In an era defined by resource scarcity and fragile supply chains, Vireo Ventures, a German early-stage VC firm, is betting on an electric world with the final closing of its Electrification Fund I at €50 million.
The fund will invest in solutions that accelerate an all-electrified future that will secure Europe’s energy independence and competitiveness.
Vireo Ventures is backed by six European energy corporates, including Encevo, Verbund X, and EnBW New Ventures, as well as the European Investment Fund and NRW.Bank and over 80 seasoned entrepreneurs, sector veterans, and EnergyTech enthusiasts.
“Grid investments are central to Europe’s future security and competitiveness. Europe’s electrification push is not just a climate imperative but a geostrategic necessity,” said Felix Krause, Managing Partner at Vireo Ventures. “Startups are uniquely positioned to deliver the speed, innovation, and scalability needed to meet this challenge.”
Founded in 2020, Vireo Ventures is a VC firm backing hardware-enabled startups that are electrifying the world and shaping the future of energy and mobility. The €50 million Electrification Fund I is Article 9 classified under SFDR and backed by institutional and corporate LPs across the energy ecosystem.
The closing comes as Europe faces unprecedented pressure to electrify.
“Our focus is on direct investments in startups,” explains Crispin Leick, Managing Director EnBW New Ventures. “We have known Vireo’s team for a long time and value their experience in the energy and utility sector and our shared vision of an all-electrified world. Thanks to Vireo, we are even closer to startup Seed investments and their further development.”
According to data provided by Vireo, clean electricity supplied 40% of global power in 2024. Yet electricity currently accounts for just 23% of the EU’s final energy consumption. To meet climate and energy targets, that share must increase to 35% by 2030 and 61% by 2050.
Recent analysis shows that electrifying heating, transport, and industry could halve household energy bills, reduce fossil fuel imports by tens of billions, and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.
With the new fund, Vireo is investing in European early-stage companies that are orchestrating and synchronising generation, grids, storage, and downstream applications in mobility, industry, and real estate.
“The closing of the Vireo Ventures Fund is a powerful confirmation to the trust the market places in the team and its mission. From day one, our partnership has been shaped by a shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition through innovation. Vireo’s deep expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and sharp focus on early-stage energy startups in Europe make them an exceptional partner.
“Their ability to identify and support breakthrough technologies has already created tangible value. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to scaling our impact together,” said Dr Franz Zöchbauer, Director Corporate Innovation & New Business Managing Director VERBUND Ventures.
Vireo says that they foster a different kind of relationship, where LPs aren’t just passive investors but collaborators, bringing decades of industry expertise, operational experience, and strategic depth.
With investors spanning Europe and the United States, Vireo’s base of utilities, corporates, and entrepreneurs offers startups opportunities to test and scale their solutions. Early collaborations have reportedly seen portfolio companies pilot technologies with LPs, from grid intelligence applications to decarbonised heating solutions.
“Our LPs are not just investors. They are experts, allies, and partners,” added Krause. “The majority of our 90+ limited partners have a direct connection to the energy industry. They provide critical insights, help shape due diligence, and often join forces with startups in pilot projects or co-investments. This hands-on collaboration is what sets our model apart and accelerates both commercial success and climate impact.”
Since its inception, Vireo has backed startups such as Encentive, Atmen, Green Fusion, and About:Energy, all innovating scalable solutions in areas like grid optimisation, heat decarbonisation, and EV infrastructure.
Several portfolio companies have already secured follow-on funding, strategic partnerships, or industry awards.
“For us, ESG is embedded in our DNA. Every portfolio company we back contributes directly to decarbonising critical infrastructure. Their economic success amplifies their impact,” said Matthias Engel, Managing Partner at Vireo Ventures.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/09/berlins-vireo-ventures-closes-e50-million-fund-to-empower-european-founders-orchestrating-an-all-electrified-world/
