As electric vehicles and battery-powered devices rapidly become the norm, Europe faces mounting challenges—battery waste, critical material shortages, and inefficient recycling systems. Dutch startup NOWOS is taking on this environmental crisis with a circular solution: repairing, reusing, and refurbishing lithium-ion batteries.
Founded in 2019, NOWOS specializes in restoring used batteries to extend their lifespan. Instead of throwing them away, the company salvages valuable materials and reduces the carbon footprint tied to battery production. Their approach is catching on—and investors are noticing.
€6M Funding to Expand Battery Repair Infrastructure
NOWOS has just secured €6 million in equity funding. The round was led by Shift4Good, an impact venture fund focused on sustainable transport. Dutch investors Fair Capital Impact Fund and Goeie Grutten Impact Fund also joined in. To further support expansion, NOWOS is raising an additional €3 million in debt financing.
With this funding, the company plans to open new repair hubs in Poland (2025) and Germany (2026) to meet rising European demand. The investment will also fuel the development of a Battery Passport system—a digital tool for tracking battery history—and expand repair capabilities across new sectors.
Building Smarter, Greener Battery Repair Systems
Chief Impact Officer Alix Armour shared that the funds will go toward upgrading NOWOS’s internal systems. These include automation tools, proprietary battery testing equipment, and IT infrastructure improvements. Additionally, their R&D team will receive a budget boost to explore advanced repair methods and diagnostic technologies.
These upgrades aim to speed up the repair process, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency.
A Circular Economy at the Core
Based in the Netherlands, NOWOS was co-founded by Ambre Eppler, Prins Doornekamp, Jan Bartels, and Steven Bradshaw. From the start, the company has focused on solving one critical issue: the growing inefficiency of battery disposal. They saw an opportunity in the micromobility sector, repairing batteries for e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds.
As a social enterprise, NOWOS embeds ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values into its business model. The goal is to make battery repair economically sustainable while reducing waste and emissions.
Armour summed it up: “We’re proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Our mission is to build a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries—where every battery gets a second life.”
Major Growth: 310,000kg of Batteries Repaired in 2024
NOWOS’s early customers include micromobility giants like Dott, Felyx, Qwic, and Dance, as well as international manufacturers such as NIU, Phylion, and Segway-Ninebot. In 2024 alone, NOWOS repaired over 310,000 kilograms of batteries—roughly 90,000 individual units spanning 98 models.
Thanks to its deep technical knowledge and B2B-focused model, NOWOS is now expanding into other sectors. These include material handling equipment, energy storage systems, power tools, robotics, drones, and even medical devices.
Co-founder Prins Doornekamp explained: “This new funding gives us the momentum to accelerate our mission. We want to make battery repair—not replacement—the standard across Europe.”
Investor Backing for Long-Term Impact
Lead investor Shift4Good believes in the model. Based in Paris and Singapore, the fund is committed to backing clean transportation and circular economy solutions. Its founder, Yann Marteil, emphasized the importance of reducing waste and conserving materials—especially in the transport sector.
“NOWOS’s B2B model is scalable,” said Marteil. “Their localized repair hubs meet unique client needs, making their approach both efficient and adaptable. We’re investing in more than a company—we’re investing in a sustainable future.”
Collaboration Over Competition in Battery Repair
When it comes to competition, Armour acknowledges that the battery repair space is growing fast. However, she sees collaboration—not rivalry—as the key to progress.
“We work closely with OEMs and recycling partners,” she said. “Our strength lies in high-volume repairs, direct ties with battery manufacturers, and a database covering 98 battery types. We’re building an ecosystem—one that values every stage of a battery’s life.”
From Micromobility to Europe-Wide Leadership
NOWOS has become a go-to partner for fleet operators and OEMs seeking sustainable alternatives to battery replacement. Its model cuts waste, boosts efficiency, and supports Europe’s shift to clean energy.
As Fair Capital Impact Fund’s investor Marije Schasfoort put it: “NOWOS leads the charge in building a circular battery economy. Their scalable model and sustainability-first mission make them a perfect match for impact-driven investment.”
