Amsterdam’s venture capital firm Asif Ventures backs Ziemi and OutdoorCompute: Know more

Asif Ventures, an Amsterdam-based venture capital fund, announced that it has invested in Ziemi and OutdoorCompute. The amount, however, remains undisclosed.

ASIF Ventures is a student-focused VC fund supported by the UvA, VU, and private investors. Managed annually by recent graduates, the fund has invested in student-led startups like Lalaland, GetEase, Workwize, and ten other startups. Its fellowship programme for Amsterdam students opens each September.

OutdoorCompute’s technology

OutdoorCompute, co-founded by Nick Hooijberg and Jacques Webers, aims to transform the data centre industry with their outdoor Micro Data Centers (uDC) and liquid immersion cooling technology. 

The solution addresses critical challenges in data centre sustainability, such as high energy consumption and environmental impact. 

OutdoorCompute’s outdoor Micro Data Centers (uDCs) are compact, scalable units that integrate with cloud infrastructure and use patented liquid immersion cooling to manage heat efficiently. 

This technology repurposes up to 99 per cent of waste heat, reducing energy use and operational costs by up to 70 per cent. The uDCs also enhance data security with a stainless steel shell and plans for ISO 27001 certification.

Asif Ventures mentions, “Our investment in OutdoorCompute underscores our belief in their transformative approach to sustainable data centres and their potential for profound industry impact. As OutdoorCompute continues to innovate and expand, we are committed to supporting their mission to create more efficient and environmentally friendly data centres.”

Improving bicycle safety

In 2021, while studying at TUDelft, Luci Santema patented the idea of biomotion lighting to improve bicycle safety. With a successful crowdfunding campaign, she and co-founder Douwe Korver launched Ziemi.

The startup aims to improve cycling safety through its biomotion lighting technology. The technology enhances cyclist visibility by illuminating their moving legs, making them 3 to 5.5 times more recognisable in low-light conditions and reducing the risk of side accidents.

Ziemi does not illuminate the road ahead, but the cyclist’s moving legs. This makes the Biomotion (human movement) visible, which automatically makes other road users more attentive and careful.

The company’s solution offers 250-degree visibility and USB rechargeability, which helps cyclists feel safer on the road and addresses the rising number of cycling accidents.

Speaking on the investment, Asif Ventures says, “Our investment in Ziemi underscores our belief in their innovative approach to cycling safety and their potential for substantial impact. As Ziemi continues to advance its product line and expand its market presence, we are committed to supporting their mission to make cycling safer globally.”