With millions of decentralised devices—such as solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, and heat pumps generating and consuming power locally, energy suppliers and grid operators need to redesign electricity grids for new types of interconnections and speed up their ongoing electrification and decarbonisation efforts.
This is why we are excited to partner with Powernaut, a Belgium-based startup on a mission to transform the energy sector by developing orchestration software for decentralised energy systems to optimise them across the portfolio of energy suppliers. Combining software, AI, and energy engineering, the company aims to enhance energy efficiency for energy suppliers by integrating and managing flexible devices across their networks.
Founded by Florentijn Degroote and Serge Morel, long-time friends with a shared vision for transforming the energy sector, Powernaut ensures that decentralised devices are integrated effectively with the wider grid, balancing local production with grid demands. This coordination enables energy suppliers to offer new, cost-effective solutions to consumers while eliminating dependence on fossil fuels.
Florentijn Degroote, co-founder and CEO of Powernaut, emphasizes:
“Navigating the transition is tough sailing, especially with so many renewables being installed without much coordination. Unlike traditional power plants, solar panels and wind turbines rely on fluctuating natural conditions, making our energy production increasingly unpredictable. To effectively add more renewables and keep costs low for everyone, these smart connected devices should and can be managed more efficiently with tailored software and AI technology.”
Serge Morel, co-founder and CTO of Powernaut, adds:
“Our new decentralised system has the potential to save consumers and businesses across Europe more than €300 billion annually, while cutting millions of tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Having our investors on board is crucial—they share our mission, provide capital, and bring valuable expertise from backing Europe’s leading unicorns. Their support will help us scale quickly, bring in new talent, and achieve our climate goals.”
On why we partnered with Powernaut, Kate McGinn from our investment team highlights:
“Our current energy system is rigid, dirty, and at capacity. Decentralised energy assets are creating an opportunity for us to rethink and upgrade our energy system. Powernaut is enabling this transition by allowing energy suppliers to integrate and manage residential flexible devices across their networks. We are thrilled to back Flor and Serge in their pursuit to decentralise the energy sector.”
We are excited to support Powernaut from Day One and participate in their €2.4 million pre-seed round alongside Revent, Pitchdrive and Syndicate One. With the fresh funding, the company aims to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels while lowering costs for consumers.For more information, visit powernaut.io.