Solarix has been part of ROM InWest's portfolio for many years. \u201cSolarix was one of the first parties that ROMinWest stepped in,\u201d says Reynier de Monchy, investment manager at ROM InWest. \u201cIn recent years, there have been several rounds of financing. This Series A is a very logical continuation for us, allowing Solarix to accelerate on crucial fronts.\u201d The new growth capital will enable Solarix to realise its international ambitions. \u201cThe Dutch construction market is challenging,\u201d says founder Marloes van Heteren. \u201cProjects are often delayed due to nitrogen issues, high construction costs, permits or objection procedures, among other things. In countries like Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia, we see stronger market dynamics and favourable regulations to stimulate the development of solar energy on facades.\u201d Solarix now works with resellers in Italy, Finland and Croatia, among others, and has ongoing projects in Germany and Switzerland. \u201cInternational interest is growing, but to really scale, this investment is essential,\u201d says Marloes.<\/p>\n
An important part of the Series A round is to further automate the assembly of the panels. Currently, this is largely done manually at the factory in Weesp. \u201cWe sell a total solution: solar panel and assembly system,\u201d Marloes explains. \u201cWith increasing volumes, we need to take steps towards robotisation and an automated production line. Think robot arms, automatic gluing and smart packaging technology.\u201d Solarix's unique colouring technology is also being further developed. This allows architects to choose aesthetics as well as energy generation. This combination is important, especially to further drive the energy transition within the built environment. Marloes: \u201cWe expect all facades in new buildings to generate energy in the coming years. Our facades solve grid congestion because they generate most energy in the morning and afternoon while regular solar panels do so around midday. Falling panel prices and rising costs of other fa\u00e7ade materials are making our business case increasingly attractive. Ultimately, we want to move towards total energy concepts where the facade is a full-fledged energy carrier.\u201d<\/p>\n
The funding round was intense, both parties admit. \u201cThere were many stakeholders involved, ranging from existing investors to new parties,\u201d says Marloes. \u201cThe time pressure was high because of subsidy schemes. That created tension in the final phase. But we succeeded!\u201d ROM InWest played an active role. Not only as an investor, but also as a sparring partner. \u201cWe remained involved in the follow-up steps,\u201d says Reynier.<\/p>\n
When asked what other entrepreneurs can learn from this journey, they are unanimous: preparation and perseverance. \u201cIt always takes longer than you think,\u201d says Reynier. \u201cAnd the whole process is often just more complex than expected.\u201d Marloes adds: \u201cMake sure you have good guidance. On a legal level, but also throughout your investment strategy. And stand by your mission. Even if the market is not cooperating.\u201d Solarix wants to use the coming months to scale up and contribute to the energy transition with its facades internationally as well. With the new financing, the foundations have been laid for this next phase of growth.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After an earlier funding round, Solarix has now completed a successful Series A round. ROM InWest is investing again, this time together with VP Capital, an impact investor and with the prospect of substantial grants. With the new capital injection totalling \u20ac5.5 million, Weesp-based Solarix, producer of aesthetic solar fa\u00e7ade panels, can continue to work on its mission: a more sustainable built environment, both within and outside the Netherlands.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":8180,"template":"","tags":[84,47,82,115,90],"soort-insp":[75],"class_list":["post-8181","inspiratie","type-inspiratie","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-energietransitie","tag-investeren","tag-onze-gamechangers","tag-transitiefonds","tag-voor-vrouwen","soort-insp-interview"],"yoast_head":"\n