IONATE: Powering the Future of Energy with €16.3 Million in New Funding
February 6, 2025, 9:34 am

Location: United Kingdom, England, Cambridge
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2006
In a world where energy demands are skyrocketing, IONATE emerges as a beacon of innovation. This London-based DeepTech startup has successfully raised €16.3 million in a Series A funding round, signaling a significant leap toward modernizing global power systems. The funding round, led by AlbionVC, attracted a diverse group of strategic investors, including In-Q-Tel (IQT), JGC MIRAI Innovation Fund, and institutional players like Santander InnoEnergy Climate Fund and Antares Ventures. Existing shareholders, such as IQ Capital, Zero Carbon Capital, and Cycle Group, also joined the fray, underscoring the confidence in IONATE's vision.
Founded in 2019 by a trio of visionaries—Luca Mezossy-Dona, Matthew Williams, and Roberto Ricci—IONATE is on a mission to transform the aging electrical infrastructure that underpins our modern lives. Their innovative approach combines hardware and software into a single, cost-effective solution, tackling the inefficiencies of traditional power systems. Think of IONATE as a conductor, orchestrating a symphony of energy resources into a harmonious, efficient grid.
The urgency for such innovation is palpable. With global electricity consumption projected to double by 2050, the stakes are high. Much of the existing grid infrastructure is nearing the end of its life, creating a vast market for modernization. Recent studies estimate that a staggering €20.6 trillion will be required to upgrade the electricity grid to meet net-zero targets by mid-century. IONATE is poised to capture a slice of this lucrative pie.
At the heart of IONATE's offering is the Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT). This cutting-edge hardware replaces outdated transformers with smart equivalents that can detect, analyze, and resolve power disturbances in real time. Imagine a watchful guardian, ensuring that energy flows smoothly and efficiently. Coupled with the Aurora software platform, IONATE unlocks network efficiency and enhances the capacity for renewable energy integration. This AI-enabled control system is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer for utilities, manufacturers, and data centers.
The benefits of IONATE's technology are compelling. Their systems can handle 33% more distributed energy resources, carry 25% more power without the need for costly upgrades, and reduce wasted energy by 6%. These figures are not just numbers; they represent a tangible shift toward a more resilient and flexible energy landscape.
IONATE's collaboration with energy giant EDP marks a significant milestone. The partnership focuses on enhancing energy networks in Portugal and Spain, laying the groundwork for broader European expansion. This collaboration is akin to planting seeds in fertile soil, promising growth and innovation in the energy sector.
Recognition is pouring in for IONATE. The company has garnered accolades from prestigious organizations, including NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). Such endorsements highlight the potential of IONATE's technology to not only meet energy demands but also address environmental challenges.
The investment from AlbionVC and other strategic partners will fuel IONATE's growth across key markets, including a planned launch of operations in the United States. This expansion is not just a business move; it’s a commitment to transforming how we think about and use energy.
The energy landscape is evolving. As national networks, industrial players, and data centers recognize the urgent need for modernization, IONATE stands ready to lead the charge. The company’s unique positioning in the market, combined with its innovative technology, sets the stage for a new era in energy management.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, IONATE’s approach is a reminder that the backbone of our society—our energy systems—must evolve. The transition from passive, outdated grids to smart, decentralized energy platforms is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.
As we look to the future, IONATE embodies the spirit of innovation. Their journey is just beginning, but the potential is immense. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, IONATE is not just participating in the energy revolution; they are leading it.
In conclusion, IONATE’s recent funding round is more than a financial milestone; it’s a signal of the times. The energy sector is ripe for disruption, and IONATE is at the forefront. With their groundbreaking technology and strategic partnerships, they are poised to redefine how we harness and distribute energy. The future is bright, and IONATE is ready to illuminate the path forward.
Founded in 2019 by a trio of visionaries—Luca Mezossy-Dona, Matthew Williams, and Roberto Ricci—IONATE is on a mission to transform the aging electrical infrastructure that underpins our modern lives. Their innovative approach combines hardware and software into a single, cost-effective solution, tackling the inefficiencies of traditional power systems. Think of IONATE as a conductor, orchestrating a symphony of energy resources into a harmonious, efficient grid.
The urgency for such innovation is palpable. With global electricity consumption projected to double by 2050, the stakes are high. Much of the existing grid infrastructure is nearing the end of its life, creating a vast market for modernization. Recent studies estimate that a staggering €20.6 trillion will be required to upgrade the electricity grid to meet net-zero targets by mid-century. IONATE is poised to capture a slice of this lucrative pie.
At the heart of IONATE's offering is the Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT). This cutting-edge hardware replaces outdated transformers with smart equivalents that can detect, analyze, and resolve power disturbances in real time. Imagine a watchful guardian, ensuring that energy flows smoothly and efficiently. Coupled with the Aurora software platform, IONATE unlocks network efficiency and enhances the capacity for renewable energy integration. This AI-enabled control system is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer for utilities, manufacturers, and data centers.
The benefits of IONATE's technology are compelling. Their systems can handle 33% more distributed energy resources, carry 25% more power without the need for costly upgrades, and reduce wasted energy by 6%. These figures are not just numbers; they represent a tangible shift toward a more resilient and flexible energy landscape.
IONATE's collaboration with energy giant EDP marks a significant milestone. The partnership focuses on enhancing energy networks in Portugal and Spain, laying the groundwork for broader European expansion. This collaboration is akin to planting seeds in fertile soil, promising growth and innovation in the energy sector.
Recognition is pouring in for IONATE. The company has garnered accolades from prestigious organizations, including NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). Such endorsements highlight the potential of IONATE's technology to not only meet energy demands but also address environmental challenges.
The investment from AlbionVC and other strategic partners will fuel IONATE's growth across key markets, including a planned launch of operations in the United States. This expansion is not just a business move; it’s a commitment to transforming how we think about and use energy.
The energy landscape is evolving. As national networks, industrial players, and data centers recognize the urgent need for modernization, IONATE stands ready to lead the charge. The company’s unique positioning in the market, combined with its innovative technology, sets the stage for a new era in energy management.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, IONATE’s approach is a reminder that the backbone of our society—our energy systems—must evolve. The transition from passive, outdated grids to smart, decentralized energy platforms is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.
As we look to the future, IONATE embodies the spirit of innovation. Their journey is just beginning, but the potential is immense. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, IONATE is not just participating in the energy revolution; they are leading it.
In conclusion, IONATE’s recent funding round is more than a financial milestone; it’s a signal of the times. The energy sector is ripe for disruption, and IONATE is at the forefront. With their groundbreaking technology and strategic partnerships, they are poised to redefine how we harness and distribute energy. The future is bright, and IONATE is ready to illuminate the path forward.