Zählerfreunde specializes in digital solutions for optimizing energy management. The software they have developed enables households and companies to analyze their energy consumption in real time and thus reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions. The offering is particularly relevant in a market where around 16 million smart meters must be installed in Germany alone by 2032. Since many energy suppliers do not yet have the technical infrastructure to fully exploit the potential of these meters, the Munich startup wants to help here with its white-label solution.
New markets in focus
Following the pre-seed financing in 2022, Zählerfreunde has once again convinced investors. The seed financing round that has now been completed brought the startup an undisclosed seven-figure sum. In addition to the previous investors Enpulse and Capacura, Salzburg AG and Stadtwerke Herne are also backing the investment. Various business angels are also participating in the round. The fresh capital is intended to help the company further develop its energy management solution and open up new markets in Europe. Particular attention is being paid to the Austrian market.
Tobias Keussen, CEO of Zählerfreunde, explains:
“This capital injection enables us to achieve further important milestones, because we need new developers and sales employees for that. Our white-label solution is getting even more new features so that it can be seamlessly integrated with the systems of energy suppliers, community power companies and meter operators. For private households and companies, dashboards will be even clearer and more transparent than they already are. We are also expanding intelligent controls through an AI solution so that our customers only consume electricity when it is cheapest.”
Zählerfreunde’s development so far is looking promising to investors. For example, Florian Fichter, managing director of Enpulse, says:
“The development of Zählerfreunde since the pre-seed financing in late 2022 has convinced us to continue investing in the startup. The market potential in Germany and Europe is promising and energy suppliers have a lot of catching up to do. Austria alone will install six million smart meters by the end of 2024. Some EU countries have already achieved one hundred percent coverage – and based on experience, they always need additional software and services for that.”
“Zählerfreunde’s development has convinced us”
And business angel Erich Wex adds:
“Over the past two years, Zählerfreunde has proven that they are capable of securing an increasing market share. The white-label software solution is now being used by more than 20 energy companies. Additionally, a new product was developed specifically for SMEs. Now the startup is also expanding into Austria and Switzerland – and next year into other EU countries as well. With all these promising steps, I want to be a reliable facilitator.”
With Salzburg AG and Stadtwerke Herne, Zählerfreunde has not only found new investors but also customers and partners. Both are looking forward to the upcoming collaboration, as Michael Baminger, CEO of Salzburg AG, indicates:
“Decarbonization, customer focus and continuous innovation are three core values of Salzburg AG. Participating in Zählerfreunde GmbH helps us to drive our innovation strategy, strengthen our position as a provider of digital energy management systems, and create added value for energy efficiency for our customers – together with Zählerfreunde. Therefore, it is a special pleasure for us to support them as they enter the Austrian market.”
And Ulrich Koch, board member of Stadtwerke Herne, says:
“We are convinced: the energy transition will only work if it is also lived locally. The innovative software solution from Zählerfreunde makes every household and every company a local active part of the energy transition. And thanks to the startup dynamics, we ensure the necessary pace together.”
