1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator is a funding initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) that aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and scaling innovative technologies. It is particularly focused on DeepTech innovations, which often involve advanced engineering, novel materials, and cutting-edge scientific research. The program is designed to bridge the financing gap that many startups face during the crucial stages of development when they require substantial investment to bring their ideas to market.

EIC Accelerator Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator provides a unique blended finance model, which combines grants and equity investments to support the growth of high-potential companies.

1. Grant Funding:

Companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million. This non-repayable funding is typically aimed at covering specific research and development activities, helping to validate the technology, and achieving key milestones in the innovation process.

2. Equity Investment:

The program offers equity investments of up to €15 million until 2024, which decreases to a maximum of €10 million from 2025 onward. This funding is provided in exchange for equity stakes in the company, allowing the EIC to share in the potential upside while providing crucial capital for growth.

Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation within the European economy by:

Supporting Innovation: It focuses on high-risk, high-reward projects that can lead to significant technological advancements.
Boosting Competitiveness: By enabling SMEs to develop their technologies without the immediate pressure of profitability, the EIC Accelerator helps Europe remain competitive in the global market.
Encouraging Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration between startups and larger enterprises, research institutions, and other stakeholders, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Role in Scaling Companies and Attracting Private Investment

The EIC Accelerator is instrumental in helping companies scale by:

Providing Initial Funding: The initial grant and equity investment can help a startup reach key development milestones, making it more attractive to private investors.
De-risking Investment: By validating technologies through funding, the EIC reduces perceived risks for private investors, encouraging them to invest in startups at later stages.
Facilitating Networks: The EIC also connects companies with a network of investors, mentors, and potential partners, enhancing their chances of securing further funding.

Summary of EIC Accelerator Winner: COLD PAD and Project C_CLAW_C_HAWK

Company Name: COLD PAD
Project Acronym: C_CLAW_C_HAWK
Description: C-CLAW is a revolutionary non-intrusive mechanical fastener designed to facilitate the life extension of existing infrastructures. By providing a cost-effective and efficient method for repairing and reinforcing structures, COLD PAD aims to address critical challenges in infrastructure maintenance.

Funding Type: Blended finance
Website: cold-pad.com
Country: France
Cut-off Date for Submission: June 16, 2021

Technology Basics and Background

The technology behind COLD PAD's project C_CLAW_C_HAWK revolves around the development of a non-intrusive mechanical fastener. This innovative solution addresses the pressing need for infrastructure maintenance and life extension without the need for extensive invasive procedures.

Key Features of C-CLAW:

1. Non-Intrusiveness: Traditional repair methods often involve significant structural modifications, which can be costly and time-consuming. C-CLAW eliminates the need for such invasive techniques, allowing for quicker and cheaper repairs.

2. Mechanical Fastening: The fastener is designed to securely attach to existing structures, reinforcing their integrity and extending their lifespan. This approach reduces the need for complete replacements, saving time and resources.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: By minimizing the need for extensive labor and materials, C-CLAW presents a more affordable option for infrastructure management, making it accessible for a wide range of applications, from bridges to buildings.

4. Scalability: The technology can be adapted for various types of structures and materials, making it versatile and scalable across different sectors.

5. Sustainability: By extending the life of existing infrastructures, COLD PAD contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with new constructions.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator program plays a crucial role in supporting innovative projects like COLD PAD’s C_CLAW_C_HAWK, enabling them to emerge in the competitive landscape of European DeepTech and contribute to sustainable infrastructure solutions.

2 The Funding Rounds

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Cold Pad, a French company specializing in non-invasive fastening and bonding technologies, has secured additional funding to support its expansion into renewable energy and construction sectors.

Funding Rounds:

June 26, 2024: Cold Pad raised over €7 million in a funding round co-led by NCI and LBO France, with participation from the European Commission's EIC Fund and Cléry. This round included €2.5 million in non-dilutive grants from the European Investment Committee and €0.5 million from the France Relance Nuclear Program. (lbofrance.com)

Investor Information:

NCI: A multi-regional private equity firm investing in innovation and development projects, particularly in sectors like building, energy, mobility, and smart cities. (lbofrance.com)
LBO France: A leading private equity firm active in various investment sectors, including private equity, real estate, venture, and listed investments. (lbofrance.com)
EIC Fund: An investment fund established by the European Commission to support innovative SMEs in developing and commercializing breakthrough technologies. (lbofrance.com)
Cléry: An investment structure specializing in impact projects related to ecological transition. (lbofrance.com)

Company Valuations:

Specific valuation figures for Cold Pad are not publicly disclosed. However, according to PitchBook, the company has raised a total of $6.28 million across various funding rounds, including grants and venture capital investments. (pitchbook.com)

As of June 2024, Cold Pad's technology has been recognized by major French companies such as EDF and Total Energies, as well as international clients, highlighting its strong commercial momentum. (lbofrance.com)

In November 2024, Cold Pad received a Type Approval Certificate for its S300 fastener from Bureau Veritas, marking a significant step toward standardizing its solution for safer and more durable industry applications.

These developments indicate that Cold Pad continues to attract significant investment and recognition, supporting its growth and expansion into new markets.

3 The Press Releases

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Cold Pad, a French company specializing in non-intrusive composite bonding and fastening solutions for steel and concrete structures, has made several significant announcements:

May 2024: Secured €7.1 Million in Funding

In May 2024, Cold Pad secured €7.1 million in funding. This investment is intended to accelerate the development of their cold bonding product line, enabling expansion beyond the maritime sector into wind turbines, nuclear power, and civil engineering. (cold-pad.com)

November 2024: Type Approval Certificate for S300 Fastener

In November 2024, Bureau Veritas awarded Cold Pad a Type Approval certificate for their non-intrusive S300 fastener. This certification is a significant step toward standardizing their solution for a safer and more durable industry. (cold-pad.com)

These developments highlight Cold Pad's ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion in the field of non-intrusive structural maintenance solutions.

4 The Technology Advancements

Cold Pad, a French deep-tech company founded in 2011, specializes in non-intrusive fastening and bonding solutions for steel and concrete structures. Their technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods like welding and drilling, ensuring ease of installation, enhanced safety, and minimal operational disruption.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021):

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Cold Pad has achieved several significant milestones:

Product Development: In November 2024, Cold Pad received a Type Approval Certificate from Bureau Veritas for their S300 fastener, marking a substantial advancement in their product line.
Market Expansion: In June 2024, Cold Pad secured over €7 million in funding to expand into renewable energy and the building sector. This investment is intended to bolster their presence in wind energy, nuclear energy, and civil engineering markets. (lbofrance.com)

Technological Improvements and New Features:

Cold Pad has introduced several innovations:

S300 Fastener: The S300 fastener, awarded Type Approval in November 2024, represents a significant technological advancement, offering a reliable and non-intrusive solution for structural repairs and fastening.
Anchor Points for Steel: Cold Pad has developed a new product line of anchor points for steel, providing quicker installation, enhanced safety, and greater reliability compared to existing bonded technologies. (einnews.com)

Market Demonstrations:

Cold Pad has demonstrated its technology in various sectors:

Nuclear Power Plants: In 2023, Cold Pad's bonded fasteners became the first approved for use in nuclear power plants, showcasing their technology's reliability in critical infrastructure. (einnews.com)
Wind Energy: Cold Pad's solutions are set to significantly impact the wind turbine sector by reducing the consumption of rare earth elements and steel, with potential savings of up to 100 tons of steel per wind tower. (einnews.com)

Intellectual Property and Publications:

Cold Pad holds 30 patents, underscoring their commitment to innovation in bonding and fastening technologies. (einnews.com) However, specific details about new patents, scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers published since June 2021 are not readily available in the provided sources.

In summary, Cold Pad has made significant technological advancements, expanded its market presence, and demonstrated its solutions across various industries since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Cold Pad, a French company specializing in non-intrusive fastening and bonding solutions, has achieved several significant milestones:

New Partnerships and Customers:

NCI and LBO France: In June 2024, Cold Pad secured over €7 million in funding, with NCI and LBO France co-leading the investment round. (lbofrance.com)
EIC Fund: The European Commission's EIC Fund participated significantly in the same funding round, underscoring the strategic importance of Cold Pad's technology. (lbofrance.com)
Cléry: An investment structure specializing in impact projects related to the ecological transition, Cléry joined the funding round, highlighting the environmental benefits of Cold Pad's solutions. (lbofrance.com)

Nature and Purpose of Relationships:

NCI and LBO France: These private investors aim to support Cold Pad's expansion into renewable energy and the building sector, leveraging their expertise in these industries. (lbofrance.com)
EIC Fund: As part of the European Commission, the EIC Fund's involvement provides Cold Pad with access to a broader network and potential future funding opportunities. (lbofrance.com)
Cléry: Cléry's participation emphasizes the ecological impact of Cold Pad's technology, aligning with Cléry's focus on sustainable projects. (lbofrance.com)

Market Positioning:

These partnerships position Cold Pad as a leader in non-intrusive fastening and bonding solutions, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and civil engineering. The involvement of reputable investors enhances Cold Pad's credibility and market reach. (lbofrance.com)

Technology Advancements and Scaling:

The funding and strategic partnerships enable Cold Pad to:

Expand Product Line: Develop new products tailored for wind turbines, nuclear power, and civil engineering applications. (lbofrance.com)
Enhance R&D Capabilities: Invest in research and development to improve existing technologies and innovate new solutions. (lbofrance.com)
Increase Production Capacity: Scale manufacturing processes to meet growing demand across various industries. (lbofrance.com)

These advancements are crucial for Cold Pad's growth and its ability to offer sustainable, non-intrusive solutions in the construction and energy sectors.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Cold Pad, a French deep-tech company specializing in non-intrusive fastening and bonding solutions, received EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Since then, the company has experienced significant growth and development.

Current Team Size and Hiring Status:

As of April 2025, Cold Pad's exact headcount is not publicly disclosed. Their official website indicates that they are not currently hiring, stating, "We currently do not have any open position." (cold-pad.com)

Growth and Expansion:

In June 2024, Cold Pad secured over €7 million in funding to expand into renewable energy and the building sector. This investment was co-led by NCI and LBO France, with significant participation from the EIC Fund. The funds are intended to accelerate the development of their cold bonding product line and support their expansion into sectors such as wind turbines, nuclear power, shipping, and civil engineering. (lbofrance.com)

Key Positions and Management Changes:

While specific details about recent hires are not publicly available, the June 2024 funding round introduced new key shareholders, including NCI, LBO France, and the EIC Fund. These investors are expected to support Cold Pad in deploying its strategy and accelerating growth dynamics. (lbofrance.com)

Future Outlook:

The recent funding and strategic partnerships position Cold Pad to scale its operations and enter new markets. Their innovative, non-intrusive fastening solutions are poised to make a significant impact in sectors like renewable energy and civil engineering, contributing to the company's growth and the advancement of sustainable infrastructure solutions.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Cold Pad, a French company specializing in non-intrusive fastening and bonding solutions, has been featured in several media outlets and has participated in various events. Below is a summary of their media coverage, publications, podcasts, conferences, and event involvements:

Media Features:

June 26, 2024: Cold Pad secured over €7 million in funding to expand into renewable energy and the building sector. This development was covered by LBO France, highlighting the company's innovative technology and its impact on industries like wind energy and civil engineering. (lbofrance.com)
June 26, 2024: EIN Presswire reported on Cold Pad's €7.1 million funding round, emphasizing the company's advancements in bonded fastener technologies and its plans to enter sectors such as wind turbines, nuclear power, shipping, and civil engineering. (einnews.com)

Publications:

Cold Pad's funding achievements and technological innovations have been featured in industry-specific publications, including LBO France and EIN Presswire.

Podcasts and Interviews:

As of the available information, there are no specific records of podcasts or interviews featuring Cold Pad's team since June 16, 2021.

Conferences and Fair Visits:

The available information does not specify Cold Pad's participation in conferences or fairs since June 16, 2021.

Event Involvements:

Details regarding Cold Pad's involvement in events since June 16, 2021, are not specified in the available information.

For more detailed information, you can visit Cold Pad's official website:

COLD PAD

COLD PAD Secures EIC Accelerator Funding for Innovative Non-Intrusive Fastening Solutions and Expands into Renewable Energy Markets

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