Massachusetts-based start-up’s breakthrough energy storage technologies bolster electrification and decarbonization
Amherst, Mass. (September 7, 2023) – florrent, an advanced materials company developing high-energy density ultracapacitor technology, has secured a $2.1M Pre-Seed round to further its transformative energy storage solution. The round was led by MassVentures, with participation from MassMutual Catalyst Fund, AIN Ventures, Tale Venture Partners, NextFab Ventures, Boston Impact Initiative and others. Building off of 3rd-party verified laboratory data demonstrating over 60% increase in activated carbon volumetric capacitance, florrent will use this investment to validate performance improvement in commercial form factor cylindrical cells and scale material production capacity.
“The electrification of industries and the proliferation of renewable power generation is creating a need for a continuum of energy storage technologies to enable the global economy to achieve our ambitious climate goals. Ultracapacitors play an important role in fast-acting stabilization and high power moments on that continuum. florrent’s ultracapacitors are not just a technological innovation; they are a catalyst for a clean and robust electric grid,” said Jose LaSalle, Co-founder and CEO of florrent.
The demand for sub-second and low-minute response in energy storage is surging, with applications spanning industrial processes, transportation, and grid stability expected to grow the global supercapacitor market into a $15 billion industry by 2030 according to the Department of Energy. florrent’s high energy density ultracapacitor can help meet this demand by overcoming traditional bottlenecks in the renewable energy sector.
florrent’s core innovation, a hemp-based activated carbon, outperforms conventional materials that rely on coconut husks and face mounting supply chain disruptions, in both efficiency and sustainability. The company’s strategic decision to source the hemp in the U.S. integrates BIPOC farmers into the supply chain, aligning economic opportunity with environmental responsibility.
LaSalle added, “florrent’s commitment extends beyond technical innovation. By engaging domestic farmers in the clean energy market, we’re bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and social equity.”
“We are thrilled to welcome florrent into the MassVentures portfolio. The company has an exceptional team and their technology is making all the right advances. They hit our investment sweet spot and we are very excited to be a part of their journey,” said Priya Yadav, Vice President, Investments at MassVentures.
The funding will support targeted expansion into critical sectors of the economy. The investment also reflects a growing confidence in florrent’s potential to advance the ultracapacitor market and contribute meaningfully to global climate goals.
florrent is a member of the Activate Fellowship, Greentown Labs, and has been recognized in numerous climatetech competitions, including CleanTech Open, and the DOE IMPEL+ program. Its cutting-edge ultracapacitor technology promises to shape the future of renewable energy, transportation, and industrial applications, fulfilling the global economy’s urgent need for scalable, efficient, and socially responsible solutions.
About florrent
florrent is an advanced materials company developing high energy density ultracapacitor technology to power the energy transition, playing a key role in accelerating the rapid deployment of renewable energy and electrified transportation while ensuring grid stability. For more information, visit www.florrent.com
Media Contact:
Whitney McGoram
(202) 525-0606
Images to share with media:
The florrent team outside of their state-of-the-art R&D headquarters on the UMass Amherst campus
A rendering of florrent’s next-generation high-energy ultracapacitor, the floCAP
