Microsoft rarely writes small checks for European deeptech. Darmstadt-based etalytics just closed an €8M Series A extension led by M12, Microsoft’s venture fund, bringing total AI energy funding to €16M. While competitors chase efficiency gains measured in single digits, etalytics customers report cutting cooling costs by half.
The extension includes continued backing from Alstin Capital (Carsten Maschmeyer), ebm-papst, and BMH. Founded in 2020 as a TU Darmstadt spin-off, etalytics builds AI-powered software that optimizes industrial energy systems. Its etaONE platform tackles HVAC and cooling across data centers, automotive manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production.
Microsoft Bets on Industrial AI Energy Funding
M12’s involvement signals confidence in software-driven energy optimization at industrial scale. Volkswagen, Equinix, NTT, Digital Realty, and Merck have deployed etaONE and achieved up to 50% reductions in energy consumption for cooling, heating, and ventilation systems. These aren’t marginal improvements.
The timing aligns with broader momentum in German energy efficiency startups. Berlin-based Enter secured €20M in June 2025 for building-energy platforms. Munich’s Reshape Energy raised €5M in March 2025 for commercial property optimization. Moreover, ALVA Energie obtained over €5M in July 2025 for decentralised landlord-to-tenant energy models.
“We’re proud to welcome M12 as a strategic partner,” said Dr. Niklas Panten, CEO and co-founder of etalytics. “Their investment marks a major milestone in our mission to make industrial energy systems more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable.”
Digital Twins Meet Predictive Analytics
Etalytics combines digital twins, predictive analytics, and AI-driven optimization to manage complexity that overwhelms traditional energy management systems. The platform monitors real-time conditions, adapts to external variables like temperature fluctuations and energy pricing, and autonomously optimizes operations. Furthermore, etaONE handles regulatory compliance requirements, including Germany’s Energy Efficiency Act for data centers.
“Etalytics is transforming how some of the world’s most energy-intensive industries operate,” said Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12. “Their AI-driven platform addresses a critical global challenge: optimizing industrial energy use at scale while driving measurable sustainability impact.”
The funding will establish etalytics’ dedicated U.S. presence and expand international projects across Europe and Asia. Additionally, the company plans continued development of the etaONE platform to handle growing complexity in data centers and manufacturing facilities where stricter energy regulations outpace conventional control strategies.
The initial Series A in 2024 was led by Alstin Capital with participation from ebm-papst and BMH. All partners bring extensive experience in industrial technology, automation, and cleantech. With Microsoft’s reach and technology ecosystem, etalytics aims to accelerate digital transformation of energy-intensive industries worldwide.