Funding Round attributes
Reefilla, an Italian start-up specializing in energy storage and mobile power generation solutions, has raised €4.5 million in a new funding round. The capital will support the company’s expansion in both Italian and international markets, as well as the development of advanced technologies focused on the qualification and repurposing of "second-life" batteries. This funding round is critical to Reefilla’s mission of transforming end-of-life batteries into valuable resources, thus contributing to the circular economy.
The round was led by CDP Venture Capital through its Green Transition-PNRR fund, which is financed with EU NextGeneration funds. The initiative is part of a broader effort to stimulate growth and innovation in Italy's green and sustainable industries. Other investors include the PiemonteNext fund, managed by CDP Venture Capital Sgr and underwritten by FinPiemonte, as well as HCapital, a Portuguese venture capital firm making its first investment in Italy. Additional co-investors include Azimut’s venture capital fund AZIMUT ELTIF - Venture Capital ALIcrowd III, and Motor Valley Accelerator, the first investor in Reefilla and a key partner in the automotive innovation sector. The Motor Valley Accelerator is part of an initiative backed by CDP Venture Capital and involving Fondazione Modena and UniCredit, managed by Plug and Play, also a co-investor in the round.
Founded in 2021, Reefilla has quickly established itself as a leader in developing solutions for energy storage and mobile power generation. The company focuses on using second-life batteries—batteries that have completed their initial use cycle in electric vehicles (EVs)—to create sustainable and efficient energy solutions. By giving these batteries a second life, Reefilla not only reduces waste but also supports the transition towards renewable energy and sustainable mobility. Reefilla’s first major product, Fillee, is a mobile charger for electric vehicles, which has been met with strong demand from various sectors, including fleet operators and car-sharing services.
The new funding will enable Reefilla to accelerate product development, expand its team, and further its R&D efforts, particularly in the area of second-life battery qualification. The company is also planning to launch new off-grid power generation solutions in 2025 to meet the growing energy needs of both consumers and businesses. These solutions will be designed to work independently of the main electricity grid, offering flexibility and reliability in areas where traditional energy infrastructure is not readily available.
Reefilla’s progress to date includes a successful €1 million equity injection in 2022, which helped the company bring its technology to market and build a solid customer base. The company is now preparing to open a new centre of excellence in Turin in 2025, which will focus on testing and qualifying second-life batteries as well as producing new products. This center will play a crucial role in Reefilla’s growth strategy and is expected to create jobs and attract new talent to the region.
Marco Bevilacqua, CEO and co-founder of Reefilla, expressed his excitement about the investment, saying, “We are proud to have reached the interest of Italian and international capital to support a clear vision and a concrete industrial project. We want to build a circular supply chain that promotes the reuse of batteries and provides customized energy solutions for people and businesses.”
The company’s vision aligns with the goals of the Green Transition Fund-PNRR, which aims to accelerate the deployment of sustainable technologies and reduce CO2 emissions in sectors such as households, construction, boating, and mobility. According to Cristina Tomassini, Senior Partner at CDP Venture Capital, Reefilla’s technology offers important solutions for these sectors, helping to drive the transition towards more sustainable practices.
In addition to the venture capital funds, Reefilla is also raising capital through an equity crowdfunding campaign on the Mamacrowd platform, targeting €800,000. This initiative allows private investors to participate in the company’s growth while supporting innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
Reefilla’s success highlights the increasing importance of responsible innovation and the role that venture capital can play in developing breakthrough technologies that address both environmental and economic challenges.
