Voltavate Receives A$850,000 in Oversubscribed Pre-Seed Round, Led by Artesian
MELBOURNE, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Voltavate, an early-stage battery tech company, has raised A$850,000 in an oversubscribed pre-seed round led by Artesian, with participation from Investible, Electrifi Ventures, and leading industry angels including John Wood, Christiaan Jordaan, Steven Vassiloudis, and Reza Behnam. Reza also serves as Voltavate's Chairman.
Voltavate is building a battery innovation platform to address critical challenges in battery performance, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability across the energy storage value chain. Its first product line targets battery separators — a critical component influencing cell safety, efficiency, and scalability. By applying advanced nanomaterials and novel manufacturing integration, Voltavate delivers improved performance, process compatibility, and a lower environmental footprint.
Founded by Dr. Amir Hooshang Taheri (PhD, Nanyang Technological University) and Omid Javadi (Sharif University of Technology), Voltavate combines deep expertise in materials science and battery engineering. The new capital will be used to validate its core product, expand the team, and advance strategic partnerships.
According to McKinsey & Company, the lithium-ion battery market is projected to surpass US$400 billion by 2030, growing over 30% annually. Component segments alone are expected to reach US$250 billion, with separators accounting for an estimated US$25 billion.
Dr. Amir Hooshang Taheri, Co-founder and CEO, said:
"We're incredibly grateful to be backed by investors and thought leaders who share our mission. Their support gives us the momentum to scale and deliver real impact in how batteries are made and perform."
Alexandra Clunies-Ross, Partner at Artesian, commented:
"Voltavate is tackling a vital part of the battery value chain with strong technical insight and clear execution. We're excited to support the team's vision for next-generation component manufacturing."
Reza Behnam, Voltavate's Chairman, added:
"I've worked closely with Amir and Omid since Voltavate's early days. Their clear vision and tireless work have led to a solution that outperforms current best practices. This oversubscribed round, led by Artesian, reflects their potential to shape the industry. I look forward to supporting the team as they move toward industrial-scale execution."
Voltavate's growth has been supported by leading programs including StartSpace, Climate Salad, EnergyLab, New Energy Nexus, and CDL Melbourne. The company is based in Melbourne, exploring expansion into Southeast Asia, and currently raising early interest from commercial partners and potential collaborators.
Media Contact
hello@voltavate.comwww.voltavate.comMelbourne, VIC, Australia
Read the full release: https://www.voltavate.com/news/pre-seed-round
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/voltavate-receives-a850-000-in-oversubscribed-pre-seed-round-led-by-artesian-302478293.html
SOURCE Voltavate Pty Ltd
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Korea's Early Exports to US Jump Ahead of Tariff Deadline
(Bloomberg) -- South Korea's early trade data for June showed the biggest rise in exports to the US so far this year, indicating that manufacturers may have rushed shipments ahead of a July deadline that will see broad tariffs rates more than double. Bezos Wedding Draws Protests, Soul-Searching Over Tourism in Venice One Architect's Quest to Save Mumbai's Heritage From Disappearing NYC Congestion Toll Cuts Manhattan Gridlock by 25%, RPA Reports The value of shipments to the US rose 4.3% in the first 20 days of June from a year earlier, customs data showed Monday. It was the first increase since March, and it marked a rebound after a 8.1% drop in US-bound shipments in the full month of May. Imports rose 4.8%, while the trade surplus came to about $3 billion. As with other nations, South Korea faces sectoral tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum and semiconductors. An across-the-board 10% tariff on other South Korean goods is set to increase to 25% on July 9 after a three-month grace period expires. 'It does look like there was front-loading during the grace period, likely driven by pre-buying ahead of the US tariffs,' said Cho Yong-gu, a fixed-income strategist at Shinyoung Securities. 'I am, however, concerned about the sustainability of this trend — I expect a slowdown in the second half of this year.' The rebound in Korean shipments to the US is likely to be short-lived. President Lee Jae Myung, who took office earlier this month, has yet to make meaningful progress in trade negotiations. A planned meeting with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of last week's Group of Seven summit in Canada was called off at the last minute. The trade figures add to signs of a temporary recovery in regional demand. Japan's manufacturing PMI climbed back into expansion in June, rising to 50.4, the highest since May 2024, S&P Global said Monday. The rebound may also offer modest support for Korea's intermediate goods exports to Asia. South Korea's overall value of shipments rose 8.3% in the first 20 days of June, the biggest jump since August 2024, the customs data showed. Imports rose 5.3%, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.62 billion. The elevated tariff rate on South Korean goods would represent one of the steepest trade penalties imposed on US allies. On top of that, the sectoral duties will further strain the country's export-dependent industries. Last Friday, the Bank of Korea reported that South Korea's current account surplus with the US surged to a record high last year, adding pressure on President Lee as he seeks to secure a trade deal with Washington. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo departed on Sunday for meetings with his counterparts in Washington, Yonhap News reported. In Monday's data, semiconductors, South Korea's largest export, posted a 21.8% increase, while automobile shipments climbed 9.2%. Steel exports showed a modest 1.6% increase, remaining weak under the pressure of the 50% US tariff. Outbound shipments to China slipped 1%, while imports gained 3.4%. Exports to Vietnam recorded a 4.3% decline, whereas shipments to the European Union surged by 24%. The trade data come after the Finance Ministry announced a 30.5 trillion won ($22.2 billion) supplementary budget to help revive an economy hit by weak consumption and external trade shocks. The package includes 15.2 trillion won in stimulus, 5 trillion won for supporting livelihoods like small businesses and 10.3 trillion won to offset a revenue shortfall in the current budget. The extra budget will be financed through a combination of spending cuts and additional debt issuance, lifting the debt-to-gross domestic product ratio to 49% this year. Policymakers are seeking to balance economic support with fiscal sustainability, while also navigating heightened trade tensions. The BOK pivoted to a monetary easing cycle last October, and has since cut its benchmark rate to 2.5%. The bank lowered its growth forecast for the year to 0.8% and said further easing may be on the table depending on conditions in the second half. With a new government in place and fiscal tools being deployed, attention remains on whether export momentum can recover, and whether a breakthrough with the US can be made before the tariff relief expires. (Updates with other details including economist's comments.) Luxury Counterfeiters Keep Outsmarting the Makers of $10,000 Handbags Is Mark Cuban the Loudmouth Billionaire that Democrats Need for 2028? Ken Griffin on Trump, Harvard and Why Novice Investors Won't Beat the Pros The US Has More Copper Than China But No Way to Refine All of It Can 'MAMUWT' Be to Musk What 'TACO' Is to Trump? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Semiconductor company Wolfspeed to file for bankruptcy
Wolfspeed, a US-based semiconductor company known for its silicon carbide technology, has announced plans to file voluntary petitions for reorganisation under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code as part of a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with key lenders. The agreement, involving holders of more than 97% of its senior secured notes, Renesas Electronics Corporation's US subsidiary, and convertible debtholders representing more than 67% of outstanding convertible notes, aims to reduce the company's debt by approximately 70%, or $4.6bn, and cut annual cash interest payments by about 60%. The RSA terms include $275m in new financing via second lien convertible notes, backstopped by certain convertible debtholders, and a $250m paydown of senior secured notes at 109.875%. Additionally, $5.2bn of existing convertible notes and Renesas' loan will be exchanged for $500m in new notes and 95% of new common equity, subject to dilution. Existing equity will be cancelled, with current shareholders receiving 3% or 5% of new common equity, subject to adjustments. Unsecured creditors are expected to be paid in the ordinary course of business. Wolfspeed CEO Robert Feurle said: 'After evaluating potential options to strengthen our balance sheet and right-size our capital structure, we have decided to take this strategic step because we believe it will put Wolfspeed in the best position possible for the future. 'Wolfspeed has tremendous core strengths and great potential. We are a global leader in silicon carbide technology with an exceptional, purpose-built, fully automated 200mm manufacturing footprint, delivering cutting-edge products for our customers. A stronger financial foundation will enable us to focus acutely on innovation in rapidly scaling verticals undergoing electrification where quality, durability and efficiency matter most.' Feurle added, 'As we move forward, we are grateful for the confidence and support of key lenders, who share our vision for the future and believe in our growth prospects. I also want to thank our incredibly talented team for their resilience and hard work, and our customers and partners for their ongoing support.' Wolfspeed said it intends to solicit approval for a pre-packaged plan of reorganisation before filing for Chapter 11, expecting to complete the process by the end of the third quarter of 2025. The company added that it will continue operating and serving customers during this period, with plans to pay vendors as usual through an All-Trade Motion. Wolfspeed will also seek Bankruptcy Court approval to maintain employee compensation and benefits programmes. Wolfspeed is advised by Latham & Watkins LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP as legal counsel, Perella Weinberg Partners as financial advisor, and FTI Consulting as restructuring advisor. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Moelis & Company represent the senior secured noteholders. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, PJT Partners, and BofA Securities advise Renesas Electronics Corporation, while Ropes & Gray LLP and Ducera Partners represent the convertible debtholders. "Semiconductor company Wolfspeed to file for bankruptcy" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Benchmark Electronics opens design and manufacturing facility in Mexico
Benchmark Electronics, a US-based provider of engineering, design, and manufacturing services, has launched its new manufacturing facility in Guadalajara, Mexico. The new site, spanning over 29,800sqm, expands Benchmark's regional production capabilities by almost 50%. Situated in the Parque Industrial San Jorge, it will address the growing demand from the medical, industrial, advanced computing, and communications sectors. The new facility will serve as a modern hub for design and manufacturing, enhancing production workflows and providing advanced, scalable solutions. Additionally, it features a strong IT infrastructure and an optimised layout to boost efficiency. Benchmark's expansion significantly advances job creation and talent development as it has established partnerships with local universities and technical high schools to create a skilled workforce equipped for the needs of high-tech manufacturing. Jeff Benck, president and CEO of Benchmark, referred to the new Guadalajara facility as the cornerstone of the company's investment in Mexico. 'This new facility increases our capabilities in the region with an optimised space to serve complex and highly regulated industries. With over 300,000 square feet of manufacturing capability, this expansion will also allow us to scale with new and existing customers,' he added. Dagoberto Esquer, general manager of Benchmark Guadalajara, said: 'We're contributing to our community by creating new jobs and supporting educational opportunities for residents, including students.' Benchmark Electronics offers electronic manufacturing, precision technology, and a range of design and engineering services. It has over 12,700 employees globally. Over the past year, it has also announced investments in Malaysia, Romania, and the Netherlands, among others. "Benchmark Electronics opens design and manufacturing facility in Mexico" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
