The Venture Codex

Participated · Equity · Jun 2021

Kitepower is a Delft-based spin-off from TU Delft’s kite power research group, co-founded in 2016 by Johannes Peschel and Roland Schmehl. The company develops mobile airborne wind energy systems (AWES) and has built a 100 kW system with support from an EU Horizon 2020 Fast Track to Innovation grant. Its systems are designed for deployment in remote rural and harsh environments where conventional renewable energy is impractical, targeting diesel-dependent industries to reduce CO2 emissions. Kitepower has been mentored by YES!Delft and supported by angel investor and wind expert Henk Hutting. The company secured €3 million to further develop and commercialise its AWES, with ENERGIIQ, Stichting ifund, and Windhandel Beheer each investing €1 million. The funding is intended to refine the system and support commercial rollout, and investors are expected to provide networks and expert contacts to aid scaling.