Ionate Raises $17M To Revolutionize Electric Grid Tech

London-based smart grid technology startup IONATE announced that it has raised $17 million in a Series A funding round to support its growth across key markets, including launching operations in the United States and further advancing its innovative technology. Founded in 2019, IONATE provides cutting-edge solutions to modernize electric grids, aiming to address the increasing demand for decarbonization and artificial intelligence-driven operations.

IONATE's innovative solutions include the Hybrid Intelligent Transformer, HIT, and the Aurora Platform, both for the optimization of electric grid efficiency and capacity. HIT is an intelligent transformer alternative that includes high-fidelity data and offers fine-grained control over power flows. The capability to detect and analyze disturbances and resolve them in real-time ensures that the system is more stable and resilient compared to other forms of grids. Complementing this hardware is the AI-powered Aurora Platform, which coordinates HITs across networks to unlock efficiency and smart grid capabilities. Together, these solutions enable electric grids to handle a higher influx of distributed energy sources such as solar power, electric vehicles (EVs), and heat pumps, all while minimizing power waste and reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.

Funding Round AlbionVC led the round, with IQT, JGC MIRAI Innovation Fund, and a number of institutional investors, like Santander InnoEnergy Climate Fund and Antares Ventures. Existing shareholders involved in the funding round included IQ Capital, Zero Carbon Capital, and Cycle Group.

Matthew Williams, Founder and CEO of IONATE, emphasized the critical role of modernized electrical infrastructure in supporting progress across various industries. He highlighted the company’s readiness to address the challenges faced by national networks, industrial players, and data centers, underscoring the importance of resilience, flexibility, and efficiency for energy systems. Williams stated, “IONATE is uniquely positioned to strengthen all three.”

The landscape of energy continues to evolve and put pressure on electric grids, which are to be more decentralized and renewable but still reliable and efficient. IONATE is an innovative solution that can fully address these issues, allowing the grids to cope with the rising demand for clean energy and digital connectivity without necessarily requiring significant physical upgrades. The company wants to change traditional grid operations by making them more dynamic and data-driven, by leveraging AI and advanced hardware for the efficient management of modern energy needs.

David Grimm, Partner at AlbionVC, praised IONATE’s pioneering technology and its impact on grid infrastructure. He highlighted the company’s rapid traction with utilities and strategic partners, noting its potential to deliver transformative, long-term solutions that align with the growing demand for clean electricity and enhanced performance. “Their patented technology and first-mover advantage position IONATE to deliver a transformative, long-term product that brings the promise of clean electricity alongside performance requirements,” Grimm said.

The successful funding round for the Series A means that IONATE has continued to advance toward its goal of redefining grid technology. The investment not only helps IONATE in expanding into new markets but also accelerates the development and deployment of its innovative solutions. This is all towards sustainability and technological advancement, ensuring that IONATE plays a pivotal role in enabling the transition to cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy systems.

The urgent need for intelligent grid solutions intensifies as efforts to combat climate change become global. IONATE's innovation and ability to address key challenges in the energy sector position the company as a leader in the ongoing transformation of electric grids. With its breakthrough technologies and strategic investments, IONATE is well-equipped to drive the future of sustainable and AI-integrated grid operations.