Our team With our global team in Stavanger, Houston, and Aberdeen we deliver deep expertise and strong performance from the heart of the energy industry.
Global footprint
The EV team is comprised of 19 people, 9 different nationalities, across 3 offices, representing one team. Our global footprint is matched by our breadth of technical expertise. With technical disciplines ranging from reservoir, drilling, mechanical, chemical, and software engineering as well as geophysics and naval architecture, we are well placed to discover and market pioneering technology.
Check out our portfolio of technology-focused investments here.
How we work
Our culture is defined by inclusivity and integrity: we work in partnership with business owners to maximise value creation and returns for our investors. By leveraging our comprehensive sectoral knowledge and global network, we build sustainable, world-class companies.
We help firms to professionalise their systems, generate intellectual property and optimise their strategy. Our approach is to be supportive of management teams while recognising their right to execute strategy themselves.
The People
Helge Tveit
Managing Partner
I co-founded EV Private Equity (historically “Energy Ventures”) in 2002 alongside former Smedvig CEO, Ole Melberg. The idea of establishing EV Private Equity came during my MBA studies when I realised there was a significantly underserved market in combining entrepreneurial skills with capital and technology.
Ole and I grew the firm with investment from Argentum, the Norwegian state private equity fund. In 2014, ‘Energy Ventures’ merged with Norway-based Progressus, as part of a repositioning to shift the firm’s focus from early stage ventures to growth companies.
Now, I am the Managing Partner of the company with a deep passion for technology and the potential it has to improve society and the wellbeing of people.
I especially enjoy working with dedicated, high powered individuals in EV. All members of the EV team are self-starters with a strong drive to succeed. Furthermore, I really enjoy the fact that we have a very diverse team with eight nationalities among our employees.
My prior work experience includes working for BP as an executive advisor, for Amoco as a Strategic Planning Director and for Transocean as a drilling engineer.
Education: MSc in Engineering from NTNU (NTH) and MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Board Member: Geoteric, Read Well Services Holding.
Kjell Jacobsen
Executive Chairman
I joined EV Private Equity in 2008 because I found the vision of EV important and motivating and that I fully shared the values of the EV Team. I am now a Senior Partner and Executive Chairman at EV Private Equity.
I have more than 30 years of industry experience. From 2001 to 2005, I was the President and CEO of Smedvig ASA. After Seadrill acquired Smedvig, I served as President and CEO of Seadrill Management AS (Seadrill Ltd) from 2005 to 2008 where we integrated Seadrill and Smedvig, and then executed a significant growth program via acquisitions and new builds, transforming Seadrill into the second largest Deepwater driller globally at that time.
Education: Norwegian Naval Academy, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH), and INSEAD Advanced Management Program.
Board Member of: Energy Drilling, FourPhase, Abrado and Enhanced Well Technology.
Einar Gamman
Senior Partner
I was the third employee to join EV Private Equity during the second closing of our first fund in 2003.
At EV, we have a strong culture and a broad competence span to handle bold technology moves. I have been given the opportunity to steward several such investments successfully through our value chain from deal sourcing to Exit.
Part of my responsibility as Senior Partner in EV Private Equity has been the creation of our Advisory Board. Since its inception in 2005, I have managed its composition of external industry experts and important strategic activities.
I am passionate about differentiated technology and the impact that taking disruptive development steps can have both on financial outcome and sustainability.
Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of directing our strategic discussions and investment focus on sustainability and implementation of our Impact strategy.
I have enjoyed more than 35 years working in the energy industry, of which 20 years were spent in Venture Capital/Private Equity. I have held senior management positions in leading edge technology companies such as Tentech International and ABB Offshore Technology, later advancing into executive positions in JP Kenny and Smedvig Offshore.
Education: MBA from INSEAD and MSc. in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from NTNU.
Board Member: ProSep, FourPhase.
Rune Jensen
Senior Partner
I joined EV in 2015 as Senior Partner. I have a particular interest in supporting leadership behaviours and capabilities as part of an overall strategy to create world-leading portfolio companies and have had a functional lead role in EV with regards to the stewardship we offer to our portfolio companies. I enjoy the transformative growth and impact we as EV can have through an active and close partnership with the Executive Teams and other Board Members.
I started my career with Statoil (now Equinor) back in 1981 as one of two employees covering all commercial aspects for Natural Gas Liquids. Building the global client portfolio, as well as being the Statoil representative in various kinds of transport and processing opportunities with other oil majors and international petrochemical companies, gave me a steep technical and commercial learning curve.
In 1987, I co-founded a Financial Services start-up which became a leading Norwegian player. I was proud to accept the position of CEO in 1990 at the age of 33, enjoying both the responsibility, influence and the hard work that came with such a position.
I later became CEO of a global Publishing house responsible for operations across ten countries, and successfully opened up two new countries before returning back to Norway after six years abroad.
I was then offered the position of CEO of Allianse. After a business turnaround, strong organic and structural growth and IPO on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the company was picked up by a leading Norwegian IT player, returning 4.9x of capital invested.
I later established the Private Equity Fund Progressus with local capital. During this time I held the role of Chairman and at times Executive Chairman for the videoconferencing company Viju, where we grew revenues from NOK 80 million to NOK 850 million during our 10 year ownership period. In 2015 we decided to join forces with EV Private Equity who on their side were looking for growth investment professionals.
Education: MSc in Finance from Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH).
Board Member: Westwood Global Energy Group, Trainor, Add energy Group and Safran Software Solutions.
Greg Herrera
Senior Partner
I joined EV as a Partner in 2006. Now, as Senior Partner, and head of EV’s UK office, my responsibilities range from overall strategic guidance and direction of UK staff, assessment of new investment opportunities, input towards stewardship and exit activity, through to active hands on involvement across our portfolio. Within the EV partnership model I have been fortunate to work alongside many fantastic teams, both leading and exiting investments.
I am a highly networked and energised self-starter with a strong team and work ethic, which fits perfectly within EV’s philosophy and culture. My driving passion is around the intersection of the planet, people, technology and business.
EV’s experience in growing technology led investments means we are uniquely positioned to help companies and entrepreneurs deliver higher quality, high growth businesses against a robust ESG agenda, which has a positive impact on society, while delivering superior returns to shareholders.
Prior to joining EV, I gained eight years of experience in mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector, most latterly with Simmons & Company International (currently Piper Sandler). Prior to this, I gained 10 years energy industry experience working for a variety of technology equipment and service companies, including leading the sale of my family-owned downhole technology business.
My exit experience includes: Enpro Subsea, Halfwave ILI, Halfwave Subsea, Read Cased Hole, Meta Downhole, Red Spider, Intelligent Well Completions, Clerk Maxwell, Caltec, amongst other.
Board Member: Enhanced Well Technology, Motive Offshore, Cereus Downhole Tools, Romar and Deep Casing Tools.
Education: Bachelor of Engineering Technology from Robert Gordon’s University.
Anoop Poddar
Senior Partner
I joined EV in 2014. During this time, I have been closely involved with the management teams and have helped build strategic value in 16 technology companies in Europe and North America.
In my current role as the President of the Houston office, I manage all of EV’s investment activities in North America. It is an amazing experience to work with committed professionals, both at EV and its portfolio companies, with highest level of integrity. I am passionate about investing in and managing technology-rich companies, especially those that substantially improve operational efficiencies.
Prior to my current role at EV, I was the founding member and CEO of First Reserve Momentum, a private equity firm with $500 million of pledged capital. I also founded and chaired an angel investor club of HBS alumni in Houston.
Education: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. M.Sc. in Offshore Engineering from Robert Gordon University. B.Eng. in Petroleum Engineering from Indian School Mines.
Chairman of the Board: Ashmin Holdings.
Board Member: Evolution Engineering, Rival Downhole Tools, Wireless Seismic, Workover Solutions.
Pelle Bildtsén
Chief Financial Officer
I joined EV Private Equity as CFO in 2004. Since then, I have been on an exciting international journey together with a diverse group of highly motivated and talented people.
I am enthusiastic about the broadening of our investment strategy to include businesses that can achieve a tangible, positive impact in reducing greenhouse gases and countering global warming. The journey continues to support the ongoing energy transition.
Prior to joining EV Private Equity, I worked as an Advisor in Melberg Partners in Stavanger and as an Associate in Procuritas Partners in Stockholm.
Education: MSc in International Economics and Business from the Stockholm School of Economics, BA in Economics from Yale University and Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris.
Matt Anstead
Senior Partner
In 2014, I joined EV Private Equity in Aberdeen and straightaway transferred to our Stavanger office. After 15 months I moved again with my family to Houston, staying until late 2020 before returning to Aberdeen. EV Private Equity has been a hugely rewarding experience, involving a great variety of responsibilities. I have been involved in all aspects of our business, from origination, investments, stewardship and exits to management and investor relations. I’ve had the opportunity to lead transactions and help to build companies in Alberta, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana and the United Kingdom.
I was promoted to Partner in late 2016, stepping in as head of our Houston office for a brief period, and was promoted again to Senior Partner in late 2019. In 2020, I took over as CEO of a portfolio company based in Louisiana, to undertake a turnaround prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This proved to be an extremely challenging, but hugely rewarding assignment.
Looking forwards, EV Private Equity is evolving again to address one of the most vital challenges of our time. I’m excited to be focused on identifying and building energy technology companies that address the environmental legacy of the hydrocarbon industry and bring about energy transition. I am proud to part of EV Private Equity, working with an inspired group to solve these challenges and, in so doing, generate superior returns for our investors.
Before joining EV Private Equity, I was with Simmons & Co. in Aberdeen, where I worked in M&A advisory and subsequently managed a private equity co-investment fund focused on European lower middle market buyout investments in the energy industry. Prior to that, I was a management consultant with Booz & Co., working on strategy development and restructuring for several of the world’s largest oil companies in Africa, Middle East, Australia, USA and Europe. Before that I was an analyst with Wood MacKenzie and a field engineer for Schlumberger within their international leadership training program, working on drilling rigs and drills ships offshore in USA Gulf of Mexico and West Africa.
Education: Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London and MBA from London Business School.
Board Member: Abrado, Evolution, Romar, SageRider, Fotech.
Tomas Hvamb
Investment Director
I joined EV in 2012 as a Senior Associate in the Aberdeen, UK office. I was attracted to the role because it offered the opportunity to make a real impact on developing companies with a hands-on approach.
When I joined the company, I was immediately brought onto a deal team working on a US transaction, in addition to getting exposure to most other parts of the private equity business.
A big part of my job is working alongside people with different skillsets and backgrounds. Being able to identify and assemble great teams is a key part of this job, both internally and in our portfolio companies.
In addition to my role, I sit on the board of five EV portfolio companies, three of them I have been working with from origination stage. Following a business from origination to exit path, working with fellow board members and management teams on growth strategy, M&A, and exit planning, is the most exciting part of my job.
Prior to joining EV Private Equity, I held a role at Barclays where I was a Vice President in the leverage finance team covering oil and gas transactions in the UK. Before that, I spent a number of years with DNB in their structured finance team in Oslo mainly working on financing sponsor backed deals across a variety of sectors and geographies.
Education: Executive MBA in Energy Management from BI Norwegian School of Management (Oslo), Bachelor of Applied Finance from Maquire University (Sydney).
Board Member: Westwood, Romar, Motive, Deep Casing Tools, Aquaterra, Trainor.
Espen Strøm
Investment Director
I joined EV in 2008 as the only analyst covering the offices in Stavanger, Aberdeen and Houston. I experienced a steep learning curve as I worked closely with the senior professionals on new investment opportunities and existing portfolio companies.
As one of few with only a financial degree, I decided early on that I would dive deep into all the technologies we were commercialising to develop my skillsets.
As a Director within EV, I source new opportunities, present at conferences, lead new investment processes as well as developing world class companies in the energy space.
What I enjoy most about working in EV, besides the quality of the team, is the family-like culture. We have an open-door policy, we care about each other and we work hard to make sure that all the companies we invest in deliver on both financial and ESG targets. I have a passion for making an impact, and I truly believe that the EV platform will in the years to come be recognized as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
I have been fortunate enough to spend close to four years in our Houston office, where I held the position of interim CEO for one of our portfolio companies. Whilst undertaking this role as CEO, we triggered the company’s transition from being a product focused company, to one that is environmentally conscious by developing a strategy that would see the technology provide a solution to end users that increases production, whilst reducing methane emissions.
Prior to joining EV, I worked for ExxonMobil as a financial analyst. My two years with ExxonMobil provided great insight into how one of the largest energy companies in the world operates. I was able to work closely with all departments in order to analyse, project and present detailed financial information to asset managers for planning and decision-making purposes.
Education: MSc in Finance from Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH), Certified European Financial Analyst (CEFA/AFA) from NHH.
Board Member: Rival Downhole Tools, Workover Solutions and Reach Production Solutions.
Karem Kobayashi
Compliance Director
I joined EV in 2014 as an Analyst. In my current role, I am responsible for group compliance, cybersecurity, portfolio monitoring and responsible investment.
During my time at EV Private Equity and as part of an international team, I have had the privilege to work with high-calibre individuals and have exposure to the firm’s core activities, from transactions to stewardship and control.
Prior to joining EV, I was part of the Commercial team at BG Group overseeing emerging markets’ assets, including its previous downstream business in Brazil, where I originally formed part of the Regulation team. I have 12 years of energy industry experience and I am an associate member of ICA, the International Compliance Association.
Education: MBA Oil and Gas Management, Robert Gordon University, BA Business Administration, University of São Paulo.
Board Member: MorphPackers, RWSH.
Rajat Maheshwari
Investment Manager
I joined EV in 2015 and currently work as an Investment Manager in the Aberdeen office. My responsibilities cover the full investment cycle, including originating and executing new deals, working with our portfolio companies to help them grow and generate superior returns, and supporting exit processes. In addition, I spend a considerable amount of time networking with entrepreneurs, professionals, and advisors to improve my perspective on the market.
EV is a fantastic place to work where I get to learn from talented peers, be creative, and partner with world-class companies that are on a mission to create a sustainable future. Work-life balance is emphasised at EV and the firm provides ample opportunities for you to grow.
Prior to joining EV, I worked at Schlumberger for over five years in global offshore seismic survey operations as a field geophysicist. I advanced my technical knowledge and gained hands on operational experience, which supports my current role when analysing technologies and business models of potential investments.
Education: MBA from HEC Paris, Integrated M.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.
Board Member: Cereus Downhole Technology, Tubular Sciences.
Kaivan Forouzesh
Senior Analyst
I joined EV Private Equity as an analyst in 2019. My responsibilities include deal origination, new investment diligence and portfolio management.
The EV team is full of talented, intelligent individuals and allows for working in a collaborative environment. Working alongside the team has been an incredible learning experience. I enjoy working with my colleagues who are passionate about creating profitable businesses that ultimately generate superior returns in the long term, while also supporting environmentally sustainable practices.
Prior to joining EV, I worked as an investment analyst at Miller Global Investments, a registered investment advisory firm specialising in investment management for families, individuals, partnerships, and trusts. In this role I conducted diligent fundamental analysis in order to uncover potential investment opportunities within the energy, information technology, and industrial sectors.
Education: B.B.A Finance from Southern Methodist University.
Jose Orellana
Senior Analyst
I joined EV Private Equity as a Junior Analyst in 2019. My responsibilities include finding and assessing new investment opportunities and working with portfolio companies through the full investment cycle to help create value.
I thoroughly enjoy working at EV, with a team of industry experts, in a collaborative environment to understand how we can make a difference by investing in cutting-edge technologies that are at the forefront of the energy transition.
Prior to joining EV, I worked at Bank Brokers doing banking consultancy for corporates and developing a fintech business model for SMEs.
Education: BSc (Hons) Economics and Management Science from St Andrews University.
Jackie Burke
Senior Office Manager
I have been Senior Office Manager based in EV Private Equity’s Aberdeen office since 2008. I also hold the role of company secretary for our UK entity and head up the EV Private Equity Charitable Initiative (EVCI).
My responsibilities include finance, HR, health and safety, events and all administration duties for the Aberdeen office. I’m a pragmatic problem solver, a “jack of all trades” and can turn my hand to just about any task that the team needs.
I enjoy my position in a team that values my abilities and respects my opinions. Everyday can be different, and I have the privilege of working closely with our very talented UK team. I am excited to be part of the solution in achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction through differentiated technology investments.
I particularly like the work/life balance I am able to maintain which allows for plenty time with my family (husband and three dogs) and to participate in voluntary work. In October 2019, I travelled to Kenya with the Gathimba Edwards Foundation to build houses and I continue to help with fundraising back in Aberdeen. I am also the Treasurer for Stoneywood Scout Group.
Prior to joining EV I worked as a PA at Wood and Office Manager at Knowledge Reservoir.
Education: I have a BA (Hons.) Business Studies from Robert Gordon University and a student member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Michelle Opiana
Office Manager
I joined EV in 2012. In addition to my administrative duties, my role as office manager is to support the team, organise meetings and manage events.
I am proud to be part of an organisation that constantly strives to make a difference. It is a pleasure to work with such a passionate, driven team. It is motivational as well as educational. However, what I value the most at EV, is being part of a work family where we look after one another and only want the best for each other.
Before joining EV, I worked as a Facility Coordinator at Norske Shell.
Education: BA in Tourism Management from the University of Stavanger, BA Media Studies from NTNU.
Amy Brownlie
Office Manager
I joined EV Private Equity in 2019 as the Office Manager for the Houston office. My responsibilities focus on maintaining the office, such as accounting, administration, greeting guests, and organising travel and meetings. I thoroughly enjoy working and accepting new challenges in this diverse role. No two days are the same!
The team at EV create a fun and supportive work environment. They have nurtured an office culture that is the best I have ever experienced. Even with miles between our three global locations, the team is unified in our vision for the future to make the world a better place through responsible investing and their technology-enabled impact strategy.
Before joining EV, I worked as a marketing coordinator at AMC, creating printed and digital graphics to promote events for non-profit companies. Prior to that role, I held several positions within Halliburton including accounts payable processor, process analyst in royalty management and administrative specialist. There, I studied for, and earned, my CAPM designation in project management.
Education: BSc in Psychology from the University of Houston Victoria.
Bettina Bachmann
Managing Director, TwoB Consulting GmbH
Bettina Bachmann has a MSc degree in geophysics from the ETH in Zuerich. She joined Shell in 1983 and has held a variety of business technical and leadership roles in exploration and development, working in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Subsequent strategy and planning roles have included leading a senior leadership development programme and General Manager for strategy & planning in Upstream R&D.
At the end of 2009, Bettina Bachmann was appointed as Shell Vice President for Subsurface and Wells Software in Production and Technology. Since 2012, this also includes Shell’s globally distributed support and deployment teams in the Upstream businesses.
Bettina is now Managing Director at TwoB Consulting GmbH, a firm focussed on enterprise content management solutions (ECM and DMS).
Find out more about our advisory board on our team page.
Richard Spears
Managing Director, Spears & Associates
Richard Spears has worked in the oil and gas industry for 35 years and is one of the managing partners of Spears & Associates where he is responsible for leading the firm’s mergers and acquisitions practice. Richard Spears holds an engineering degree from Oklahoma State University and completed graduate work in industrial engineering.
Find out more about our advisory board members here.
Carl Stjernfeldt
Head of Corporate Development – Americas, Shell New Energies
Carl Stjernfeldt
Head of Corporate Development – Americas, Shell New Energies
Advisory Board
Carl Stjernfeldt leads the Corporate Development group in Americas for Shell New Energies, previously a senior US member of the Shell ventures team and a partner for Cambridge Technology Partners.
Carl Stjernfeldt serves on an extensive list of boards at successful companies including: Agito Networks (acquired by ShoreTel), Arbor Networks (acquired by Tektronix), BNI Video (acquired by Cisco), Broadbus Technologies (acquired by Motorola), Cedar Point Communications (acquired by Genband), Funambol, Innowatts, Tejas Networks (NSE: TEJASNET), and Quantico Energy Systems.
Carl has been recognised twice as a Global Corporate Venturing’s top 100 star in 2017 & 18, has served as the Treasurer of the New England Venture Capital Association, and is on the board of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council. He is also active at MIT, judging the 100k competition and serving as a catalyst for the Deshpande Center, as well as teaching finance at Sloan School.
Find out more about our advisory board here.
Saad Bargach
President & CEO, BRYSS Inc.
Saad has an extensive energy background, including 23 years of oil and gas experience with Schlumberger. He currently runs an Oilfield Technology Hub with a presence in Houston and Dubai and most recently served as Managing Director at Lime Rock Partners where he was responsible for the firm’s international strategy. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.S. in control systems.
Find out more about our advisory board here.
Monika Inde Zsak
Head of Innovation & Venture, BKK
Monika Inde Zsak has an MSc in industrial engineering and a Master in finance from NTNU and UNSW. Previously she worked as a Senior Manager for Accenture Strategy, advising top management within the Nordic Energy and Renewable sector. In parallel, she was one of the initiators to build up Accenture’s sustainability practice and led the Norwegian team.
Monika is currently working at BKK – one of Norway’s largest Utility Companies – heading up the corporate venture activity and leading the internal innovation portfolio on corporate level. Monika has also been appointed top ten Young Executive of the Year award by Assessit, and serves as a Board Director at several Seed Funds and Startups in Norway.
Find out more about our advisory board here.
Kaare Helle
Venture Director, DNV GL
Kaare Helle is DNV GL’s Venture Director, responsible for corporate venture activities. He’s been with DNV GL since 2005 and held several leadership positions, mainly within cleaner energy technology and innovation. Kaare is also one of DNV GL’s energy experts that develops its Energy Transition Outlook – A global and regional forecast of the energy transition to 2050.
Find out more about our advisory board here.