The demand for energy from the AI sector is impacting various fuel types, with natural gas emerging as a leading option for baseload power. Andrejka Bernatova, founder of Dynamix Corporation III, is working with market-leading companies in energy and digital assets, having raised over $35 billion across the industry.
Bernatova, an accomplished athlete and business leader, shared insight into Dynamix’s focus on low-carbon, sustainable energy and infrastructure. The company targets assets at the intersection of power, energy security, and scale to support the growing demand from AI, data centers, and grid resiliency. Their recent business combination with The Ether Machine aligns with this vision.
“Disruptive Decarbonization” means reducing emissions by replacing dirtier fuels with cleaner ones that exist today, like natural gas. Bernatova’s experience as an operator at PennTex Midstream, Enchanted Rock, and Goodnight Midstream has informed her approach to energy deals, focusing on operational reality, cash flow visibility, scalability, and commercial viability.
When assessing potential energy infrastructure deals, Bernatova considers cash flow visibility, scalability, grid relevance, and capital structure. Startups in the energy sector should prioritize commercialization, profitability, and scalability early on to survive in the competitive market. Bernatova emphasizes the importance of a sustainable business model that can generate EBITDA without relying on subsidies.
Lessons learned from investment roles at major banks like Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley have taught Bernatova the importance of structuring energy deals for long-term success. She emphasizes the need for simple, aligned capital structures that can withstand market cycles, ensuring the durability of energy assets over time. Alignment between sponsors, management, and investors is crucial for successful deals. Bernatova, an ultra-marathoner, says the discipline learned from the sport helps in business by teaching how to handle pressure, manage energy, make decisions in tough conditions, and endure long-term challenges. This mindset is key in investing and company building.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Investing in Energy Solutions for the Data Center Boom