With SynchroGuard, its IoT software platform for smart grids, Zaphiro is helping grid operators address the energy transition by mitigating the impact of renewable energy generators and electric vehicles on the stability of electric distribution networks. Participating in this round were ABB Technology Ventures, CDP Venture Capital SGR with the Corporate Partners I - Energy Tech fund, Club degli Investitori, Excellis and a private investor introduced by UBS Growth Advisory and will enable Zaphiro to commercialize and grow its solution in new geographies and markets and to continue to innovate in the smart grid sector.
Paolo Romano, co-founder and CEO of Zaphiro, says, " Modernization of distribution networks is a key aspect of the energy transition. The integration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles is significantly changing the energy flows and dynamics of distribution networks, generating a strong need for accurate network monitoring, real-time blackout management, and outage prediction“.
Lorenzo Zanni, co-founder and COO of Zaphiro, adds, "This is great recognition for our team and the value our innovative technology provides to our customers. This funding round allows us to accelerate the deployment of SynchroGuard, enabling the digitization and decarbonization of power grids worldwide“.
Zaphiro's SynchroGuard solution is the first monitoring and automation system for electric distribution networks that leverages synchronized, high-frequency measurements from PMU (Phasor Measurement Unit) devices specifically adapted to distribution networks. SynchroGuard uses advanced data analysis algorithms to provide comprehensive visibility of energy flows and asset status, using a minimum number of measurement points, so as to optimize network operating costs. With SynchroGuard's fault identification module, , any issues in the distribution network can be pinpointed accurately in seconds, helping grid operators reduce or even prevent blackouts, so that a reliable supply of electricity to end customers can be ensured.
Marino Giocondi, Head of CDP Venture Capital's Corporate Partners I Fund, comments, "For the entire Corporate Partners I fund team, it is a great satisfaction to be part of such an important investment round from an international company founded and led by Italians. The technological solution developed by Zaphiro has attracted great interest from our Corporate investors who have confirmed its technical and market validity, which is fundamental for any of our investments."
Axel Masucci, transaction champion for Club degli Investitori, said, "Energy networks are facing important challenges. We know the key words: renewable energy - electric vehicle charging infrastructure - battery storage - generation capacity shortage, etc. Zaphiro's highly innovative hardware and software solutions for the control and management of medium-voltage power grids can make a crucial contribution to the security of supply that we all care about.”
François Marti, President of Zaphiro, comments, "Zaphiro has achieved important milestones both in terms of product maturity and market deployment. The SynchroGuard solution is the result of years of work by a very talented team that, from the outset, understood the needs of the smart grid industry. The caliber of financial and strategic partners demonstrates the growing awareness worldwide of the need to modernize and digitize power distribution networks“.
(Source: Club degli Investitori press release)
