an investment arm. The New Energy Challenge is a co-organised competition.
Rockstart Startup Support Package
AcceleratorA 6 to 12 month support package for early-stage startups, followed by follow-on investment up to Series B.
Best for: Early-stage energy startups with a team and some traction
- MVP – Early revenue
- 6 to 12 months
- Hybrid
- Takes equity
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Startup Support Package is Rockstart's main route into the energy portfolio. It runs for 6 to 12 months and combines workshops, one-to-one sessions, mentors, introductions to customers and corporates, and a dedicated support team.
What you get
- Group and one-to-one sessions, and intensive mentorship
- Introductions to potential customers and corporate connections
- Access to investor and networking events
- Support on legal setup, documentation and accountancy
- An initial investment, and possible co-investment up to Series B
Who can apply
- Startups with a team that already runs a business
- Startups with some traction, such as pilots or customers
How to apply
- Use the 2026 startup application form linked from the energy page. Applications are open year-round.
Early-stage investment in startups driving the energy transition, with co-investment up to Series B.
Best for: Early-stage startups driving the energy transition
- Takes equity
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Rockstart Energy invests in early-stage startups focused on driving the energy transition. Investment is made to startups that come through the accelerator and to others that the team identifies.
Who can apply
- Early-stage startups in energy areas such as renewable generation, storage, smart grid, efficiency and smart mobility
How to apply
- Use the startup application form linked from the energy page.
New Energy Challenge
CompetitionA yearly competition for energy start-ups and scale-ups, co-organised by Rockstart with Shell Ventures and others.
Best for: Start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry
- Annual competition
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The New Energy Challenge is a competition for start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry. Rockstart is one of five co-organisers, alongside Shell Ventures, Shell GameChanger, Energy Tech Summit, Unknown Campus and YES!Delft.
Who can apply
- Start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry, with a focus each year
How to apply
- Sign up on the competition site. The 2026 application deadline is 23 Oct.
Finalists join an accelerator programme with investors and experts. Winners may be offered a collaboration or funding.
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Support is shaped to each startup's stage and bandwidth.
Business advisory
Mentors and experts on pricing, pilots to customers, and market segment choice.
Market access
Introductions to potential customers, corporates and investors.
Legal & finance
Support on legal setup, documentation, accountancy and subsidy questions.
How to apply to Rockstart Energy
Choosing the right route
- Use the Startup Support Package if you already run a startup with pilots or first customers.
- Look at the New Energy Challenge if your work is on biochar, low carbon fuels, water treatment, shipping or grid flexibility, and the 2026 deadline has not passed.
How applications work
- Applications are open year-round through the startup application form.
- Describe your product against the energy areas the site names.
How selection works
- Team and team dynamics are a critical part of selection.
- The site looks for innovation in how an idea is executed, not in an original idea.
What reviewers look for
- Complementary skills and a positive working dynamic in the team.
- Some traction, such as pilots or customers.
About Rockstart Energy
Rockstart Energy is the energy arm of Rockstart, a privately backed early-stage investor that began in 2011. It supports startups that are driving the energy transition, combining a support package of 6 to 12 months with follow-on investment up to Series B. Rockstart is based in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Bogota.
How the programme works
The Startup Support Package lasts between six and twelve months, depending on what works best for the team. It includes group and one-to-one sessions, intensive mentorship, introductions to potential customers, networking events, legal, documentation and accountancy support, and a support team assigned to each startup. Founders also get hands-on access to experts in the energy domain.
Accepted startups receive an initial investment, and Rockstart can co-invest with a lead investor in later rounds up to Series B. The site describes that initial investment in two different forms, a SAFE and a convertible note, so confirm the instrument and terms with the team before you rely on either.
When the initial support period ends, startups become portfolio companies. They keep access to investor and corporate events, mentor support and the wider community.
Energy focus
Rockstart Energy invests in early-stage startups focused on driving the energy transition. The energy page names renewable energy generation, energy storage, smart grid, energy efficiency, smart mobility and decentralised energy systems as areas of interest. The site's energy portfolio lists 64 companies, across areas such as energy efficiency, grid management, solar, decentralised energy and wind. Portfolio pages show each company's funding stage, from pre-seed to Series B, which gives a sense of the stages the fund has backed.
Who can apply
Rockstart prefers startups with a team that already runs a business and has early commercial traction. Ideas that have not yet been worked on as a startup do not qualify. The site expects a running startup with some traction, such as at least one or several pilots, and ideally customers or users. Single founders can still raise a conversation if they are building a team around the venture. Team dynamics are a critical part of selection.
The site does not state whether startups from India are eligible. Check this with the team before applying.
How to apply
Applications are open year-round through the 2026 startup application form, linked from the Get Started button on the energy page. The support package runs on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed intake date.
New Energy Challenge
Rockstart is one of five co-organisers of the New Energy Challenge, a competition for start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry. The others are Shell Ventures, Shell GameChanger, Energy Tech Summit, Unknown Campus and YES!Delft. The 2026 edition focuses on biochar carbon removal, low carbon fuels, water treatment, shipping and maritime, and datacentres and grid-ready flexibility. Finalists join an accelerator programme with investors and experts. The site lists 23 Oct as the application deadline for the 2026 edition.
Locations
Rockstart Netherlands is at Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam. Rockstart also has offices in Copenhagen, at Titanhus on Titangade 13, and in Bogota. The team is reachable through the contact form on the website rather than a public inbox. You do not have to relocate to receive support after you are selected.
Who runs it
Rockstart was founded in 2011 by Oscar Kneppers, Koen Wagemakers, Rune Theill and Don Ritzen. The site describes an ecosystem of more than 200 investors, more than 60 mentors and more than 30 corporate partners.
Track record
The site gives two counts of startups invested in: 368 on its about page and more than 350 in its FAQ. Neither count is dated. Founders who want current figures should ask the team.
Frequently asked questions about Rockstart Energy
What is Rockstart Energy?
Rockstart Energy is an accelerator based in Amsterdam.
What does Rockstart Energy do?
Rockstart Energy is the energy arm of Rockstart, a privately backed early-stage investor that began in 2011. It supports startups that are driving the energy transition, combining a support package of 6 to 12 months with follow-on investment up to Series B. Rockstart is based in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Bogota.
Where is Rockstart Energy located?
Rockstart Energy is located at Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
What programs does Rockstart Energy run?
Rockstart Energy runs Rockstart Startup Support Package, Rockstart Energy investment and New Energy Challenge.
Which Rockstart Energy programme should I apply to?
It depends on how far along your startup is. MVP stage: Rockstart Startup Support Package. Early revenue stage: Rockstart Startup Support Package. Check the programme's own eligibility before applying — several programmes are sector-specific.
Does Rockstart Energy take equity?
It depends on the programme. and undefined take no equity, while Rockstart Startup Support Package and Rockstart Energy investment take equity.
How do I apply to Rockstart Energy?
- Use the Startup Support Package if you already run a startup with pilots or first customers. - Look at the New Energy Challenge if your work is on biochar, low carbon fuels, water treatment, shipping or grid flexibility, and the 2026 deadline has not passed. - Applications are open year-round through the startup application form. - Describe your product against the energy areas the site names.
When was Rockstart Energy founded?
Rockstart Energy was founded in 2011. It is an accelerator.
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