Successful funding round for Empa-ETH spin-off: $ 5.7 million to industrialize ultra-thin solid-state batteries
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Successful funding round for Empa-ETH spin-off: $ 5.7 million to industrialize ultra-thin solid-state batteries

06.11.2025 Empa

The round was led by Redstone VC, a European deep-tech venture capital firm, with participation from Bloomhaus Ventures, Linear Capital, Kickfund, Kick Foundation, and the CustomCells founders Leopold König and Torge Thönnessen as new investors. Existing investors HTGF (High-Tech Gründerfonds) and Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) renewed their commitment, reinforcing confidence in BTRY’s technology and market potential.

BTRY will use the funds to scale production to industrial roll-to-roll manufacturing, transforming its thin-film batteries into market-ready products. The company is now focusing on establishing its production set-up, advancing industrial processes, and securing offtake agreements for integration in next-generation devices. “The oversubscribed round confirms strong investor confidence from experienced deep-tech and industrial backers. Working closely with this international consortium will enable us to transform world-class research into a scalable product,” said Moritz Futscher, CEO and Co-Founder of BTRY.

From Lab to Line: Solid State Redefines Li-Ion Battery Performance

BTRY’s thin-film solid-state batteries combine ultra-fast charging, temperature resilience, and non-flammable safety, outperforming today’s lithium-ion cells. By applying solid-state technology from semiconductor production to battery manufacturing, BTRY represents a leap in the global trend toward thinner, safer, and longer-lasting batteries that enable more reliable, compact, and connected devices.

“Potential customers are ready with their next-generation solutions, like active badges in logistics. What they need is a small, powerful, and safe battery – exactly what BTRY offers. We believe the company has not only the potential but the proof to set a new standard for high-performance energy storage and are excited to support its journey toward industrial scale,” said Mohamed Foulser, Investment Director at Redstone VC.

They operate safely at temperatures up to 150 °C, where conventional cells fail, swell, or catch fire. Starting at just 0.1 mm thickness, they charge within one minute, directly powering wireless transmissions without additional capacitors.

“BTRY is a perfect example of Swiss deep-tech at its best – science-driven, bold, and globally relevant. The founding team combines deep scientific expertise with entrepreneurial grit. Their combination of material innovation and industrial scalability makes them a frontrunner in Europe’s next generation of battery companies,” said Pascal Stürchler, CEO at Bloomhaus Ventures.

The Next Battery Moment: Small, Sustainable, and Strategic

Unlike large-scale energy storage for electric vehicles and grids, BTRY powers next-generation solutions such as smart connected labels, high-temperature industrial sensors, and light consumer electronics. For these high-value applications, miniaturization and longevity of the power supply matter most.

BTRY’s manufacturing approach also achieves high sustainability standards with its solvent-free production and low material waste. Backed by an international group of investors uniting deep-tech expertise and industrialization know-how, BTRY is driving the next Battery Moment: scalable, high-end energy storage developed in Switzerland and built for global impact.

“Asia has been leading the way in battery manufacturing for decades, but innovations like BTRY’s show that Europe can compete through advanced materials and precision processes. We see strong potential for collaboration between Asian manufacturing expertise and BTRY’s pioneering solid-state technology,” said Tianyi Zhou, Principal at Linear Capital.

About BTRY

BTRY AG is a deep-tech spin-off from Empa and ETH Zurich developing ultra-thin solid-state lithium-ion batteries that operate safely at high temperatures, enable ultra-fast charging, and feature an exceptionally thin form factor for next-generation devices. Founded in 2023, the company has grown into a 14-person team combining deep battery expertise, industrial scale-up experience, and strong business acumen. BTRY’s mission is to electrify applications previously limited by the battery such as active logistics tags, high-temperature industrial sensors, MedTech applications, and light consumer electronics.

About the Investors

Redstone VC is a European venture capital firm following selected investment strategies. Their focused approach with specialized investment teams for each strategy has enabled them to develop strong sector expertise and networks. Redstone aims to bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and commercial success, bringing strong industrial networks and operational experience.
Linear Capital is a deep-tech investor based in Shanghai and Hong Kong, backing early-stage founders developing transformative technologies in materials science, semiconductors, and energy systems. Linear Capital emphasizes long-term partnerships and strategic guidance for deep industrial value creation.
Bloomhaus Ventures is a Swiss venture capital firm dedicated to supporting groundbreaking tech startups in Central Europe, helping them thrive on a global scale and create a more sustainable future. With experience as entrepreneurs, technologists, and investors, Bloomhaus empowers pioneers and connects them with the resources needed for long-term success.
HTGF is one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe, financing startups in the fields of Deep Tech, Industrial Tech, Climate Tech, Digital Tech, Life Sciences and Chemistry. With its experienced investment team, HTGF supports startups in all phases of their development into international market leaders.
Zürcher Kantonalbank is a leading universal bank in the Zurich economic area with Swiss roots and international reach. It is an independent, incorporated public-law institution of the Canton of Zurich and has received top ratings from the rating agencies Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch (AAA/Aaa).
Wijdefjorden is the investment company of Torge Thönnessen and Leopold König, founders of CustomCells, a leading European manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion cells. Wijdefjorden brings invaluable strategic guidance and network access to BTRY’s next growth stage.
Kickfund is a Swiss venture capital firm supporting high-potential technology start-ups emerging from the Venture Kick ecosystem. Kickfund invests in early-stage spin-offs from Swiss universities, offering capital, mentorship, and access to its extensive innovation network.
Kick Foundation - Venture Kick is an initiative from the philanthropic Kick Foundation. Since its launch in 2007, Venture Kick has supported 1’170+ Swiss startup projects with CHF 90 million from private donors. Venture Kick alumni companies have attracted investments of CHF 10+ billion.

Angehängte Dokumente
  • The BTRY team is shaping the next generation of solid-state batteries — from Swiss research labs to global production. Image: BTRY
  • Comparison of conventional Li-ion and BTRY’s all-solid-state design: fewer layers, no liquid electrolyte, and an ultra-thin, safer architecture. Illustration: BTRY
06.11.2025 Empa
Regions: Europe, Switzerland, Germany, Asia, Hong Kong
Keywords: Applied science, Engineering, Technology

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