How EBAN Brought Back Together Charles Sidman and PowerUP Energy Technologies at EAIS 2024

We’re pleased to spotlight a success story that reflects the power of connection within the EBAN community. We recently sat down with long-standing EBAN friend, member, and angel investor Charles Sidman to discuss his investment in PowerUP Energy Technologies, a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell startup.

Charles first connected with PowerUP through EBAN in 2021, but at the time, the startup wasn’t yet ready for investment in his eyes. Their paths crossed again at the European Angel Investment Summit (EAIS) 2024—this time with a stronger value proposition and clearer growth trajectory. That second meeting, made possible through EBAN’s platform, led to a successful investment and marked the beginning of an exciting partnership.

During the interview, Charles offered fascinating insights into PowerUP’s journey, including the news that the company is now preparing to close its Series A round. He also shared his views on the proposed 28th Regime, a unified legal framework aimed at simplifying cross-border scaling for innovative companies in Europe—a topic he also spoke passionately about during the EBAN Annual Congress 2025 in Copenhagen.

This story is a perfect example of how EBAN’s ecosystem helps cultivate meaningful relationships that grow into impactful investments. Be sure to watch the full interview to hear more from Charles on PowerUP, the future of innovation policy in Europe, and the role angel investors play in shaping it.

If you have an exciting story like Charles’s, don´t hesitate to reach out to us via Elena@eban.org.

About PowerUp Energy Technologies

PowerUP is a leading innovator in the fuel cell technology market, backed by over 20 years of experience in developing sustainable energy generation solutions. The company designs and produces high-quality, hydrogen-based generators that offer a clean, reliable alternative to traditional diesel power. With a strong commitment to accelerating the hydrogen transition, PowerUP is turning the promise of hydrogen into a practical reality. Its UP® generators are designed to make energy generation both easier and cleaner—eliminating emissions, noise, and the smell of diesel while delivering dependable performance for today’s energy needs.

About Charles Sidman

Charles Sidman directs VC firm ECS Capital Partners. He is a cofounder of the American Angel Capital Association, past president of the Crowdfunding Professional Association, frequent advocate and speaker on financial, entrepreneurship, policy, and ethical issues globally, enthusiastic participant in numerous investment and professional organizations, and 2018 Special Recognition Honoree of EBAN. He supports early-stage companies through Angel investing, VC, Crowdfunding, and public markets. Dr. Sidman retired as Professor of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology from U. Cincinnati’s College of Medicine. His education includes a PhD (Immunology) from Harvard, an MBA (Management) from U. Cincinnati, and a sabbatical study (Complex Systems) at the Santa Fe Institute.

This story is a perfect example of how EBAN’s ecosystem helps cultivate meaningful relationships that grow into impactful investments. Be sure to watch the full interview to hear more from Charles on PowerUP, the future of innovation policy in Europe, and the role angel investors play in shaping it.