GDI’s silicon anode technology gets a major funding boost

GDI, developer of 100% silicon anodes for advanced lithium-ion battery technology, announced the successful completion of a major follow-on Series A funding round, led by Helios Climate Ventures, Impact NY, and InnoEnergy, matched with cofinancing in the form of a market-based convertible loan from the Province of Groningen through SIA. This closed more than $11.5M in investment from existing and new investors, bringing the total of GDI’s Series A to over $20 million to date.

This strategic capital injection accelerates GDI’s mission to scale production of its 100% silicon anodes, leveraging domestic supply chains across Europe and the United States and driving energy independence, resilient supply chains, and job creation.

“This milestone enables the next phase of our journey toward transforming the global battery industry,” says Rob Anstey, founder and CEO of GDI. “We’re advancing more than battery technology, since batteries affect every area of our lives from consumer electronics, medical devices, defense, to electric mobility. We’re building resilience, improving prosperity, national security, and leading to a sustainable energy future.”

With this latest round, GDI has launched pilot production in the Netherlands, delivering 300kWh capacity. The company will establish its European headquarters in Groningen, Netherlands, strategically located at the heart of the EU energy and innovation ecosystem.

“We invest in bold technologies that move the world forward,” says Josh Grehan, partner at Helios Climate Ventures. “GDI’s scalable, domestic, 100% silicon anode solution aligns perfectly with our mission to drive both climate impact and financial return. Their ability to offer a better battery without increasing costs is a game changer. We are excited by their partnerships in defense, medtech, consumer, and automotive applications.”

“GDI’s silicon anode technology doesn’t just improve battery performance, it addresses Europe’s strategic battery needs,” says Jacob Ruiter, CEO Benelux of InnoEnergy. “By combining deep scientific innovation with a clear path to manufacturing at scale, GDI is building the foundation for Europe’s and the U.S.’s battery value chains. They help to accelerate a cleaner, more resilient energy system across both sides of the Atlantic.”

“The establishment of GDI contributes to the policy vision of the Province of Groningen and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, aiming at a knowledge-intensive economy, and shows a close fit to goals of the economic agenda Nij Begun,” says Sytze Hellinga of NOM. “We are proud to welcome GDI’s European headquarters in Groningen.”

GDI’s patented 100% silicon anode technology solves three longstanding barriers to commercializing silicon in batteries:

• Cycle-life limits from uncontrolled expansion issues
• Safety concerns from silicon powder and lithium dendrite formation
• Scalability and high manufacturing cost

Their solution enables:

• More than 30% higher energy density
• Less than 15-minute charging
• A secure supply chain based on U.S. and European materials and equipment
• Compatibility with existing large-scale solar and glass manufacturing equipment
• Direct integration into existing battery manufacturing

A secure, domestic, and sustainable alternative to graphite

Today’s graphite-based anodes face critical limitations: lower energy density, environmental concerns, and dependency on China for more than 90% of the critical battery material production. GDI’s silicon technology provides a cleaner, more efficient, and geopolitically resilient alternative – sourced and manufactured domestically.

Strong partnerships for scalable manufacturing

GDI is collaborating with AGC Plasma Technology Solutions to develop efficient, high-throughput roll-to-roll coaters, a key step in industrial-scale production. Schlenk SE, a global foil manufacturer, will supply the copper alloy substrate essential for GDI’s anodes.

With 31 patents worldwide, GDI stands at the forefront of battery innovation, ready to enable the future of consumer electronics, defense applications, medical devices and e-mobility.

“The future of lithium-ion anodes is silicon – and GDI is making that future scalable, higher performance, and a more affordable reality,” says Anstey. “This funding round is a strong endorsement from investors who deeply understand and believe in our vision and technology.”

SIA stands for the Strategic International Acquisition which is a public financial facility related to Nij Begun, executed by the NOM and managed through a partnership between the Province of Groningen and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. The goal of the SIA is to attract international companies with strategic added value for the regional economy of Groningen and northern Drenthe by being able to offer financial support.