ConnectDER is a technology company.
ConnectDER has raised $69.0M across 3 funding rounds.
ConnectDER has raised $69.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
ConnectDER is a technology company specializing in meter socket adapters (MSAs) that enable plug-and-play integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers into residential electrical systems.[1][3][5] These UL-listed devices install between the utility meter and meter socket, eliminating the need for costly electrical panel upgrades, in-home wiring, or service replacements, thereby reducing installation time and costs for homeowners, solar installers, electricians, and utilities.[2][4][5] Serving primarily North American households—currently approved in over 20 states covering 16 million homes—ConnectDER addresses electrification barriers in the growing residential solar (projected 15% annual growth to 9 million homes by 2030) and EV markets, with over 25,000 units shipped across 22 states and recent $35 million Series D funding to scale manufacturing and launch the IslandDER for whole-home backup.[1][3][4]
Founded in 2011 in Philadelphia by Whit Fulton as Infinite Invention, Inc., ConnectDER emerged to tackle inefficiencies in natural resource use through simple hardware solutions for distributed generation.[1][3][6] The idea stemmed from solving "thorny problems" in clean energy adoption, with the first product launching in 2015 via collaboration with Green Mountain Power in Vermont.[3] Early traction built through partnerships with utilities, solar installers, and electricians, leading to over 20,000 units sold by the time Whit Fulton transitioned leadership; Ivo Steklac became CEO to drive growth into EV and storage markets.[1][3][4] Pivotal moments include nationwide expansion, state approvals, and the 2024 Series D round led by Energy Innovation Capital, reflecting evolution from solar-focused adapters to comprehensive resiliency solutions like IslandDER.[4]
ConnectDER rides the residential clean energy transition, fueled by surging solar adoption, EV proliferation (targeting 50+ million under-equipped U.S. homes), and battery storage growth amid grid strain from DERs.[1][2][4] Timing aligns with regulatory pushes for electrification, VPPs, and resiliency against outages, where high upfront costs and infrastructure barriers slow retrofits—ConnectDER bypasses these via standardized, utility-approved hardware.[2][5] Market forces like falling solar/EV prices and incentives (e.g., IRA) amplify its impact, accelerating deployment, cutting consumer costs, boosting U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and expanding viable projects to grow the DER ecosystem.[4] By simplifying interconnections, it influences utilities, installers, and homeowners, enabling broader grid modernization and carbon reduction without massive overhauls.[2][3]
ConnectDER is primed for nationwide rollout with Series D capital fueling manufacturing scale-up, IslandDER commercialization, and entry into storage/EV segments, potentially capturing shares of the multi-billion residential DER market.[4] Trends like VPP expansion, AI-driven grid optimization, and policy-driven electrification will propel growth, evolving its role from solar enabler to resiliency leader amid rising climate risks.[2][5] As adoption barriers crumble, ConnectDER could redefine home-grid interfaces, unlocking DER potential for millions and solidifying its place in the energy transition—turning meter sockets into gateways for a cleaner, more resilient future.[1][4]
ConnectDER has raised $69.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
ConnectDER's investors include BP Ventures, Clean Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, Hitachi Ventures, Kompas VC, Pario Ventures, SOSV.
ConnectDER has raised $69.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series D in December 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2024 | $35.0M Series D | BP Ventures, Clean Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, Hitachi Ventures, Kompas VC, Pario Ventures, SOSV | |
| May 1, 2023 | $27.0M Series C | Clean Energy Ventures, SOSV | |
| Jan 1, 2020 | $7.0M Series B | Clean Energy Ventures, SOSV |