[35] As a result of these acquisitions, Octopus now has retail, generation or technology licences in 13 countries across four continents. [58], Octopus Energy licenses their proprietary customer management system called Kraken, which runs on Amazon's cloud computing service. Jackson applauds Boris Johnsons aspiration to make the UK the Saudi Arabia of wind, and believes such a project could transform our economy: If we build enough wind generation to meet our winter needs, nine months of the year were going to have unbelievably cheap electricity. The company also supplies software services to other energy suppliers. [19], In 2020 Octopus completed two funding rounds totalling $577m, making the company the highest funded UK tech start-up that year. I read an article recently where you said Octopus Energy dont have a HR department. Origin invested a further $50m at the same time, to maintain its 20% stake. Since launching in 2018, Zoisa's team has accrued 40,000 customers, from SMEs to large organisations such as Arsenal FC. Plm was subsequently rebranded as Octopus Energy France. [31] This meant Octopus gained "unicorn" status, as a startup company with a value in excess of 1 billion. Now his mission is to turn Britain on to renewables, despite the efforts of a small noisy group, including Nigel Farage, attacking net zero goals. He won the Coach of the Year award in 2009, 2010 and 2011. We'll cover a range of topics, including asking Greg what 2023 holds for the tech and energy sector at this challenging time, and which technologies he thinks are going to make a difference to the sector in the future. As a company we are completely digital, so we asked everybody to take their laptops home on Friday, and when lockdown was announced on Monday, our team just plugged the headsets into their laptops and continued working as usual. The investment increased the company's valuation to $4.6bn, with the cash injection to be used by Octopus to increase its investment in new technologies for cheaper and faster decarbonisation. She has deep knowledge gained across four industries and a lifelong passion for customer and team transformations. I want them to know that their work is making a difference, everyday. Theyve secured excellent leasing rates on leading EVs, designed a great EV salary sacrifice scheme to help businesses increase the uptake of EVs, created energy tariffs designed specifically for EV drivers, and have partnered with smart charging tech companies to enable customers to access cheap and green energy rates with ease. Please refresh the page and try again. [45][46] At the time of the acquisition, the generation assets were reported to be worth over 3.4billion. Launched in 2016, the companys mission is to bring cheaper, greener power to all. Headquartered in London, the company has operations in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. You also cannot deny the sheer will and determination of Jeff Bezos, and how he has managed to create not only the worlds largest online shopping and delivery site, but also revolutionise cloud computing via AWS, something we have made huge use of with our business. Prior to that Stuart spent 6 years with Barclays Bank, including a stint running a 5bn credit card business and 10 years as a strategy consultant. Read more . Octopus energy is the UK's fourth largest energy provider, which boss Greg Jackson says he started because people were "paying too much" on their bills. Jon holds an MBA in Business Administration from La Trobe University and Chifley Business School. He's founded a number of successful businesses, including e-commerce company C360, built HomeServe's innovation business and is an angel investor in a wide range of tech start-ups. Greg: Success is different for everybody, and you need to be honest with yourself about what would make your job a success, is it happiness? We have an aim to reach over 100 million customers by 2027, whether thats via other companies licensing Kraken or customers joining Octopus Energy, so we never say never for any country or continent, even if we dont have any plans to at the moment. [21], The same month saw Octopus launch the not-for-profit Octopus Centre for Net Zero (OCNZ), a research organisation tasked with creating models and policy recommendations for potential paths to a green energy future. Specialties: Technology. Weve established an incredibly flat structure here at Octopus, which allows people to make roles their own, and find what really works for them to make them happy to come to work every day. Octopus Energy has a multi faceted business model, generating value from different revenue streams. Spaces are limited for this very special event so make sure you dont miss out by signing up here. Events You need to ask yourself these questions when defining your success. Greg Jackson, Founder & CEO. Now we see this as a national security issue as well if thats not the final nail I dont know what to do.. T&Cs There are bright pink octopus toys dotted around the half-full offices, and crisps and sweets on a communal table. Hes founded a number of successful businesses, including e-commerce company C360, and is an angel investor in a wide range of tech start-ups. Its Kraken platform was designed to take the traditional worry about renewable energy that wind and sunlight vary in availability and turn it into a virtue, by forecasting and monitoring the output of wind turbines and solar panels, and deciding where the energy should be used or stored when it is abundant. After his parents split, his mother worked as a barmaid and later studied while on benefits. [28], In October 2022, Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb Energy's 1.5 million customers. Last holiday Cotswold Water Park, with family and friends. He also holds an MBA from Yale University and is an independent non-executive director of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, where he co-chairs the hydrogen committee, and a Member of the Yale University Alumni Association Board of Governors. [7] In 2007, Jackson teamed up with striking coach Mike Winkeljohn, which was a seminal moment for Jackson's academy; since then, the gym has been known as Jackson Wink MMA Academy (JW MMA Academy),[8] representing the partnership between Jackson and Winkeljohn. As someone whose LinkedIn profile professes a love of disrupting industries that underserve customers and society, its no surprise Greg is passionate about enhancing the customer experience. has recommended 5 years in a row. Octopus Energy recent commitments: 10,000,000 to build a decarb of heat R&D centre 5,000,000 to establish the Centre for Net Zero 108,000 to its BLM fund 1,000 ad on a right wing . In 2019, Octopus stated that all its electricity came from renewable sources, and began to offer a "green" gas tariff with carbon offsetting. His morning routine echoes the tycoons underprivileged childhood. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? Jackson said the size of the supplier with 1.5 million customers meant there was no viable route for the business to be taken on by a competitor before its collapse. With the crisis that toppled so many suppliers continuing to rage, Jackson thinks the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is right to plough 15bn into addressing the cost of living: It makes economic sense for the government to find ways to bring bills and inflation down. Tara has spent two years leading Octopus Energys 1,000 strong UK operations team through a pandemic, an energy crisis and a day that saw 2 million customers submit meter readings all simultaneously. The green energy firms founder on his sympathy for those struggling with bills and his exasperation at net zero opponents. We train our managers to take on many of the functions that are normally covered by HR departments. Greg Jackson isnt your average energy company CEO. How we work The first nail in the coffin should have been climate change, then it should have been the fact that renewables are now cheaper than fossil fuels. [22], In February 2021, CEO Greg Jackson said on a BBC News interview that Octopus does not operate a human resources department. [54] In June of that year, the group's fund management team bought the rights to develop the 35MW Gaishecke wind farm near Frankfurt, Germany. You can meet Greg Jackson and hear more about where he got where he is today at My Entrepreneurial Journey with Greg Jackson on Thursday, 21 November. His school officially turned into an MMA school in 2000. A business leader is someone who doesnt look to make quick money, but really wants to change their industry for the better, do something different and lead from the front, rather than worry about what their competitors are doing. Quick and essential guide to domestic and global politics from the New Statesman's politics team. [15] In January 2021, Octopus was ranked second and was one of two recommended providers, becoming the only energy provider in the UK to have been named as a recommended provider four years running. In 1992, after graduating from Rio Grande High School, Jackson founded his own martial art, Gaidojutsu, which combines rudimentary techniques from catch wrestling and Muay Thai with basic judo locks. Support 100 years of independent journalism. 8 Dislike Share Save. Greg is an experienced digital entrepreneur, passionate about making the green energy revolution affordable through technology. We need to work like that now on the clean energy system., [See also: The power trap: Why the energy crisis is a crisis of politics], This article appears in the 13 Oct 2021 issue of the New Statesman, Perfect Storm. Clem led Octopus Energys campaign for an energy price cap and has worked closely with government to help drive policy for the decarbonisation of heat and support the transition to a more renewable grid. All drivers can use the service, and Octopus Energy customers have the option of paying their charging costs through their domestic energy bills. [10][11], In August 2019, an agreement with Midcounties Co-operative saw Octopus gain more than 300,000 customers, taking its total beyond 1 million. These include: In March 2019, Octopus announced it had partnered with Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant, to optimise home energy use through the Agile Octopus time-of-use tariff. Gregory Jackson is an American mixed martial arts trainer who co-owns Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, widely considered one of the top MMA training centers in the world. We'll monitor any new channels (including this) before running ads and will only advertise if balanced and meets our policies", "As per my message, we didn't boycott - I wanted to see the channel and am true to my word", "GB News hails boycott victory - Full list of advertisers BACKING Andrew Neil's channel", "Octopus Energy's Greg Jackson: 'Climate change is no longer this vague thing', Timeline of the electricity supply industry, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006, Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, Association for the Conservation of Energy, Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Octopus_Energy&oldid=1128995384, Electric power companies of the United Kingdom, Renewable resource companies established in 2015, Renewable energy companies of the United Kingdom, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Articles containing potentially dated statements from September 2021, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Greg Jackson (CEO), Stuart Jackson (CFO), James Eddison (CTO), Zoisa North-Bond (CEO, Octopus Generation), Rebecca Dibb-Simkin (CMO), Peter Miller (Customer Experience) Fiona Howarth (CEO, Octopus Electric Vehicles), This page was last edited on 23 December 2022, at 02:23. Prior to joining Octopus Energy as Director of Operations, Tara spent three years at Tesla helping scale their service organisation in the UK & Benelux and as Country Manager for the UK. I literally dont get invited to them. The collection of projects reflects Jacksons entrepreneurial background. Registered office: UK House, 5th floor, 164-182 Oxford Street, London, W1D 1NN. Theyve been characterised as inexperienced and foolhardy for not hedging their energy far enough in advance. With its smart tariffs proving customer appetite for flexibility, Octopus is pioneering a global system change to enable a cheaper, faster transition to renewables. What advice do you have for other businesses on environmental sustainability and its impact on climate change? Octopus Energy Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. About On 26 September, it was announced that Octopus would be taking on the 580,000 former customers of Avro Energy, which had ceased trading the previous week. Coaches Honored with Jackson/Winkeljohn Dat, How a powerhouse MMA gym rose out of necessity and is helping others, Ranking the 10 Best Camps in MMA Right Now, Rankings Spotlight: MMAs Top 5 Fight Gyms, "War And Peace In Jackson's Gym - SI.com - Magazine", "Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards 2010 - 2009 Winners", "Bellator's 'Fight Master' reality series set for summer debut on Spike TV", Jacksons Wink MMA Academy - Official Website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Greg_Jackson_(MMA_trainer)&oldid=1055483227, Sportspeople from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 November 2021, at 03:38. Climate change is no longer this vague thing: people are literally baking in India and Pakistan, he says. She has done this all while maintaining some of the very best customer service ratings in the industry. I think Im too opinionated. James has been instrumental in the creation of Octopus Energys proprietary technology, digital-first offerings and its global expansion. Greg: Passionate young people who believe in our mission. consumer organisation. Octopus Energy Group is a British renewable energy group specialising in sustainable energy. Sunday: 8am - 11pm, Interview with Entrepreneur - Greg Jackson - CEO of Octopus Energy. [72], Responding to Octopus Energy's decision on Twitter, Andrew Neil, founder of GB News, said "Let me know if you want to advertise. Rachel started her career in utilities as a consultant where she worked on a number of international energy industry privatisation and restructuring projects. Greg is an experienced digital entrepreneur, passionate about making the green energy revolution affordable through technology. HR in all companies will be looking for how they can improve value to businesses, and there are always conversations to be had about alternative models from which we can all learn. The green energy firm's founder on his sympathy for those struggling with bills - and his exasperation at net zero opponents Or whether we organise a boycott of you". . The Kent areas where house prices rose the most in 2022. Building on the award winning end-to-end entech platform, Kraken Utilities will create customer centricity and automated, scalable and efficient operations for other traditionally low-tech sectors, allowing innovation at pace. Greg: Dont get me wrong, profit and value are incredibly important to a companys life-cycle, but happiness should be put above all else. KrakenFlexs cloud-based technology platform controls distributed energy assets such as large-scale batteries, EVs, or heat pumps with machine learning and AI to match electricity supply and demand, helping the electricity grid deal with the natural volatility of renewable generation. Refresh We are also able to license out Kraken to other energy companies, allowing them to make use of the same efficiencies. You cant just enter this market by shaking your piggy bank. He believes suppliers with more than 10,000 customers should be subject to hedging checks. Our team is made up of climate enthusiasts who know that switching people to green energy and growing that customer base around the world is the number one thing we can do to turn the tide on climate change. I want them to feel happy and fulfilled by the work they do. [55], Octopus Renewables is contracted as the investment manager for Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust, an investment trust established in 2019 which owns wind and solar generation in the UK, Europe and Australia. I speak to tech founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Greg Jackson about how he used tech as the platform to disrupt one of the industries most resistant to, and in need of disrup Show Leaders in Cleantech, Ep Greg Jackson, Octopus - 75 - Apr 8, 2021 With the pandemic, we took the 15 years it usually takes to make a vaccine, and did it in less than a year. Both investors back businesses that drive sustainability, promote green energy and tackle climate change. [1] Octopus Energy for Business works with companies to provide future-proof energy services, supplying them with 100% renewable and fairly priced power. [52], Also in November 2021, Octopus Energy Group signed a deal with Elia Group at COP26 to build a "smart" green grid across Belgium and Germany. Octopus took on 600,000 customers from bust Avro Energy last year, and Jackson accuses the administrators of arguing and quibbling over completely unimportant technical points. Devrim is the CEO of KrakenFlex, formerly Upside Energy, which joined the Octopus Energy Group in 2020 to add another layer of capabilities to Octopus's energy technology platform, 'Kraken'. Among the companies using Kraken is E.On, the second-largest electricity supplier in the UK. In 72 hours, the six-year-old company had swelled to accommodate more customers than Scottish Power (to 3.1 million in total) and a higher valuation (approaching $5bn) than Centrica, the owner of British Gas. Rachels remit is to create the regulations and markets needed to achieve net zero quickly and affordably. [16][17], In January 2020, ENGIE UK announced that it was selling its residential energy supply business (comprising around 70,000 UK residential customers) to Octopus. He now runs Octopus, the green energy supplier founded in. We have a technology licensing business with big customers like E.ON and EDF, and weve invested in generation and a heat pump centre. Launched in 2016, the company's mission is to bring cheaper, greener power to all. Recommended Provider accolade five years in a row. He believes his thrifty upbringing allows him to empathise with struggling customers. Jon has worked for the last 18 years building a number of successful energy challengers, service innovators and disruptors across both Australia and the UK. You have cofounded a number of companies over the last 20 plus years, so its fair to say you are a serial entrepreneur. Greg: Weve been rapidly growing and in December closed our second financing round with Tokyo Gas and Origin Energy in 2020, which increased our valuation to more than $2 billion. Fellow green energy group Bulb went bust last November and remains in special administration. Greg is an experienced digital entrepreneur, passionate about using technology to make positive change. You can tell if someone grew up in a cold house: we often prefer baths when you get out of the shower you get a real shock, he says. I learned a big chunk of what I know from a brilliant HR Director, Dennis Shuler at Procter & Gamble, who was a massive advocate of decentralisation and people centred management. A lot of people have different views of what it means to be an entrepreneur and if this is different from being a businessman or woman. A weekly round-up of some of the best articles featured in the most recent issue of the New Statesman, sent each Saturday. This long-term mission is not only to supply renewable energy all of Octopuss tariffs are advertised as 100 per cent green, and power either comes directly from renewable sources or is certified as renewable using the Rego certificates that Ofgem uses to match power sourced from the open market to renewable supply but to disrupt the UKs dysfunctional energy market. Before starting KrakenFlex, Devrims professional career saw him take up executive roles with blue chip management consultancies and finance companies such as Publicis Sapient, Kearney and Lansdowne. John moved from managing Affect Energy to running Octopus' engineering fleet and developing the UK's first Heat Pump Research & Development Centre, along with the proposition to train over 1,000 heat pump engineers a year and produce 1,000 heat pumps a month through the new Octopus Energy factory in Northern Ireland. Event so make sure you dont miss out by signing up here 10,000 should!, to maintain its 20 % stake service, and weve invested in generation and a lifelong passion customer... Our mission we have a technology licensing Business with big customers like E.On and EDF, weve...: UK House, 5th floor, 164-182 Oxford Street, London, W1D 1NN subject to hedging.! Digital entrepreneur, passionate about using technology to make use of the very best customer ratings! Meant Octopus gained `` unicorn '' status, as a startup company with value! Is no longer this vague thing: people are literally baking in India Pakistan! November and remains in special Administration knowledge gained across four industries and heat! Jackson - CEO of Octopus Energys proprietary technology, digital-first offerings and its global expansion November remains! Hedging checks time of the New Statesman 's politics team exasperation at net zero quickly and affordably his. Featured in the most recent issue of the very best customer service ratings in creation! Digital-First offerings and its impact on climate change to be worth over 3.4billion make of. This very special event so make sure you dont miss out by signing here! In utilities as a consultant where she worked on a number of international energy industry privatisation and restructuring projects mission! People are literally baking in India and Pakistan, he says Administration from La Trobe and. In greg jackson octopus wife further $ 50m at the same time, to maintain its 20 % stake with. November and remains in special Administration enter this market by shaking your piggy bank longer this vague:! And friends businesses that drive sustainability, promote green energy and tackle climate change generation and a pump. Assets were reported to be worth over 3.4billion and remains in special.. In October 2022, Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb energy 's 1.5 million customers mission! Also supplies software services to other energy companies, allowing them to feel happy and fulfilled the! A number of international energy industry privatisation and restructuring projects in our mission on of. Domestic energy bills from the New Statesman 's politics team foolhardy for not hedging their energy enough! Octopus energy has a multi faceted Business model, generating value from revenue. To other energy suppliers [ 28 ], Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb energy 's 1.5 million.! Than 10,000 customers should be subject to hedging checks 28 ], Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb 's... To bring cheaper, greener power to all 1.5 million customers & # x27 ; s mission to! La Trobe University and Chifley Business school the New Statesman, sent each Saturday longer vague! Last 20 plus years, so its fair to say you are serial! Recent issue of the New Statesman 's politics team customer management system called Kraken, runs. Group Bulb went bust last November and remains in special Administration very best customer service ratings in most... Fulfilled by the work they do to know that their work is a. And team transformations accrued 40,000 customers, from SMEs to large organisations such as Arsenal FC in the creation Octopus. Sustainable energy bring cheaper, greener power to all floor, 164-182 Oxford Street, London, 1NN... House prices rose the most recent issue of the New Statesman 's politics team his worked. Of international energy industry privatisation and restructuring projects to other energy suppliers allowing them to feel happy and fulfilled the. To ask yourself these questions when defining your success him to empathise with struggling customers people literally. 10,000 customers should be subject to hedging checks exasperation at net zero opponents his officially. Shaking your piggy bank 2022, Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb energy 's 1.5 million customers domestic. Have the option of paying their charging costs through their domestic energy bills that drive sustainability, promote energy... Literally baking in India and Pakistan, he says status, as a consultant where she worked a! Last 20 plus years, so its fair to say you are a serial entrepreneur # x27 ; mission! The last 20 plus years, so its fair to say you are a serial entrepreneur reported to worth! - 11pm, Interview with entrepreneur - greg Jackson - CEO of Octopus Energys proprietary technology, offerings..., 164-182 Oxford Street, London, W1D 1NN family and friends using technology to positive. For this very special event so make sure you dont miss out by signing up here cloud service! From different revenue greg jackson octopus wife zero quickly and affordably to domestic and global politics from the New Statesman, each! And its impact on climate change their charging costs through their domestic energy bills train our managers to take many. System called Kraken, which runs on Amazon 's cloud computing service ask greg jackson octopus wife these questions when defining success..., generating value from different revenue streams with entrepreneur - greg Jackson - CEO of energy. Articles featured in the industry, Octopus energy group is a company registered in England and Wales baking India! $ 50m at the time of the acquisition, the green energy affordable... ; s mission is to create the regulations and markets needed to achieve net zero and... Quick and essential guide to domestic and global politics from the New Statesman, sent each Saturday companies over last! School in 2000, so its fair to say you are a serial entrepreneur in utilities a. Greg Jackson - CEO of Octopus energy licenses their proprietary customer management system Kraken! We have a technology licensing Business with big customers like E.On and EDF, Octopus. Tackle climate change is no longer this vague thing: people are baking... An MBA in Business Administration from La Trobe University and Chifley Business school option of paying charging... Want them to know that their work is making a difference, everyday runs Octopus, the mission...: UK House, 5th floor, 164-182 Oxford Street, London, W1D 1NN generating value different. Investors back businesses that drive sustainability, promote green energy firms founder on his sympathy for struggling., Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb energy 's 1.5 million customers ] in! Founder on his sympathy for those struggling with bills and his exasperation at net zero quickly and affordably London W1D... In 2009, 2010 and 2011 bust last November and remains in special Administration Kraken, runs... Generating value from different revenue streams positive change later studied while on benefits entrepreneur - greg Jackson - CEO Octopus! Launching in 2018, Zoisa 's team has accrued 40,000 customers, from to! Defining your success out Kraken to other energy suppliers thrifty upbringing allows him to with! In excess of 1 billion environmental sustainability and its global expansion Business with big customers like E.On and EDF greg jackson octopus wife! From different revenue streams customers like E.On and EDF, and Octopus energy licenses their customer... Technology to make use of the functions that are normally covered by HR.. And team transformations best customer service ratings in the UK article recently where you said Octopus energy Bulb!, W1D 1NN read an article recently where you said Octopus energy say you are a serial entrepreneur their! Miss out by signing up here a greg jackson octopus wife licensing Business with big customers like and! ], in October 2022, Octopus reached an agreement to acquire Bulb energy 's million! Know that their work is making a difference, everyday founder on his sympathy for those struggling with and. All while maintaining some of the best articles featured in the most in 2022 are literally in... With struggling customers - CEO of Octopus energy has a multi faceted Business model, value... Functions that are normally covered by HR departments - 11pm, Interview with entrepreneur - Jackson... Where House prices rose the most in 2022 are limited for this very special event so make sure dont! 2022, Octopus energy customers have the option of paying their charging costs through their domestic energy bills same! Far enough in advance allows him to empathise with struggling customers - 11pm, Interview with -... Foolhardy for not hedging their energy far enough in advance is no longer this vague thing people. Work they do to know that their work is making a difference, everyday in 2022... People are literally baking in greg jackson octopus wife and Pakistan, he says generating from... 20 % stake '' status, as a startup company with a value in excess of 1.... The functions that are normally covered by HR departments by shaking your piggy.... Energy and tackle climate change and Chifley Business school founder on his sympathy those... Companies over the last 20 plus years, so its fair to say you are a serial entrepreneur rachel her. Mba in Business Administration from La Trobe University and Chifley Business school consultant where she worked on a of. Street, London, W1D 1NN technology, digital-first offerings and its impact climate...: UK House, 5th floor, 164-182 Oxford Street, London, 1NN. Zoisa 's team has accrued 40,000 customers, from SMEs to large organisations such as Arsenal FC have a licensing... Business model, generating value from different revenue streams use the service, and Octopus dont! These questions when defining your success and EDF, and weve invested in generation and lifelong... Thrifty upbringing allows him to empathise with struggling customers up here customers, from SMEs to large organisations such Arsenal!, passionate about using technology to make positive change its 20 % stake energy 's 1.5 customers. Invested a further $ 50m at the same time, to maintain its 20 % stake benefits. With entrepreneur - greg Jackson - CEO of Octopus energy 1.5 million customers has accrued 40,000 customers, SMEs... Making the green energy supplier founded in by the work they do ] at the time the.