Amsterdam-based CarbonX, a deep tech startup focused on transforming battery anode materials, has extended its €10M growth funding round by an additional €4M.
The round saw support from existing investors Innovation Industries and Borski Fund, alongside new backing from the Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam, managed by InnovationQuarter.
Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology, CarbonX aims to establish sustainable, cost-efficient, and geopolitically independent battery supply chains in Europe and the United States.
What does CarbonX offer?
Global battery manufacturers face significant supply chain risks as 95 per cent of graphite, a crucial battery component, is sourced from China. Efforts like the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aim to address these challenges, but scalable, cost-effective solutions remain rare.
CarbonX, founded by Rutger Van Raalten and Daniela Sordi, offers an alternative: a locally produced carbon anode material that matches the cost of Chinese graphite while providing fast-charging capabilities, enhanced battery lifetime, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Currently undergoing late-stage qualifications with top global battery cell manufacturers, CarbonX expects initial offtake agreements by mid-2025.
The company uses “unique” emulsion feedstock technology, lowering production energy consumption compared to traditional graphite methods, thus cutting costs and environmental impact.
Daniela Sordi, CTO of CarbonX, says, “Our feedstock technology seamlessly integrates into existing carbon black manufacturing plants resulting in the production of a novel structured carbon material that functions as an active anode material, like graphite.”
“CarbonX’s unique 3D porous network structure improves electron- and lithium-ion transfer, while it is still highly compressible to achieve high energy densities.”
Capital utilisation
CarbonX will use the funds to execute its first offtake agreements and strengthen local production capacity through contract manufacturing.
The company will fully staff its newly commissioned 200 m² single-layer pouch lab to support client qualifications and develop next-generation anode materials, including high-energy density and 100 per cent circular grades.
Additionally, CarbonX is preparing to build a high-capacity feedstock mixing facility at the Port of Rotterdam, with parallel location and feasibility studies underway for a future 20,000-ton per annum production line in both Europe and the US.
Co-founder Rutger van Raalten, says, “CarbonX is setting the stage for a resilient, independent battery anode material supply chain that aligns with global sustainability goals. By being price competitive while outperforming graphite on performance, we’re empowering the battery industry to meet the demands of a rapidly growing electric future.”
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