Former Engie and Lightyear execs launch new Dutch startup Simpl.energy, backed by Rabobank and Arches Capital

Utrecht-based Simpl.energy, a startup determined to accelerate the energy transition, has secured fresh funding from Rabobank and Arches Capital, among others. The startup aims to address challenges posed by The Netherlands’ overloaded electricity grid.

The startup provides solutions that optimise the use of existing grid capacity, enabling businesses to grow and adopt more sustainable practices despite long wait times for grid connections.

The company plans to launch its first operational locations by the end of 2024, targeting campuses, property owners, and the transport and logistics sectors.

Lotte Smits van Ditshuizen from Arches Capital, says, “We see Simpl.energy’s software as a crucial piece of the puzzle in the energy transition.”

“The strength of Simpl.energy lies in offering both financial benefits and contributing to the future energy system. Their software helps companies make informed decisions about necessary investments, then monitors and manages the internal energy distribution.”

Simpl.energy aims to use energy smarter and more efficiently

Simpl.energy, founded in 2023 by Tom Selten, Jorrit Salverda, and Reinout de Jongh, leverages its expertise from companies like Engie and Lightyear to assist businesses in optimising solar panels, charging stations, and batteries. 

This approach helps free up capacity on grid connections, enabling companies to navigate the challenges of the overloaded electricity grid.

Co-founder Salverda, says, “Sometimes, a company’s grid connection gets overloaded, similar to traffic jams on the road. Such an electricity traffic jam occurs because devices want to use or supply electricity simultaneously. You can either increase the grid connection or distribute the power more efficiently to solve this issue. Our software helps companies to distribute the available electricity, reducing the peak load.”

“We also work with grid operators to implement new solutions, such as flexible transport contracts or temporary capacity limitations for companies. Our system takes these new contracts into account when managing energy distribution. Think of it as a traffic controller for electricity.”

Reinout de Jongh, adds, “We combine two goals in one system: we help our customers make the most of their existing grid connection and optimise their buying and selling of electricity on various markets.”

“For instance, we ensure that the battery charges at the cheapest moments and discharges when electricity prices are high, or that the solar panels stop feeding energy into the grid when the price is too low. We allow our customers to trade directly on the energy market without intermediaries taking a percentage of their profits.”

What’s next?

Simpl.energy is currently a 10-member team and operates within an ecosystem of energy suppliers, consultants, and other partners. It helps businesses optimise solar panels, charging stations, and batteries to manage grid capacity better.

“In the coming months, our system will go live at the first locations in The Netherlands,’” says Tom Selten. “The first contracts have been signed, and interest is high.”

“In 2025, we will scale up to multiple locations in The Netherlands and plan to raise a new investment round to accelerate growth and potentially scale up our efforts abroad,” adds Selten “Step by step—customer satisfaction is our top priority.”