(Cologne, September 27, 2023)
Cologne-based climate-tech startup Vamo, founded by Laurenz Ohlig, Falk Hantl and Dr. Jan Ossenbrink, aims to massively accelerate the heat transition in Germany by focusing on heat pumps. With a combination of great vision, solid model and strong traction since its market launch in February, the startup was able to win over three experienced VCs and raise a total of three million euros in a seed round.
With a combination of great vision, solid model and strong traction, the trio was able to attract three experienced VCs. The newly formed VC Realyze Ventures, is taking the lead ticket.
With the Commerzbank venture arm neosfer from Frankfurt am Main and Caesar Ventures from Munich, two investors with a lot of fintech experience are also coming on board as followers. In addition, well-known angel investors from the industry are joining, such as Tobias Schütt (DZ-4), Valentin Sawadski (Tado), or Max Schroeren (Enter). Already in winter, some well-known faces from the German start-up scene such as Hanno Heintzenberg (McMakler, MAYD), Florian Huber (United Domains, Neubau Kompass) and Gunnar Froh (Wunder Mobility) had provided the team with initial seed funding.
Laurenz Ohlig explains where the focus on the heat pump comes from: “If you soberly juxtapose the various solutions for sustainable heating, you quickly find that the heat pump is the only scalable solution for decarbonizing the building sector in a timely manner. The good thing is that the technology is mature and available. What we lack in Germany is the speed in retrofitting.”
In addition to traditional sales to private end customers, Vamo also offers an all-round carefree subscription for air-to-water heat pumps. Falk Hantl comments: “Unlike a solar system, which is an optional investment, no one can do without a heating system. In addition: If the solar system fails, I still have the power grid. If the heating fails, the apartment and shower remain cold. Here, with the 0€ heat pump, we take the argument of the high initial investment out of the equation and ensure that our customers don’t have to worry about the new technology. Because we take care that the system runs and runs and runs.”
The growth capital will go toward scaling the core business. Vamo relies heavily on its own installation teams, which receive training and development at an in-house academy. As one of the few enterprises the young enterprise may call itself already today “specialized heat pump company”. The seal is awarded by the German Heat Pump Association and stands for special technical know-how and craftsmanship in the design and installation of heat pumps.
In addition to the consistent digitalization of the sales, logistics and installation processes, Vamo is also working on its own software for the operation of heat pumps. Dr. Jan Ossenbrink explains: “We will network the heat pumps and control them in such a way that they can respond intelligently to the supply of electricity from the sun and wind. This heat battery will bring our customers significant savings without sacrificing comfort and will support the power grid in critical situations.”
