Participated · Seed · Aug 2022

IONATE builds a full-stack hardware and software solution for smart electricity grids. Its Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT) replaces legacy transformers and can detect, analyse, and resolve power disturbances. The Aurora software platform consolidates multiple power system functions into a single device, enabling network efficiency, increased renewables hosting capacity, and AI-enabled control. Founded in 2019, the company has scaled its solution for data centers and is collaborating with energy giant EDP in Portugal and Spain. IONATE has received industry recognition from NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and is positioning to address a market projected to reach $21 trillion by 2050 as electricity demand rises. The company recently completed a $17M Series A to support continued commercialisation and deployment of its technology. IONATE develops a patented power flow control solution intended to address power quality issues arising from energy decarbonisation. Its technology is designed to boost the reliability and productivity of connected assets, including renewable generation and battery storage. The company plans to scale operations and deploy its solution to electricity distribution grids, renewables generation projects and energy storage assets using the new funding. IONATE has been supported by Edinburgh Innovations and benefited from collaboration with the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering during technology development. The startup says it transformed the initial idea into fully functioning technology in less than three years and aims to commercialise its offering to play a role in the journey to Net Zero. It was recognised by the UK Energy Innovation Centre with the 2022 Future Energy System Award for its impact on the energy systems transition.

Participated · Series A · Jan 2022

Graz-based Easelink has created Matrix Charging, which combines a floor-mounted charging pad with a retractable connector on the vehicle’s underside to form a low-loss conductive link for automated EV charging. Unlike inductive systems, the physical contact minimises energy losses while enabling hands-free operation. To accelerate adoption, the company founded the Matrix Charging Interest Group (MCIG) with Audi, Nissan and Voyah to push a global, ISO/IEC-aligned interface standard; Easelink will license its essential patents on FRAND terms. The consortium follows the blueprint of Bluetooth and NFC special-interest groups, coordinating validation, testing and certification of the interface. Easelink recently secured €11.5 million from the European Innovation Council specifically to fund standardisation work and intends to raise further venture capital for commercial roll-out. In October 2024, Austrian utility Verbund invested €1.5 million to support Easelink’s international expansion. The company is now focused on turning the technology into an industry standard while scaling commercial deployments.