German energy software startup Furo has raised $4 million from mostly U.S. investors while building its business from Munich, a move its founders say has helped the company grow faster than it would have from Silicon Valley.
Founded by Lena Sophia Voß, Leonie Wagner and Simon Wittner, Furo develops software for industrial battery storage systems. Just a year after launching, the company has already secured enterprise customers including Deutsche Bahn.
Furo chose Europe over Silicon Valley
Furo is incorporated as a Delaware C Corp., but its operations are centred in Germany. ITQ Ventures led its funding round, with participation from Neo, Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners and the CCentre for Digital Technology and Management.
The founders previously spent time in the Bay Area through programs connected to Stanford and UC Berkeley, and Voß also worked at Apple before returning to Europe. She said the decision to build in Munich was deliberate, not driven by visa restrictions.
The team believed industrial energy problems were more urgent in Europe, particularly in Germany, where companies have faced years of pressure on energy markets. Being close to customers and existing professional networks also helped Furo win early business.
Voß said Munich offers another advantage: lower engineering costs compared with the United States without sacrificing talent quality. She also pointed to nearby technical universities and strong local networks as useful for hiring and operational support.
U.S. capital, European operations
Furo still maintains close ties to Silicon Valley, with the founders travelling to the U.S. several times a year to meet investors and handle administrative matters.
The company’s model reflects a broader shift in startup strategy. Rather than relocating entirely to the U.S., Furo is combining American venture capital with European customers, talent and operating costs.
For its founders, that balance has helped the company move quickly in a market where proximity to industrial customers can matter as much as access to venture funding.
