42watt is setting the course for its next phase of development. As of January 27, 2026, Obi Group Holding has acquired a majority stake in Enovato GmbH, the company behind 42watt. For the cleantech company, this move primarily means accelerated growth, greater reach, and a stronger market position in the field of energy-efficient building renovation.
Obi and 42watt have had a close partnership since November 2023. Following an early-stage investment, the next logical step now follows. From 42watt's perspective, the majority stake creates the structural prerequisites to roll out its business model nationwide and support even more property owners in implementing renovation projects.
Scaling a digital one-stop shop
42watt positions itself as a central point of contact for energy-efficient renovations in the residential building sector. The startup pursues a comprehensive one-stop-shop approach: customers receive consultation, planning, and implementation from a single source. This includes building analysis, the creation of an individual renovation roadmap, and support until project completion. Additionally, 42watt assists in identifying and utilizing available funding opportunities.
A key differentiating feature lies in the openness of the model. 42watt does not work with fixed component suppliers, but instead draws on its own network of local specialist companies. At the same time, the startup integrates both new renovation projects and already implemented measures that are to be further expanded or combined. In doing so, 42watt addresses a central problem for many property owners: the complexity and fragmentation of energy-efficient renovations.
With Obi's investment, 42watt can significantly scale this approach. Energy-efficient renovation projects can now be started online via Obi and the Hey Obi app. The service is planned to be available in more than 350 Obi stores across Germany in the future. This gives 42watt direct access to a large, existing customer base.
Growth with a strong partner
Marcus Dietmann, founder and CEO of 42watt, says:
"With Obi behind us, we can bring our technology to a wider audience. For us, this is an opportunity to leverage precisely the approach for climate protection in the building sector that we have always envisioned: simple, digital, and feasible for everyone."
42watt also sees clear advantages on a strategic level. Obi's strong brand and nationwide presence create a platform to establish its own solution approach in the market. At the same time, the startup's operational focus remains on further developing its digital offering and collaborating with regional craft businesses.
Sebastian Gundel, CEO of Obi Group Holding, on the role of 42watt in the group context:
“We have been supporting 42watt since November 2023 and have seen the passion with which the team works on solutions for the energy transition. 42watt is a strategically ideal fit for Obi.”
For 42 watts Obi's investment marks the transition to a phase with new operational opportunities. The combination of a digital approach, a regional network of tradespeople, and the reach of an established retail partner creates the foundation for implementing energy-efficient renovation projects on a larger scale in the future.
