High-Level Overview
Autarc is a Berlin-based software company building the leading operating system (OS) for heat pump installers across Europe. Its platform digitizes and streamlines the entire process of planning, selling, and installing residential heat pumps and other climate-friendly energy systems, serving HVAC installers, energy consultants, and trades businesses. By integrating CRM, project planning, design, subsidy management, and regulatory reporting into a single cloud-based solution, Autarc solves the critical inefficiencies that have historically slowed the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies. The company’s rapid growth—already serving over 800 trades businesses and more than 30,000 homes in Germany—demonstrates strong market demand and momentum as Europe accelerates its energy transition.
Origin Story
Founded in 2023 by Etienne-Noel Krause, Thies Hansen, and Marius, Autarc emerged from firsthand experience with the challenges facing HVAC installers. Etienne, with a background in HVAC and consulting, recognized that installers wanted to shift toward heat pumps but were held back by fragmented processes, labor shortages, and regulatory complexity. After speaking with nearly 80 HVAC firms, the founders identified a clear gap: installers lacked the digital tools to scale efficiently. Autarc’s solution was born from this insight, combining deep industry knowledge with digital innovation. The company quickly gained traction, securing seed funding from PropTech1 Ventures and Better Ventures, and launched its platform to immediate adoption by installers across Germany.
Core Differentiators
- All-in-One Platform: Autarc consolidates acquisition, planning, subsidy applications, financing, and maintenance into a single OS, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
- LiDAR & AI Integration: The platform leverages LiDAR scanning (via standard Apple devices) and AI to capture building data in minutes, automatically calculating heating loads, hydraulic balancing, and generating 3D models for precise planning.
- Process Automation: Automates administrative and planning tasks, reducing project time by up to 50% and saving installers up to 20 hours per installation.
- Regulatory & Subsidy Support: Simplifies compliance and subsidy applications, which are increasingly complex and time-consuming in Europe’s evolving energy landscape.
- Scalable for SMEs: Designed for small and medium-sized trades businesses, Autarc enables them to scale operations without needing a large workforce, addressing Europe’s looming shortage of qualified installers.
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Autarc is riding the wave of Europe’s urgent push to decarbonize heating, a sector responsible for 25% of global CO₂ emissions. The timing is critical: regulatory changes, rising energy costs, and ambitious climate targets are driving demand for heat pumps, but the industry is constrained by outdated processes and a lack of skilled labor. Autarc’s platform is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap, making it easier for installers to meet demand and for homeowners to adopt low-carbon solutions. By digitizing the trades sector, Autarc is not only accelerating the energy transition but also setting a new standard for how technology can empower traditional industries to innovate and scale.
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Autarc is poised to become the backbone of Europe’s heat pump revolution, with its platform already proving essential for installers navigating the complexities of the energy transition. As regulatory requirements tighten and demand for low-carbon heating grows, Autarc’s ability to streamline and automate the entire installation process will only become more valuable. The company is likely to expand into adjacent energy sectors—such as solar PV and battery storage—and could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the European energy ecosystem. Autarc’s journey is a testament to the power of technology to drive real-world impact, turning the vision of a sustainable future into a practical reality for thousands of businesses and homeowners.
