Munich-based energy-tech startup Co‑Power has secured $7.3 million in seed funding, led by Cherry Ventures, joined by Abacon Capital, Aurum Impact, Flixbus founders, former Encavis CEO Dierk Paskert, and other experienced industry angels. The new capital supports Co‑Power’s mission to deliver on-site solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems to industrial clients - offering up to 50% energy cost savings without any upfront investment.

The High-Stakes Energy Challenge for Industry

European industrial facilities face soaring electricity prices - often more than twice those of counterparts in the U.S. or China - driven by volatile energy markets, high grid fees, and intermittent renewable generation. While renewable capacity is expanding rapidly, a lack of on-site storage leaves many businesses exposed to grid instability and unpredictable operating costs.

Co‑Power’s Zero-Capex, Full-Service Model

Co‑Power’s model simplifies the clean energy transition for industrial operators. Their approach starts with a free, detailed 48-hour audit of each site’s energy usage. Once approved, Co‑Power fully finances, installs, owns, and operates solar panels and battery systems on-site. This means customers can access substantial energy savings without any upfront capital expenditure or operational burden.

From the first day of operation, most sites achieve energy cost reductions of up to 50%, thanks to a smart combination of solar generation, battery-based peak shaving, time-shifted energy consumption, and revenue from grid services and power trading. Typically, these savings come from a blend of solar (about 50%), peak shaving (30%), and trading or ancillary services (20%).

Why Founders Should Own the Whole Stack

Co‑Power’s business model highlights a valuable lesson for founders: own the entire value chain, not just one layer. While many energy startups focus on narrow segments like software or installation, Co‑Power embraced vertical integration - from financing to hardware deployment to continuous optimization.

This approach not only strengthens margins and customer loyalty but also creates a defensible moat in a competitive market. For founders in any industry, tackling root-level infrastructure problems - rather than offering superficial solutions - can unlock long-term value and market leadership.

Building the First Industrial Virtual Power Plant

Co‑Power isn’t simply deploying individual on-site systems. Instead, it is knitting these installations into a unified Virtual Power Plant (VPP) - a flexible network that aggregates solar and storage capacity across industrial customers. The VPP can dynamically supply clean energy and provide critical grid services, turning what used to be passive power assets into active revenue-generating tools.

As co-founder Jan Krüger explains, "When renewable generation is high, use it; when prices spike, store or trade it." By empowering businesses to adopt this smart, flexible approach, Co‑Power is transforming industrial sites from energy consumers into active participants in Europe’s energy markets.

Real-World Traction & First Deployments

Founded in 2024 by Jan Krüger and Kilian Zedelius, Co‑Power has already launched deployments in sectors ranging from food processing to logistics and mechanical engineering. One automotive supplier, for example, implemented Co‑Power’s PV-plus-battery system to cap peak demand, reduce grid fees, and generate additional income through trading - achieving a 27% energy cost reduction in the first year alone.

Customers consistently report more stable operational budgets, increased resilience during grid disruptions, and a seamless pathway to meet sustainability targets - all without draining their own capital reserves.

Fueling Expansion with Seed Capital

The $7.3 million seed round will drive Co‑Power’s expansion across three main pillars. First, it will help scale engineering teams to accelerate installations and roll out new sites. Second, it will enable the development of their Virtual Power Plant platform, allowing them to better coordinate and monetize distributed energy resources. Third, it will strengthen their trading and optimization engine using advanced data analytics and machine learning to forecast and adapt to market dynamics.

This funding comes at a crucial time, as European policies increasingly favor decentralized, resilient clean energy solutions and support infrastructure that helps businesses transition away from fossil fuels.

Expertise at the Helm

Co‑Power’s leadership team combines technical expertise with strategic insight. Jan Krüger brings extensive experience in energy project development and finance, while Kilian Zedelius contributes a strong background in energy strategy and operations consulting. Together, they have crafted a vision to make clean energy a competitive edge rather than a cost burden for industrial companies.

Their integrated approach resonates deeply with investors focused on climate and infrastructure, validating Co‑Power’s potential to become a cornerstone in Europe’s industrial energy transition.

Europe’s Resilience & Green Energy Opportunity

Grid volatility and rising energy prices pose not just financial risks but existential threats to industrial operators. Co‑Power’s solution transforms these risks into advantages, turning on-site solar and battery systems into strategic assets that reduce costs, enhance resilience, and create new revenue streams.

The $7.3 million seed round is more than just financial backing; it is a strong vote of confidence in a future where decentralized, clean energy empowers businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. As Co‑Power scales across Europe, it proves that clean power isn’t just about cutting emissions - it’s a strategic business decision that can define the next generation of industrial leadership.