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CustomCells

Aviation · Itzehoe, Germany · Founded 2012

CustomCells operates as a specialized developer and manufacturer of application-specific lithium-ion battery cells, positioning itself at the premium end of the energy storage market. The company was established in 2012 in Itzehoe, Germany, as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT). The founders, Leopold König and Torge Thönnessen, who have known each other since childhood, identified a market opportunity for customized battery solutions that exceeded the capabilities of the institute. Leopold König's background is in industrial engineering, and he previously worked as a paramedic before transitioning to electromobility at Fraunhofer ISIT. Torge Thönnessen holds a background in chemistry and began his scientific career at Fraunhofer ISIT, focusing on scaling up lithium battery cell manufacturing from the lab to industrial production. Their combined expertise established a company that bridges the gap between research and mass production. The company’s business model involves developing and certifying bespoke lithium-ion battery technologies and assisting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in scaling these technologies from the laboratory to full production. This includes providing services across the entire value chain, from material selection and prototyping to series production and support for commissioning gigafactories. CustomCells serves a diverse client base across high-stakes industries, including automotive, aviation, maritime, and medical technology. The firm has become a development partner for major automotive manufacturers and is notably involved in the electrification of air transport, supplying battery cells for Lilium's all-electric jets. A significant milestone was the 2021 formation of the Cellforce Group, a joint venture with Porsche AG, to develop high-performance battery cells. The company's revenue is generated through projects and services tailored to customer needs, as well as through the production of small to medium-sized series of custom battery cells. For certain applications, the business model resembles that of an intellectual property supplier, earning royalties while the OEM or a third party finances the large-scale production facilities. The company's core offering is its ability to tailor battery cells to specific performance requirements, whether it be power density, energy density, cycle stability, or safety certifications. They manufacture a variety of formats, including pouch and cylindrical cells, and have developed expertise in advanced materials like high-silicon anodes. This is demonstrated by licensing agreements, such as the one with Enevate to produce their silicon-dominant 'XFC-Energy' battery technology. With production sites in Itzehoe and Tübingen, and a new office in Detroit, USA, CustomCells is expanding its global footprint. The company has successfully raised capital to fuel this growth, including a €60 million Series A financing round in late 2022, led by World Fund and Abacon Capital, to expand its e-aviation activities and international presence. Keywords: lithium-ion battery cells, custom battery manufacturing, energy storage solutions, e-aviation batteries, automotive battery technology, battery development, battery industrialization, high-performance batteries, Fraunhofer spin-off, silicon anode technology, Cellforce Group, Porsche partner, Lilium supplier, battery prototyping, energy storage systems, electromobility, battery R&D, advanced air mobility, German engineering, battery value chain, premium battery technology, electric vehicle components, Itzehoe, Tübingen, electrification