autarkize Secures EUR 2.3 million in seed financing with innovative pyrolysis technology

The climate tech start-up autarkize from Pfronten has successfully completed a seed financing round of 2.3 million euros. The company plans to use the fresh capital to continue its expansion, particularly in the areas of biogas technology and heat and steam generation. autarkize has set itself the goal of decarbonizing industrial processes and creating large-scale CO₂ sinks in order to make a positive contribution to global climate protection. The financing round was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), other investors include the Dutch impact investor Fair Capital Impact Fund, Interface Capital, Innovation for Impact, Floris Capital and the renowned Business angels Lucas von Fürstenberg and Ulrich Blessing.

Autarkize Founders Michel Konder and Sophie Peter — The autarkize founders: Michel Konder and Sophie Peter © autarkize

The technology developed by autarkize converts biogenic residues such as wood waste, peelings and fermentation residues into renewable gas and certified biochar . The gas produced can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes, while the biochar serves as CO₂ storage and can also be used in agriculture and construction. Each autarkize plant is capable of sequestering between 1,400 and 5,500 tons of CO₂ annually and generating up to 10 GWh of renewable energy, making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.

“Thanks to the financing, we can bring our systems to market on a large scale, offer our customers real added value and at the same time make an important contribution to climate protection. autarkize is excellently positioned to play a leading role in the energy transition,” says Michel Konder , CEO of autarkize.

The plants from autarkize are modular systems that are installed in shipping containers with an output of up to 2.5 megawatts. These container solutions can be easily integrated into existing biogas plants and industrial processes. They also offer an excellent opportunity to decarbonize heating networks, especially for municipal and regional district heating systems.

Autarkize Team — The autarkize team © autarkize

Maximilian Scholz, Investment Manager at HTGF, emphasizes: “We see enormous potential in the use of previously unused waste streams and biomass, which are converted into high-quality synthesis gas and biochar thanks to the innovative pyrolysis technology. This solution not only creates climate-neutral energy, but also makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.”

Patrick Knodel, CEO of Innovation for Impact, is looking for: “Solutions that enable humanity to operate sustainably within planetary boundaries and that are driven by determined founders with strong technical expertise. autarkize meets all these criteria.”

Michelle de Rijk, impact investor at the Fair Capital Impact Fund, also emphasizes:
“The technology of autarkize is a decisive step towards greater resilience to the effects of climate change. This investment fits perfectly with our energy transition program, which aims to create long-term positive change for people and the planet.”