Ghent-based startup Powernaut, which creates software to optimize decentralized energy devices for efficient management, has raised €2.4 million in pre-seed funding from Revent and Seedcamp. The investment will support its mission to reduce fossil fuel reliance and lower consumer costs.
- Founded in 2024 by Florentijn Degroote and Serge Morel, Powernaut develops orchestration software for decentralized energy systems, enhancing energy efficiency by integrating and managing flexible devices across supplier networks.
- Powernaut's software optimizes millions of decentralized devices, integrating them with the wider grid to balance local production and grid demands. This approach helps energy suppliers deliver cost-effective solutions while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- The startup collaborates with industry leaders to manage over 200MW of decentralized energy assets, including solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles.
"Navigating the energy transition is tough sailing, especially with so many renewables being installed without much coordination. To effectively add more renewables and keep costs low for everyone, we need to coordinate these smart connected devices effectively - and software and AI are essential in doing so," Claims Florentijn Degroote, co-founder and CEO of Powernaut.
Details of the deal
- The pre-seed funding round was led by Berlin-based VC Revent, which supports startups in climate, healthcare, education, and finance, and joined by Seedcamp, an early-seed fund for tech startups, Antwerp-based VC Pitchdrive, and Brussels-based Syndicate One.
“This investment comes at a perfect time. Powernaut is providing the technology needed to support decarbonization, renewable energy rollout, and decentralization, ultimately phasing out polluting power sources like gas plants," partner at Revent, Henrik Grosse Hokamp, commented.
- Powernaut will use the €2.4 million to scale its software, integrate more decentralized energy devices, expand partnerships, and enhance its AI technology to optimize energy systems and reduce consumer costs.
