Smalt

Smalt is a Berlin-based talent development and technology services platform focused on addressing the skilled labor shortage in Europe's green energy sector. Founded in 2023 by education entrepreneurs Khurram Masood and Marius Westhoff, the company aims to be the labor supply and productivity engine for the energy transition. The founders, alumni of Harvard and Stanford, combine expertise in education, technology, and blue-collar workforce development to tackle this challenge.

The company's core business involves two main components: talent development and service delivery. Smalt operates accredited academies and training hubs across Germany, including in Berlin, where it upskills new talent, with a focus on immigrants, through intensive two to six-week programs. These programs certify workers as specialists in solar and heat pump installations. The training is supplemented by digital learning technologies and a platform that includes AI-driven workflow guidance and smart dispatching to enhance productivity.

On the service side, Smalt provides on-demand installation, subcontracting, and full-service solutions to B2B customers. Its clients are primarily large energy companies, clean-tech installers, and OEMs in Germany, such as Thermondo, Otovo, and Enviria. Initially focused on residential solar panel installations, Smalt has expanded into the commercial PV market for larger buildings due to its growth potential. Since starting operations in September 2023, the company has installed over 200 PV systems. Smalt's business model aims to scale through a continent-wide network of franchised installation and servicing stores.

Smalt has secured significant funding to fuel its growth, raising €4.1 million in a pre-seed round in late 2023 and a subsequent €8 million in a pre-emptive seed round in September 2024. These funds are directed towards accelerating its expansion into commercial solar and maintenance, as well as growing its regional presence.

Keywords: green energy workforce, cleantech installation services, solar technician training, heat pump installation, renewable energy labor, B2B energy services, workforce development platform, green trades, photovoltaic systems, skilled labor solutions, energy transition, German startups, commercial solar, residential solar, technical training academy, immigrant workforce integration, climate tech, subcontracting services, energy OEMs