University of Birmingham spinout closes a seed investment round with £1.5M funding

About:Energy, a battery software company that is a spinout of the University of Birmingham and Imperial College London has closed a seed investment round with funding of £1.5M.

The funding will be allocated towards the rapid commercialisation and development of their proprietary first product, a software platform called The Voltt, which was launched only two months ago. The Voltt significantly reduces the cost to design new battery products through virtual prototyping. Shortening battery design timelines will contribute significantly to industry decarbonisation.

The funds will also enable About:Energy to establish an independent laboratory and expand its team.

David Coleman, chief executive of the University of Birmingham Enterprise, said: “One of our primary goals is to see products and services launched that are based on University research. It’s satisfying to see About:Energy launch its first product and achieve investor interest in such a short period of time since the company launched in 2022, particularly as the product will help accelerate the adoption of cleaner and more environmentally friendly options for energy storage.”

The Voltt is currently used by cell manufacturers, battery system developers and automotive OEMs around the world.

Gavin White, co-founder and chief executive, said: “Our focus for the next 12 months is to establish About:Energy as a leading battery data and software company, and to leverage the power of The Voltt to drive innovation and efficiency in the industry.

“This investment will enable us to integrate the latest battery research from our partnering institutions, creating a comprehensive solution for battery design and optimisation.”

Emma Kendrick, professor of energy materials at Birmingham’s School of Metallurgy & Materials, added: “This investment will enable further knowledge transfer in characterisation from academic partners and allow A:E to grow their high accuracy testing methods and procedures, providing data for the Voltt, and tailored solutions for sustainable battery design, manufacturing and integration.”