Zurich-based BTRY AG has raised €4.9 million in an oversubscribed Seed round, positioning Switzerland on the map in the global race for next-generation solid-state batteries. The startup, spun out from Empa and ETH Zurich, develops ultra-thin lithium-ion solid-state batteries that promise ultra-fast charging, safety at extreme temperatures, and a wafer-thin form factor suited for wearables, sensors, and industrial applications.
The round was led by Redstone VC, joined by Bloomhaus Ventures, Linear Capital, Kickfund, Kick Foundation, and CustomCells founders Leopold König and Torge Thönnessen. Existing investors HTGF and Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) also increased their stakes.
“This oversubscribed round reflects strong confidence from deeptech investors. With this international consortium, we can translate cutting-edge research into scalable production,” said Dr. Moritz Futscher, CEO and co-founder of BTRY AG.
While most recent European battery investments have targeted recycling or grid-scale storage, BTRY focuses on miniaturized energy solutions—a niche powering devices where conventional batteries fail due to size, safety, or heat constraints. The company’s cells, only 0.1 mm thick, can charge in one minute and operate safely at up to 150°C, outperforming many existing lithium-ion options.
“Potential customers are ready with their next-gen solutions—like active logistics tags—but need a small, powerful, and safe battery. That’s exactly what BTRY offers,” said Mohamed Foulser, Investment Director at Redstone VC.
Founded in 2023, BTRY has grown to a 14-person team blending scientific, industrial, and commercial expertise. Its technology borrows from semiconductor manufacturing, enabling a solvent-free, low-waste production process.
“BTRY is Swiss DeepTech at its best—science-driven, bold, and globally relevant,” added Pascal Stürchler, CEO of Bloomhaus Ventures.
As Asia maintains dominance in battery manufacturing, BTRY aims to show that Europe can compete through advanced materials and precision processes. The startup plans to use its new funding to scale production to industrial roll-to-roll manufacturing, bringing its solid-state thin-film batteries to market.
“Europe doesn’t need to copy Asia—it can innovate differently,” said Tianyi Zhou of Linear Capital. “BTRY’s approach is a strong example of that.”
With this round, BTRY cements itself as a flagbearer for Swiss innovation in energy storage—an arena increasingly defined not by scale, but by safety, speed, and smart design.
