Arnhem-based Deftpower has raised €12.5 million to grow its AI-powered EV charging platform, aiming to optimise charging costs, grid stability, and renewable energy use.
Funding and Investors
Dutch CleanTech startup Deftpower closed a €12.5 million funding round led by Endeit Capital, with participation from existing backers Proeza Ventures, 4impact capital, Rethink Mobility, and angel investor Jan Fredriks. The company stated that the fresh capital will support European expansion and the enhancement of its AI-powered charging infrastructure.
Sara Resvik, Partner at Endeit Capital, highlighted that the company’s data-driven approach positions it to play a central role in Europe’s EV charging future, particularly by combining cost savings, lower emissions, and improved grid management.
Company Background
Founded in 2020 by Jacob van Zonneveld, Marc Diks, and Remco Tjeerdsma, Deftpower develops technology designed to make electric vehicle charging more efficient and less costly. Its platform is offered through white-label solutions for eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs), enabling millions of vehicles to be charged during periods when electricity is cheaper, cleaner, and less demanding on the grid.
Chief Executive Jacob van Zonneveld pointed out that EV charging is often expensive and complicated. He explained that the company’s platform acts as an aggregator, creating benefits not only for drivers but also for charge point operators and grid operators by better aligning demand and supply.
Technology and Impact
Unlike traditional systems, Deftpower’s scalable infrastructure is built to handle millions of transactions with transparency and efficiency, lowering operational costs while reducing complexity for users. The technology can even anticipate charging needs before a vehicle is connected, allowing for proactive energy management.
By shifting charging sessions to times of high renewable energy availability and lower electricity prices, the platform helps reduce CO2 emissions while easing pressure on electricity networks. The company estimates that up to two-thirds of charging demand can be shifted from peak to off-peak hours, which is critical to supporting Europe’s renewable energy transition.
Addressing Grid Challenges
Europe’s power grids are increasingly strained by electrification, with congestion creating significant economic costs. According to the company, building new grid capacity alone will not be sufficient to address the issue. Instead, demand-side solutions such as Deftpower’s AI-based platform are essential to balance renewable generation with consumption.
Currently, the company’s white-label platform supports more than 40 clients across 10 European countries. In addition to investor funding, Deftpower previously received €2.5 million from the EU EIC Accelerator to develop tools for managing grid congestion.
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