Canadian startup Voltra is stepping out of stealth with a bold mission: simplify the mess behind EV charging and energy infrastructure. Backed by $1.8 million in pre-seed funding led by Contrary, with support from Hanover Capital and the Velocity Fund, Voltra is launching its first product—Charge, an EV charging API platform that works like Stripe for the energy world.
Started by Alexander Stratmoen and Aryan Afrouzi while still at the University of Waterloo, Voltra wants to change how developers and energy systems interact. The pair saw how legacy systems, rigid protocols, and proprietary lock-in were holding back innovation. So instead of building yet another grid-scale solution from the top down, they’re going grassroots—with a flexible software layer that gives control back to developers.
The Grid Is Aging Fast—But Demand Keeps Surging
Electricity demand is growing at breakneck speed—fueled by EV adoption, AI-powered data centers, and rapid urban expansion. But the North American grid? It’s not keeping up. Over 70% of transmission lines in the U.S. and Canada are more than 25 years old, pushing beyond their design limits. Massive rebuilds would cost billions and take decades.
That’s where Voltra sees its opening. Rather than rebuilding everything from scratch, the company wants to modernize how we control what’s already there.
Charge: An EV Charging API Built for Developers
Charge is designed to be the easiest way for developers to connect with and control energy assets—whether it’s EV chargers, batteries, or microgrids. Think of it as the Twilio or Stripe of the clean energy world.
Traditionally, integrating with EV infrastructure has been a nightmare for fleet software developers. Legacy middleware, fragmented protocols, and vendor-specific controls made it nearly impossible to scale. Charge flips that script.
It offers a set of modern SDKs and APIs that work across vendors and systems. Developers can tap into charging networks, storage units, or grid-connected assets without rebuilding everything from scratch. Early adopters include fleet operators, multi-unit buildings, and microgrid integrators.
This Is Just the Beginning
Voltra’s roadmap goes well beyond chargers. According to Afrouzi, the same software foundation can eventually power smarter controls for batteries, industrial sites, and full-scale distribution systems. Right now, most of that control is buried behind outdated platforms. Voltra wants to unlock it—and make energy programmable.
This shift mirrors a broader trend. Tesla’s Autobidder, Base Power’s massive $200M raise, and the rise of programmable energy platforms all point to a future where electricity flows are as intelligent as the internet. Voltra is betting that APIs are the missing piece—and they’re getting in early.
Why Investors Are All In
Joe Malchow, founding partner at Hanover Capital and a seasoned energy investor, says Voltra’s impact could be profound. “The grid desperately needs internet-style coordination. What Voltra is building can lead to cheaper charging, smarter business models, and a more reliable grid overall.”
For the founders, this is just the start. “We’re excited to finally launch,” says Stratmoen. “Charge is more than a product—it’s our way of rebuilding the control layer for a modern energy future.”
