Paul Schelhaas

What I Bring to Your Portfolio

Turning early-stage IP into industrial-scale revenue.

I help corporate venturing units, PE-backed scale-ups, and energy-transition boards turn early-stage IP into revenue. I am not a career consultant. I spent 14 years as co-founder and CEO of Sunstone IP Systems, where I invented, patented, and sold clean-energy platforms to some of the world's most demanding buyers.

Having sold to and partnered with organisations including Chevron, Network Rail, and Wesco Anixter, I bring a rare blend of inventor's technical depth, CEO-level commercial discipline, and senior corporate endorsement. I have walked the path your portfolio companies are on, and I know how to accelerate it.

Core Capabilities

Executive Delivery & Strategy

Revenue-Growth & Commercial Strategy

I personally secured multimillion-pound B2B deals with supermajors and critical national infrastructure operators. I know how to structure, negotiate, and close complex industrial sales cycles, bringing senior-level relationships that open doors.

IP Monetisation & Protection

As a named inventor on multiple granted patents, I understand how to audit, value, and commercialise IP portfolios. I bring the litigation and dispute-resolution credibility required to defend IP when necessary.

Product-to-Market Acceleration

I have taken early-stage deep-tech products from concept to deployed, revenue-generating systems operating in extreme environments. I stress-test product roadmaps, inject design rigour, and shorten time-to-revenue.

C-Suite & Board-Level Leadership

14 years as a technical CEO scaling a multimillion-pound business, managing investor relationships, and driving growth in highly regulated industrial and energy markets.

Off-Grid & Clean-Energy Expertise

Deep domain knowledge in solar-powered surveillance, autonomous telecommunications, and renewable power systems for remote, safety-critical environments.

Team Leadership & Retention

Recognised for attracting, motivating, and retaining highly qualified technical and commercial talent, protecting human capital and significantly reducing key-person risk in portfolio companies.

Delivery Evidence

Relevant Track Record

Built & Scaled Sunstone IP Systems

Co-founded and led the business from concept to a multimillion-pound enterprise with a portfolio of patented clean-energy platforms (SRP, SRC, RAFT). Secured partnerships with Telent, Digital Barriers, and WJ Group.

Sold to Global Industrials

Personally led relationships that placed technology into the supply chains of supermajors and CNI operators, delivering complex, high-value B2B deals requiring deep technical credibility.

Invented Global Patents

Named inventor on a family of patents covering solar surveillance and off-grid power. Created defensible IP with multi-year design lives operating in extreme environments.

Industry Recognition

Finalist: Security Partnering Initiative of the Year (IFSEC)
Shortlisted: Sustainable Transport Award (National Sustainability Awards)
Finalist: Security Hardware Manufacturer of the Year (IFSEC)
Published thought leader on green technology and off-grid infrastructure.

Work With Me

Engagement Models

Fractional CINO / Commercial Director

A structured monthly retainer providing embedded strategic leadership, team mentorship, and high-level key account coverage for your business.

Operating Partner / Senior Advisor

Portfolio-level support designed for PE/VC firms, assisting with technical due diligence, post-acquisition value creation, and exit preparation.

Project-Based Commercial Sprint

A targeted, fixed-fee engagement to secure a specific strategic partnership, execute a licensing deal, or drive a cost-saving design initiative.

Ready to accelerate?

Connect with me to discuss how we can turn your early-stage IP into industrial-scale revenue. References from Chevron, Telent, and WJ Group available upon request.

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Serial Technical Entrepreneur, Inventor, and Commercialisation Advisor. I don't advise on innovation, I have repeatedly delivered it.