About VertCap
Independent advisory for Australian energy and commodity markets — strategic, commercial and investor-facing.
POSITIONING
Independent. Commercial. Practical.
VertCap advises on market-facing decisions where price, risk, contracts and execution materially impact value.
What clients value
A disciplined approach that balances strategy with execution.
Independence
Advice aligned to outcomes, free from conflicts inherent in product-linked models.
Market depth
Energy and commodity market experience applied to real commercial problems, not generic theory.
Decision clarity
Board-ready deliverables with assumptions you can defend and actions you can execute.
Speed and focus
Lean engagements with a clear scope and measurable outputs.
FOUNDER
John Patitsas
Founder of VertCap and senior energy and commodity markets advisor.
PROFILE
Energy and commodity markets professional
John Patitsas is a senior energy and commodity markets professional with deep experience across investment banking, derivatives, energy trading, PPAs, risk management and commercial strategy.
His career includes roles with Credit Suisse, Commerzbank, EdgeCap and Hydro Tasmania, across London and Melbourne.
John advises developers, investors, miners, retailers, generators and large energy users on commercial strategy, risk management, power purchase agreements, portfolio valuation and market entry.
FOCUS
Advisory style
Investor-facing, commercially grounded advice designed for boards and investment committees.
Markets and contracts
PPAs, merchant exposure, derivatives and physical contracting — with practical execution support.
Risk framing
Hedge strategy, mark-to-market, limits, stress testing and governance that scales with complexity.
Commercial outcomes
Clear recommendations, defensible assumptions and decision-ready deliverables.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Sponsors, boards and operators
VertCap supports renewable developers, investors, miners, generators, retailers and large energy users — particularly where exposures span multiple markets, contracts and operating realities.
TEAM
VertCap team and associates
VertCap engages specialist consultants and associates aligned to client mandates. Selected profiles are outlined below.
Charles Rendings
Development Director
Charles has over 11 years’ experience providing business development services and advisory to Australian energy efficiency companies, as well as to a diverse range of start-ups.
Before joining VertCap, Charles worked across renewable and sustainability-focused businesses including Thermoshield, Green Street Consulting, Climate Friendly and Village Green Environmental Solutions. His expertise spans government and private industry on carbon and energy projects, carbon management solutions, compliance and reporting requirements for environmental energy regulations, and energy saving, technical data and cost effectiveness.
Prior to moving to Australia in 2004, Charles was based in New York City where he worked with his father on Wall Street. Charles is a member of the Australian Institute of Energy as a National Director and as Deputy Chair of the Melbourne Branch. He also serves on the Stewards Council of Living Legacy Forests and is an active member of the Carbon Market Institute and Facility Management Association. He was on the Engineers Australia Technical Committee for the National Electrical Energy Conference 2017.
Charles holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting, Film and Computer Science.
Peter Lemonis
Consultant
Peter Lemonis is a Senior Policy Adviser and business strategist with over a decade of experience navigating the intersection of government, finance and community advocacy.
Core expertise
- Strategic advisory: navigating complex political and regulatory environments.
- Government relations: leveraging an influential network across state and local government.
- Financial strategy: combining banking expertise with public sector budgetary oversight.
- Multicultural advocacy: developing inclusive policies that reflect Victoria’s diverse community.
NEXT STEP
Discuss your mandate with an independent advisor.
Tell us what decision you need to make and by when. We’ll respond with a clear scope and deliverable approach.