Nicolas Payen's professional journey & profile

Founder & CEO - Positive Energy Ltd.

March 2017 - December 2023: From Vision to Market Leader: The Story of Positive Energy Ltd, a Climate Fintech

In 2017, while living in Singapore, fueled by a bold vision to transform the way sustainable energy projects are financed, I set out to build Positive Energy Ltd from the ground up. I first gathered a group of experts through the INSEAD network to help me design the business and validate a concept using no-code prototypes.

Then I recruited a world-class team —including a co-founder- scaling to 9 full-time employees at peak capacity. We structured a solid governance framework, laying the foundation for a company that would disrupt the emerging markets and accelerate the energy transition.

With a clear product vision, I led the design and engineering of our digital investment platform, turning a concept into a fully operational marketplace after 10 man-years of development executed with an outsourced engineering team from NYC and Kiev.

To scale further, I spearheaded investor outreach and successfully raised angel and pre-seed funding, totaling $300k, ensuring growth through market fluctuations.

We were bootstrapped, ran lean start-up principles, and launched an aggressive go-to-market strategy, acquiring 750 companies and 2,000+ users across 36 countries within a year, positioning Positive Energy as a leader in Asia-Pacific’s sustainable finance sector.

Commercial traction followed thanks to our business development team located in India and Vietnam. Through strategic business development, we unlocked $1.2 billion in potential project financing, securing six term sheets for our customers and generating $100K in revenue within 12 months from those.

Covid almost killed the company that was then unable to raise a proper seedround and didn't benefit from public support. After relocating to Europe (Amsterdam) and to relaunch the business not only in Asia but also in Europe, I co-developed GreenEU, a €175M impact investment fund, forging a joint venture with European asset managers to accelerate the energy transition while supporting SMEs. During two years I worked with this asset management company to design the investment thesis, the impact analysis framework, and the fund's operations and key documents.

Our efforts did not go unnoticed. We gained global recognition, winning awards and pitch competitions from the World Bank, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Atos. We joined the largest start-up accelerator in Hong-Kong.

From a bold idea to a recognized industry force, this journey has reinforced my passion for building scalable, impact-driven businesses that bridge finance and technology.

Founder & Managing Director - Future Economy Studio Pte Ltd.

March 2017 - December 2022: A Launchpad for Disruptive Ventures.

Based on my past experiences in intrapreneurship in large corporations, I created The Future Economy Studio while in Singapore as a startup studio designed to turn cutting-edge concepts into scalable businesses. Our mission: leverage digital technologies to reinvent industries, provide hands-on support to entrepreneurs, and help corporations navigate the early stages of digital transformation or venture building.

Within its first five months, the studio rapidly prototyped and incubated four promising ventures, each addressing distinct market needs:

• 🚀 Interactive Video Projection for Out-of-Home Advertising – A pioneering digital signage solution, transforming public spaces into interactive engagement platforms, developed by a team of 4.
• ⚙️ Remote Monitoring & Asset Optimization for the Cement Industry – A vibration sensor-based industrial IoT solution, designed to improve efficiency and reduce downtime, led by a team of 2.
• 🛒 B2B E-Commerce & Outsourcing for Indirect Procurement – By negotiating a minority equity investment in Blu-Buying Singapore, we co-developed a procurement outsourcing platform, with a team of 3 driving its growth.
• 🌱 Positive Energy Ltd.: A B2B Marketplace for Renewable Energy Financing – The studio’s most ambitious project, this fintech platform connected sustainable energy projects with investors, ultimately becoming a standalone success story.

Through a structured process of ideation, validation, and execution, The Future Economy Studio proved that speed, agility, and a bold vision can turn disruptive ideas into investable businesses. As the Future Economy Studio was bootstrapped, and I faced difficulties in finding investors for the very early stage ventures I decided to focus my energy on one single venture to maximize my chance of success. This led to the accelerated development of Positive Energy Ltd.

Head of IoT & Industry 4.0 - MANN+HUMMEL

March 2016 - March 2017: Driving Digital Transformation for leading automative suppliers.

I spearheaded the global IoT strategy, overseeing initiatives from concept to commercialization, targeting $5 million in additional revenue through new digital product lines and services.

To accelerate innovation, I launched and managed the IoT Innovation Lab in Singapore, assembling a multidisciplinary team of 5 experts. The lab focused on developing cutting-edge solutions for filtration and heavy equipment industries, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize operations.

For example we created the OurAir line of business for air quality monitoring solutions in Buildings. We also developed a 4G air filter sensors for heavy duty equipments used in Agriculture and Mining. I also developed an innovative monitoring and control solution for water treatment plants using membrane technologies.

I implemented a structured venture design process, applying business model canvas, service design, rapid prototyping, proof of value validation, design-to-cost optimization, and go-to-market strategies to bring IoT-enabled solutions to market.

Under my leadership, the team developed IoT-powered smart devices, including an air quality monitoring system and predictive maintenance solutions for industrial filtration. These innovations utilized technology like AWS IM, AWS Lambda, React, and Docker, ensuring scalable, secured, and efficient deployments.

I worked closely with Corporate Venture teams, scooting, evaluating and integrating start-up technologies to create synergies with MANN+HUMMEL’s product lines, enhancing both product differentiation and operational efficiency.For example, I pushed in 2016 for an early investment in Breezometer, a airquality data provider. A company acquired by Google in 2021 for $200Mln.

Beyond product innovation, I advised manufacturing units on IoT adoption and Industry 4.0 best practices, driving digital transformation across global operations. I also triggered the creation of a data science team to leverage inhouse data (from ERPs and other systems) to improve business decisions

Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, I played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s digital future, managing a high-performing IoT team in Singapore and ensuring that MANN+HUMMEL remained at the forefront of smart industrial solutions.

APAC & Middle East Channel Director / Asia Commercial Director - Schneider Electric

April 2013 - October 2015 | Expanding Market Reach & Driving Growth at Schneider Electric

In this period, I occupied a dual role as APAC & Middle East Channel Director and Commercial Director. I led the channel strategy for a €1.4B Building Automation & Power Systems business unit, I spearheaded initiatives that supported €200M in revenue across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. I successfully implemented the EcoExperts program, a strategic new initiative that enhanced partner performance through targeted incentives, training programs, performances review, increasing engagement across system integrators in the region.

To strengthen Schneider Electric’s presence, I orchestrated the region’s first multi-specialty partner event, attracting 100+ companies and fostering collaborations that led to greater channel efficiency and sales growth. I developed and launched innovative channel marketing and sales support programs (as the first youtube product tutorial of the group), significantly improving sales cycle times by 30% and increasing partner satisfaction.

Managing a distributed team across APAC-MENA, I directly led as part of this role two regional managers in India and Hong-Kong and indirectly eight country level channel managers, ensuring a cohesive and high-performance sales strategy.

In parallel, I held the role of Commercial Director for one a line of business, managing a €25M P&L and delivering a remarkable turnaround from -15% to +15% YoY growth, while sustaining gross margins above 50%. I oversaw sales and operational marketing for Light and Room Control solutions, ensuring product strategies aligned with the unique needs of markets in the region. I negotiated targets, agreed on resources allocation, and key initiatives with the countries' Business VPs while ensuring alignement with the product roadmap of the Line of Business.

I led strategic partnerships with local telecom and electric utility providers (HK, SG), introducing connected smart home and HVAC control solutions into key Asian markets, accelerating adoption and market penetration.By championing business model simulations and venture design workshops, I refined partnership viability and optimized go-to-market strategies, securing a competitive edge for Schneider Electric’s innovations.

With a team of 5 direct reports (regional application/support engineers, logistic coordinator, launch leaders) and 80 indirect sales professionals across Asia, I successfully scaled operations, strengthened partnerships, and positioned Schneider Electric as a leader in smart home and building automation solutions.

Project Director - Schneider Electric

April 2009 - April 2013: Pioneering Smart Home Innovation at Schneider Electric

The prototype and business concept convinced the group's executive team. Our Smart Home project became then one of the 5 internal start-ups of the group, a global cross business units initiative, and a strategic project for the future of Schneider Electric.

As part of the leadership team for Connected Home team and member of the mgnt team of the line of business in charge of the core system of the solution, I then co-led the development of this residential solutions for the US, EU, and AUS markets, backed by a €50M investment. I spearheaded the launch of Wiser, a next-gen energy management smart home solution, managing a cross-functional senior team and a €5M annual budget from prototyping to commercial launch.

I led the development of a brand-new residential tech platform, integrating Zigbee Energy Box, M2M (machine-to-machine) communication, cloud, web, and mobile applications, ensuring seamless connectivity and automation. This brand new architecture required the integration of multiple components sourced (message broker, cloud infra, energy box) or developed in house (application firmware/sofwtare). Most of the production was located in low cost countries (China for HW manufacturing, India for IT services) to ensure proper margins.

I played a critical role in releasing the first Demand Side Management API for utilities (ENGIE, GRDF), directly contributing to France’s Greenlys Smart Grid demonstrator, a pioneering project in energy efficiency.

By guiding cross-functional teams on customer journey design, I ensured that user experience, performance, and system efficiency were aligned with market expectations. Fun fact, I hired the first full time UI/UX designer of the group, released the first commercial zigbee HA solutions, released the first IoT connectivity relying on message brokers.

Managing a global team of 6 across France, Denmark, and India, and indirectly overseeing 20+ additional professionals, I was responsible for delivering a high-quality, cost-effective smart home solution that reinforced Schneider Electric’s leadership in home automation and energy management.

Project Development Manager - Schneider Electric

January 2008 - Jan 2009: Principal Engineer for the development of an new connected home energy management system

EDF was looking for a industrial partner to developed a new connected solutions for its residential customers to help them save energy while providing various demande services for EDF. Schneider Electric was interested. After few months of development, EDF decided to stop this development. Schneider Electic decided to develop it further anyway.

In this role, I was part of a small innovation team and responsible for technical development and feasibility analysis of this innovative connected residential energy management system, leading a cross-functional team across five countries. I led feasibility studies and market research for a B2C smart home offering, integrating analytics, GPRS/xDSL connectivity, and an open innovation model, collaborating with external partners to enhance product capabilities.

To optimize product development cycles, I introduced agile methodologies, ensuring the alignment of emerging market trends with new B2C channel opportunities.

Managing a team of 1 in Paris and indirectly overseeing 12 team members across Denmark, China, Mexico, and India, I ensured seamless global collaboration and successful project execution until a first mock-up of the system.

Product Manager - Schneider Electric

Apr 2006 - Apr 2008: Shaping Product Strategy & Business Growth in the Nordic Market

As part of accelaration program for young talent, I am sent in Sweden in a newly bought entity to support a major renewal of a leading offer. I played a pivotal role in driving business strategy, market expansion, and product innovation for Europe’s mini-trunking and cable management systems. I managed the offer and business strategy for Europe’s mini-trunking segment, ensuring that pricing, product positioning, and market approach aligned with business objectives. I worked closely with the Nordic commercial teams, providing expertise in pricing, channel and product marketing, product adaptation, and portfolio management, helping optimize business performance.

I played a key role in defining the strategic roadmap for Sweden, Schneider Electric’s primary Nordic market, overseeing a €30M revenue portfolio and implementing growth-driven initiatives. The line of business VP, asked me to lead the financial modeling and business plan development for the new strategic program, providing insights that shaped investment decisions (selection of the manufacturing site, range optimization, pricing strategy).I co-defined the requirements for this €30M business renewal project, securing a €6.5M investment to modernize the core range for the Nordic region (Optiline 45 and 50), ensuring competitiveness and alignment with market needs.

Deputy Marketing Manager - Schneider Electric

July 2006 - Jan 2006: Driving Market Strategy & Product Positioning at Schneider Electric

As Deputy Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric in Grenoble, France, I played a key role in market analysis, strategic positioning, and upstream marketing initiatives for the company’s Industrial Performances Services line of business focusing on the emerging Manufacturing Execution System (MES) market.

I conducted an in-depth market analysis, benchmarking Schneider Electric’s MES solutions (mainly small start-ups) against industry competitors across key verticals, including Food & Beverage, Pharma, Water, and Mining, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

Based on my analysis, I developed strategic recommendations that influenced Schneider Electric’s approach in high-growth industries, refining product positioning and segmentation to enhance market penetration.

Fun fact, my recommendatio at the time was for Schneider Electric to create specific MES offers per vertical through specialised players aquisitions. Two of my favourite targets was then Wonderware and Ampla both acquired 10 years later in 2017 through AVEVA by Schneider Electric for $3,4Bln.

Technical Project Manager - Silicomp AQL / Orange Business Services

Jul 2002 - July 2004: Leading Technical Software Projects for Industrial customers

As a Technical Project Manager at Silicomp AQL (now part of Orange Business Services) in Lyon, France, I played a key role in managing concurrent software development projects, leading software engineering teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of enterprise solutions.

I oversaw multiple concurrent projects, ensuring software quality, time-to-market (TTM), and cost efficiency while managing supplier relationships and defining software architecture. Leading a team of five software engineers, I drove the successful execution of mission-critical enterprise solutions.

I was actively involved in presales activities, managing requirements collection, tendering, and project execution, ensuring seamless commissioning and rollout of tailored solutions for high-profile clients.

I successfully delivered enterprise-grade solutions for major clients, including an Asset Management solution for Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (EDF), embedded train pilot system for Alstom, Fuel efficiency software for Renault Trucks, Asset tracking software for the CEA, and the scheduler module for a MES developed by Schneider Electric, ensuring their digital transformation and operational efficiency.

Reporting to the Lyon agency Delivery Manager, I indirectly managed an additional team of three, fostering collaboration across technical and business functions to ensure project success. I was also put in charge of SW quality for the Agency, ensure successful audit.

PrinciplesYou. [.]

Oct 2024: You are most like The Coach.

PrinciplesYou was built to help people learn what they are really like. Its creators include Ray Dalio, entrepreneur and investor who grew Bridgewater Associates from his two bedroom apartment to the fifth most important private company in the US, and expert psychologists Dr. Adam Grant, Dr. Brian Little and Dr. John Golden. The test brings together their diverse expertise, combining best-in-class assessment frameworks, leading personality science, and practical and proven insights from decades of business experience. To learn more about the creation of the test, read our methodology.

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Facet5. [.]

Dec 2018: You are assertive, determined, goal focussed, forward thinking and positive.

Facet5 measures how people differ in their behaviour, motivations, attitudes and preferred ways of working, increasing self-awareness and providing a real appreciation of just what they are capable of.

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Social Intrapreneur Profile. [.]

July 2014: You have a strong mix of entrepreneurial, business and social competencies.

A social intrapreneur is an entrepreneur inside an existing organization that is creating innovations that have a social or environmental impact. Social intrapreneurs are a different breed of leaders compared to regular executives. It is not an official position and so you will find social intrapreneurs in all realms, functions and levels of an organization: corporate responsibility, sustainability, innovation, business management or staff functions.

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Leadership Versatility Index. [.]

Aug 2014: Your Leadership Versatility Index is 83%.

The LVI is based on a leadership model that consists of two major pairs of opposing but complementary approaches. These two oppositions represent the tensions and trade-offs that make management a balancing act. One pair, Forceful and Enabling, concerns leadership style, how one leads. The other pair, Strategic and Operational, concerns the organizational issues a leader focuses on, what one leads.

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