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Dutch Startup iwell Raises €27M for Smart Energy Growth

Dutch Startup iwell Raises €27M for Smart Energy Growth Dutch Startup iwell Raises €27M for Smart Energy Growth
IMAGE CREDITS: IWELL

The Netherlands is leading the charge in renewable energy, with green sources now making up around 40% of the country’s electricity production. But this rapid progress has come at a price: the nation’s aging electricity grid is struggling to keep up. Grid congestion has become a growing problem, leading to wasted renewable energy and putting thousands of new projects on hold. More than 12,000 companies are still waiting for grid connections across the Netherlands, and the issue is spreading fast across Europe.

That’s where iwell steps in. Based in Utrecht, iwell is tackling this urgent challenge with smart, modular battery storage systems and intelligent energy management software. Their technology stores surplus renewable energy during low-demand periods and releases it when demand peaks — helping ease grid pressure while making clean energy more efficient and accessible.

Today, iwell announced it has raised €27 million in fresh funding to supercharge its growth. The round was led by Meridiam, with strong backing from Invest-NL, Rabobank, and existing investors. The funding will fuel iwell’s European expansion, starting with Germany and the UK, where demand for smart energy solutions is climbing. With new offices already open in Düsseldorf and Ghent, and a UK launch set for April 2025, iwell is positioning itself at the heart of Europe’s energy transformation.

Founder and CEO Jan Willem de Jong described the funding as a major milestone: “This investment gives us the firepower to scale into a pan-European powerhouse. In today’s world, energy independence isn’t just an ideal — it’s critical. Our mission is about making sure the cleanest kilowatt-hour is also the cheapest.”

Scaling Smarter Energy for Europe’s Future

iwell’s new investment isn’t just about international expansion. A significant portion of the capital will be used to strengthen its software, data analytics, and AI capabilities. According to de Jong, smart energy controls are no longer a nice-to-have — they’re essential. “Without an intelligent EMS platform, a battery is just a costly and underused asset. The real magic happens when you truly understand the unique energy needs of each customer,” he said.

Founded on the belief that business can be a force for good, iwell’s mission is clear: deliver clean, affordable energy for everyone. De Jong, a serial entrepreneur, envisioned a company that could move Europe away from a centralised, fossil-fueled energy system toward a local, clean, and dynamic future.

At the heart of iwell’s offering is a simple yet powerful idea: store green energy when it’s cheap and plentiful, and release it when it’s needed most. Their AI-driven platform doesn’t just manage energy — it predicts and optimizes it. By analysing real-time data, weather patterns, and market prices, the system helps customers slash their energy bills, reduce CO₂ emissions, and even participate in energy trading and grid-balancing services.

Why iwell’s Smart Storage Stands Out

The beauty of iwell’s technology lies in its flexibility. Whether it’s helping a logistics hub, a factory, or a growing fleet of electric trucks, iwell’s intelligent battery systems deliver stable, reliable power when it matters most.

For example, DAF Trucks has teamed up with iwell to support customers investing in electric fleets across Europe’s top e-truck markets. As more sectors electrify — from heating to transport to massive data centres — the strain on Europe’s grids will only grow. Smart solutions like iwell’s are becoming indispensable.

The company already claims that each project cuts CO₂ emissions by an impressive 2,600 tonnes per year and lowers energy costs by up to 30%. And with European electricity demand projected to jump by 25% before 2030, the need for scalable, intelligent storage is only going to intensify.

De Jong puts it simply: “Energy independence is the foundation of Europe’s future prosperity.”

Strong Investor Backing Signals Bright Future

iwell’s vision has attracted some of Europe’s biggest names in climate-focused investing. David Tuohy, Chairman of iwell’s Supervisory Board, praised the company’s pivotal role: “The future energy system will be decarbonised and decentralised. None of that is possible without smart storage. That’s why we’re so excited to have Meridiam and Invest-NL backing us.”

Eric Rey, Managing Director at Meridiam’s Green Impact Growth Fund, added: “iwell is poised to become a true European leader. Their track record with complex projects and hands-on approach positions them perfectly to drive sustainable electrification across the continent.”

Invest-NL’s senior investment manager Wouter van Westenbrugge echoed that optimism, highlighting iwell’s critical role in building a more flexible, resilient energy system. “iwell empowers companies to lead the energy transition while keeping energy affordable and strengthening grid stability,” he said.

With this momentum and new funding in hand, iwell is ready to scale smart energy solutions across Europe, making renewable energy not just more sustainable — but smarter, more reliable, and truly within everyone’s reach.

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