Climate tech
Q1 202425.03.2024

Smart Cities & Greener Homes

Picture of Shubham Jaipuria

Shubham Jaipuria

at Sifted

In 2023, startups operating within the realm of smart cities and eco-friendly homes experienced a prosperous year. Throughout Europe, these startups garnered significant funding rounds, exemplified by H2 Green Steel’s €1.5b round. With cities responsible for over 70% of global emissions, and home heating alone contributing 14% of the UK's emissions, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions in this sector.

Startups are focusing on various areas such as eco-friendly metals, clean transportation solutions, heat pump technology, as well as governmental and civic technology, among other niches. Notably, the sector has drawn the attention of prominent figures in Europe's clean energy landscape, such as Harald Mix. Recognized for his involvement in successful ventures like H2 Green Steel and Northvolt, Mix has initiated a startup called Aira, specializing in domestic heat pumps. Aira recently secured a substantial €145 million Series B funding round. With European policymakers emphasizing sustainability, particularly in light of the bloc's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, there are promising prospects ahead for this sector.

20 most promising early-stage startups

  • RABOT CHARGE logo

    Sifted score

    8.4
    -

    RABOT CHARGE

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Serial founder(s)
    • Hiring
    • Year founded

      2021

    • HQ

      Hamburg, Germany

    • Latest round

      Seed
      17.5m / Jan 2023

    • Total funding

      22m

  • Woltair logo

    Sifted score

    8.17
    -

    Woltair

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Serial founder(s)
    • Year founded

      2018

    • HQ

      Prague, Czech Republic

    • Latest round

      Series A
      20.5m / Jun 2023

    • Total funding

      37.8m

  • Lun logo

    Sifted score

    8.03
    -

    Lun

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Serial founder(s)
    • Hiring
    • Year founded

      2021

    • HQ

      Copenhagen, Denmark

    • Latest round

      Seed
      10.3m / Mar 2023

    • Total funding

      10.3m

  • HeyCharge logo

    Sifted score

    7.77
    -

    HeyCharge

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Serial founder(s)
    • Year founded

      2020

    • HQ

      Munich, Germany

    • Latest round

      Seed
      4.3m / Jan 2022

    • Total funding

      4.6m

  • 42watt logo

    Sifted score

    7.4
    -

    42watt

    • Serial founder(s)
    • Hiring
    • Year founded

      2021

    • HQ

      Munich, Germany

    • Latest round

      Seed
      3.6m / Jan 2023

    • Total funding

      8.3m

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