Accelerating Net Zero: A Conversation with Payaca's CTO, Matt Bessey

Matt Franklin, CEO of Payaca, converses with newly appointed Chief Technology Officer Matt Bessey about software's pivotal role in scaling low-carbon technology installations.

Matt Bessey's background

Bessey studied computer science and initially pursued game development before shifting to web development. His career progressed through the assisted living sector in the US, cybersecurity training, and eventually into green technology.

Silicon Valley experience (2014)

Bessey participated in an internship program placing UK computer science graduates at Silicon Valley startups.

"It's a 20-plus mile highway featuring major tech campuses rather than concentrated urban clusters like London's Silicon Roundabout."

Transition to UK and green tech

After returning to the UK for personal reasons, Bessey worked at Immersive Labs in cybersecurity training. He pursued a career break to focus on net zero technology, eventually discovering Carbon13's startup incubator program before joining Payaca.

Personal sustainability actions

Bessey references data-driven sources for behavioral change, citing "Food Without the Hot Air" and Hannah Ritchie's research.

Key insights on food choices:

• Local food myth — Transportation impact often less significant than assumed
• Protein choices — Beef and dairy carry highest carbon footprint; chicken represents efficient alternative
• Concentrated products — Cheese multiplies milk's impact; dark chocolate and coffee surprisingly high-impact per gram

ENA API integration

Payaca recently integrated with the Energy Networks Association's API, automating grid connection compliance applications for low-carbon technology installations.

Before: Manual paper applications, extended approval timelines, no progress visibility, manual data entry.

After: Pre-populated customer data, automatic progress saving, live status updates, automated image validation.

The ENA integration was developed in just 2 weeks — compared to quarter-long projects at larger organisations.

Scheduling optimisation opportunities

Future development includes machine learning-driven routing optimisation using:

• Pipeline project information
• Customer location data
• Historical project duration analytics
• Variable factors (material delivery, skill requirements, availability)

Team culture and values

Payaca's three core values:

1. Taking Action — Empowered decision-making on reversible choices
2. Transparency — Clear documentation enabling seamless work continuation
3. Simplicity — Challenging unnecessarily complex solutions across UX, code, and business logic

"Working in cybersecurity training, you're pretty far removed from actual impact feedback. Here, you see the results directly." — Matt Bessey

Growth and scale impact

The small six-person team achieves rapid iteration. The team prioritises customer feedback loops, working directly with installers like Guscott Heating Services rather than through intermediary roles.

Industry focus

Payaca targets businesses installing heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers — technologies identified in the International Energy Agency's Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.

Resources referenced: IEA Net Zero by 2050 Report, Energy Networks Association (ENA), David MacKay's "Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air", Hannah Ritchie's research and publications, Carbon13 Venture Builder Programme.