Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Smart Energy Innovationsfonds AG, the venture capital arm of Zurich energy supplier Energie 360° AG, on two Series A financings. Smart Energy Innovationsfunds has acquired minority interest in VoltStorage GmbH, Munich, and in Luftmeister GmbH, Kirchzarten.

Smart Energy Innovationsfonds, founded in July 2015, invests in young, fast growing companies with a strong technology focus in the energy sector which are contributing to a sustainable energy future. VoltStorage develops battery storage devices for private households which are capable of temporarily storing solar power. For this purpose, the start-up has developed the prototype of an innovative battery storage device and the related control technology under the HAX Accelerator Programme in Shenzhen, China. Luftmeister has developed the world’s first air meter and air energy meter recording air consumption and energy flows within air-conditioning and process air systems based on high-precision mass flow and enthalpy sensors.

Klaus Bader, Head of Energy, Europe at Norton Rose Fulbright, comments:

“These transactions are an example of the general trend in the energy sector to increasingly invest in innovative start-ups and to evaluate new business models.”

Norton Rose Fulbright regularly advises Energie 360° as well as its Smart Energy Innovationsfonds in particular on M&A transactions, joint ventures and venture capital investments.

The transactions were led by Dr. Klaus Bader (head of energy, Europe) and Sebastian Frech (corporate M&A). Norton Rose Fulbright’s team further comprised of partner Clemens Rübel (IP, patent law), senior associate Dr. Nikolas Smirra (IP, patent law), associates Rima Dressler (corporate M&A) and Tiffany Zilliox (IP, patent law).