Berlin-based Smalt, a platform dedicated to talent development and technology services for the green energy sector, has secured €8 million in a pre-emptive seed funding round. The funds will be used to accelerate the company’s growth, particularly in addressing the labor shortage for installing renewable energy systems in both commercial and residential properties—one of the major bottlenecks in Europe’s clean energy transition. Founded in September 2023, Smalt has quickly made a name for itself by providing on-demand installation services and full-service solutions, including consultation and financing, to its partners across Germany. The company offers a broad range of services, from subcontracting to installation, and has already built more than 200 photovoltaic systems, particularly for large commercial and multi-family buildings. Its clientele includes some of Germany’s top energy and clean-tech installation companies such as Thermondo, Otovo, and Enviria.
Smalt’s approach is innovative in that it not only provides services, but also addresses the root cause of the labor supply problem by creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. One of the main projects is the official university, which was launched in Berlin and will be spread to four other centers across Germany. The university aims to create a skilled workforce capable of installing and maintaining renewable energy systems. The model is based on a network of installation shops and service shops led by local experts and entrepreneurs. The Smolt training program is open to a wide range of people, including new immigrants, who will have the opportunity to develop a career in one of Europe’s most important industries. This effort is crucial to solving one of the most pressing issues in Europe’s energy transition— the shortage of skilled professionals needed to install and maintain climate tech products. By scaling its workforce development and service platform, Smalt aims to increase labor supply and productivity in the renewable energy sector. Co-founder and Managing Director Marius Westhoff emphasized that Smalt’s franchise model enhances the efficiency of Europe’s renewable energy sector, helping to strengthen European sovereignty. The €8 million seed round was led by noa, Europe’s largest venture capital firm focused on human-built environments, with participation from existing investors General Catalyst, Owl Ventures, and Heartfelt. Arjun Jairaj, an investor at noa, highlighted Smalt’s comprehensive approach to addressing the skilled labor shortage by combining digital and on-site training with a technology platform that ensures high-quality service delivery across projects.