Dutch-based Beyond Weather is harnessing AI for advanced weather predictions, raises €250K from LUMO Labs

Utrecht-based Beyond Weather, a company leveraging AI for weather predictions has secured €250K in fresh funding from Eindhoven-based LUMO Labs.

The investment follows previous funding from TTT-AI, NWO, and Rabobank, which helped in the development and validation of Beyond Weather’s technology.

Andy Lurling, Founding Partner of LUMO Labs, says, “Although we must all press on with our efforts to stop and reverse climate change, there is no denying that amid escalating climate change-induced weather events, today and in the foreseeable future, accurate forecasts are crucial.”

“Our investment will accelerate the implementation of Beyond Weather’s pioneering AI solutions, strengthening global weather prediction and enhancing climate resilience.”

Beyond Weather: Accurate weather forecasts, months ahead

Founded in 2021 by Steven van den Tol, Jannes van Ingen, Sem Vijverberg and Dim Coumou, Beyond Weather uses AI technology and climate expertise to offer precise weather and impact forecasts. 

The startup’s services cater specifically to the energy and agricultural industries throughout Europe.

“By identifying important physical processes and teleconnections in decades of climate data, we create targeted long-range forecasts with lead times of 2 weeks up to 6 months ahead,” says the company.

Beyond Weather’s AI-driven models provide forecasts that are timely, easy to understand, and actionable. These forecasts help the energy and agricultural sectors anticipate high-risk weather events earlier than before.

This predictive capability allows businesses to manage risks effectively, lower costs, and boost profitability by addressing potential impacts like crop damage before they occur.

Furthermore, Beyond Weather plans to offer actionable data to support humanitarian efforts in the heavily climate-affected regions of the Global South.

Capital utilisation

Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam spin-out Beyond Weather will use the funds to further develop its AI technology for long-range weather and impact forecasting.

Jannes van Ingen, CEO of Beyond Weather, says, “Beyond Weather originated from a dedicated team of climate scientists at VU Amsterdam. We care about the risks of climate change, and we work passionately every day to bring predictability and actionability to society.”

“We are immensely excited to have LUMO Labs on our side in this journey.”

Brief about LUMO Labs

Founded in 2016 by Andy Lürling and Sven Bakkes, LUMO Labs supports impact-driven software startups through their LUMO Fund II, a multi-stage capital fund (from pre-seed to series A) with a two-year venture builder programme. 

This programme aims to help portfolio companies achieve financial success and social traction and impact.

The firm funds startups aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on Sustainable Cities & Communities, Good Health & Well-Being, and Quality Education. 

LUMO Labs’s investment areas include Artificial Intelligence/Data, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Robotics and Drones, and Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality.

In a recent development, the Dutch fund manager announced the addition of Dagmar van Ravenswaay Claasen and Sabine Schoorl as Senior Partners for the upcoming LUMO Rise Fund.

The LUMO Rise Fund is expected to make its first investments in mid-2024, deploying approximately €100M in capital for startup investments and guidance.