- Reshape Energy has raised €5 million to fund its acquisition-based approach to commercial building energy upgrades.
- The Munich-based startup provides end-to-end energy optimization services, from assessment through installation and maintenance.
- Founded in May 2024, Reshape targets commercial real estate owners struggling with the complexity of energy transition projects.
Founded in May 2024, Reshape Energy has secured €5 million in seed funding to expand its integrated approach to commercial building energy upgrades.
The Munich-based startup is targeting the sluggish pace of decarbonization in the commercial real estate sector by acquiring specialized companies and creating a one-stop solution for property owners.
Led by CEO Benjamin Stanzl and a team with experience scaling energy businesses like Octopus Energy's German division, Reshape Energy aims to simplify the notoriously complex process of implementing low-carbon heating solutions such as heat pumps and solar panels in commercial buildings.
"The complexity of executing these projects is unbelievably high," Stanzl remarked. "Commercial property owners just don't have the expertise. And some of them don't even want to deal with it, because it's not their core business."
The company's acquisition strategy allows it to rapidly build capabilities while leveraging existing customer relationships.
Reshape has already purchased an energy consulting business and a commercial solar planning and installation company, with more acquisitions planned using the new funding.
By controlling the entire upgrade process—from initial assessment through installation and ongoing maintenance—Reshape aims to unlock efficiencies that fragmented service providers cannot achieve.
The company also offers financing options for customers who want to spread the upfront costs of new energy systems.
"The control piece is critical because we do need these companies all to work together—and we need them to use common systems and common technology," Stanzl explained.
The funding round includes contributions from the founders themselves, along with PostScriptum Ventures, Vireo Ventures, and unnamed industry insiders.
While initially focused on the German market, where regulatory pressure for energy upgrades is substantial, Reshape plans to expand across Europe as it scales.
Stanzl noted that, unlike some competitors who buy real estate to upgrade it, Reshape's service-focused model is more capital efficient and avoids barriers to scaling that property ownership might create.
Edited By Annette George