Circu Li-ion

The company has developed a fully automated, machine learning-powered process that disassembles battery packs down to the individual cell level for detailed diagnostics. This technology allows for the evaluation of each cell's condition to determine its suitability for a second life, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% and recycling costs by 30%. Circu Li-ion operates a dual business model, offering both a Disassembly-as-a-Service at its facility in Karlsruhe, Germany, and a Machine-as-a-Service model. The latter, described as "the McDonald's of upcycling," allows clients like OEMs and recyclers to deploy the disassembly technology at their own sites.

The company's solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), micro-mobility, power tools, and energy storage systems. Initially focusing on micro-mobility batteries from e-bikes and scooters to quickly develop its technology, the company has since expanded to handle batteries from power tools, cars, drones, and energy storage systems. Strategic partners include Amazon, Hyundai, and Daimler Truck. By creating a vast library of battery data, the firm enhances its AI-driven sorting and disassembly capabilities.

Circu Li-ion has secured significant funding to scale its operations. In October 2023, the company raised €8.5 million in a seed round, which included €4.5 million in equity led by BonVenture and €4 million in grants from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. This funding supports the expansion of its production facility, the growth of its team, and the rollout of its services across Europe, with the ambitious goal of upcycling three billion batteries by 2035.