BTRY: The Venture Leader Cleantech charging solid-state lithium-ion batteries in one minute

10.10.2024 15:30, Rita Longobardi

Meet Moritz Futscher, CEO of BTRY. The cleantech startup aims to redefine the world of energy storage by developing an energy-dense solid-state battery that can be charged in one minute. In November, Moritz and the other nine Swiss National Cleantech Team members will travel to Munich on a business development and investor roadshow.

Name: Moritz Futscher
Location: Uster, Switzerland
Nationality: Austria
Graduated from: University of Amsterdam
Job title: Co-Founder & CEO
Number of employees: 8
Money raised: CHF 1.8m
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Venture Kick

 

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Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
At BTRY, we are developing an energy-dense battery that can be charged and discharged within one minute and offers extended temperature stability. Our solution benefits a wide range of applications. For instance, it can enable new uses that require a high power output in a short time or need to operate at temperatures above boiling or below freezing. Additionally, our battery technology can enhance existing solutions by offering fast charging capabilities and reducing the downtime of devices.

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
We are initially targeting the IoT market, especially applications that involve remote sensors operating in extreme temperatures. These devices require high power to record signals and transmit them periodically. Specifically, we are focusing on the microbattery segment of this market, which is projected to reach a value of USD 240 million by 2030. In the future, we plan to expand our offerings to the consumer electronics market, the Medtech market, and the broader IoT market, each of which has a battery market size in the billions of USD.

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
The idea for our startup came up during my time at Empa, where one of my responsibilities was to acquire new research projects. This involved many discussions with key industry stakeholders. Seeing the interest and need for the technology we were developing inspired me to start this venture. This meant first learning what it means to start a university spin-off, building a proof of concept, filing a patent application, and ultimately incorporating our startup.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
I expect the Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow to connect us with the right partners and investors who believe in our vision and are interested in joining us to achieve our growth objectives. Additionally, the exposure to a network of experts and market leaders will provide us with valuable insights, helping us refine our strategies and validate our market approach.
  What are your team’s key achievements to date?
Our team has achieved several significant milestones since incorporation. Key highlights include closing our pre-seed financing round just eight months after incorporation, signing a joint development agreement for scaling our production, and selling our first batteries to a customer.

What is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of being a founder?
The most rewarding aspect of being a founder is seeing an idea transform into a tangible result and having the opportunity to make a long-lasting impact. The most challenging aspect is navigating the transition from being a scientist to becoming an entrepreneur, which requires not only an expansion of skills but also a shift in mindset.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that building a company involves much more than just technology. It encompasses various aspects such as marketing, finances, team management, stakeholder management, operational management, and many more. Additionally, having the right team from the beginning is crucial for building trust, which is key for growing and learning quickly together.

What is your favourite productivity hack/tool and why?
My favorite productivity hack is prioritizing tasks and keeping time free in my schedule. The calendar can quickly fill up, leaving little time to work on tasks. By blocking out times in the calendar, I can stay organized. Another technique that works great for me is using my inbox as a to-do list, which helps me stay on top of things.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
As a child, one of my dream jobs was to become a botanist. I was always inspired by nature and the process of creating things, which sparked my desire to become a scientist and understand the world around me.