1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe. The program specifically targets high-risk, high-potential businesses that aim to develop breakthrough innovations with the potential for significant economic and societal impact. By providing both financial support and business acceleration services, the EIC Accelerator aims to help these companies scale rapidly and succeed in competitive global markets.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that combines both grants and equity investments. Under the current framework, the program can provide up to €2.5 million in grant funding, which is designed to cover the costs associated with innovation development, such as research, prototyping, and testing. This grant is particularly valuable for startups that require initial capital to develop their technologies without the immediate pressure of repayments.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity investments. Until 2024, companies can access up to €15 million in equity funding, which is intended to support later-stage development, commercialization, and scaling efforts. Starting in 2025, the maximum equity funding available will be reduced to €10 million. This component of the funding structure is crucial for companies looking to attract additional private investment, as it serves as a validation of the startup's potential and reduces the perceived risk for investors.

Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by filling critical funding gaps that traditional sources often overlook. Many innovative companies face challenges in securing investment due to the high risk associated with their projects. By providing both grant and equity funding, the EIC Accelerator enables these firms to advance their technologies and business models, thereby fostering innovation and competitiveness across Europe.

Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. By co-investing with private investors, the EIC Accelerator not only amplifies the available funding but also encourages a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the EU. This synergistic approach has the potential to accelerate the development of transformative technologies, particularly in sectors such as clean energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

Role in Scaling Companies and Attracting Private Sector Funding

The EIC Accelerator is instrumental in helping companies scale by providing access to both financial resources and strategic support. The program not only funds innovative projects but also offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and visibility within the European innovation ecosystem. This holistic approach helps companies refine their business models, develop market strategies, and connect with potential partners and investors.

Additionally, the EIC Accelerator's credibility and backing often serve as a stamp of approval for private investors. When a startup receives funding from the EIC, it signals to the market that the company has been rigorously evaluated and deemed to have high growth potential. This validation can make it easier for startups to secure additional funding from venture capitalists and other private investors.

Case Study: Deftpower B.V. and the VPPofEVs Project

Company Overview: Deftpower B.V., based in the Netherlands, is a trailblazer in the field of energy management and electric vehicle (EV) technology. The company focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to optimize energy consumption and promote sustainable practices in the transportation sector.

Project Description: VPPofEVs The project acronym, VPPofEVs, stands for "Virtual Power Plant of Electric Vehicles." This ambitious initiative aims to scale what is projected to be the largest virtual power plant made of electric vehicles. By aggregating the battery storage capacity of EVs, Deftpower aims to create a decentralized energy solution that can effectively balance supply and demand on the grid.

Technology Basics and Background: The VPPofEVs project utilizes cutting-edge technology to integrate electric vehicles into a cohesive energy management system. The concept of a virtual power plant involves coordinating the energy output of multiple distributed energy resources, including EVs, to function as a single power generation unit. This aggregation allows for enhanced flexibility in energy distribution and consumption.

The technology comprises advanced algorithms and software platforms that facilitate real-time monitoring and control of EVs' battery storage capabilities. When aggregated, these vehicles can provide grid services such as frequency regulation, demand response, and peak shaving, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of the electricity grid.

The project also leverages advancements in smart grid technologies and IoT systems, enabling seamless communication between vehicles, energy providers, and consumers. By transforming EVs from passive consumers of energy into active participants in the energy market, Deftpower's initiative holds the potential to significantly contribute to renewable energy integration and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation within Europe, empowering startups like Deftpower B.V. to develop and scale transformative technologies. Through its unique funding structure and comprehensive support, the program not only fosters the growth of high-potential companies but also plays a crucial role in advancing the European Union's broader goals for sustainability and technological leadership. The VPPofEVs project exemplifies how innovative approaches to energy management can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Deftpower B.V.: Funding Journey Since EIC Accelerator Award

Deftpower B.V., an Arnhem-based company from the Netherlands, has established itself as a significant player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in mid-2023. Founded in 2020 by Marc Diks and Jacob van Zonneveld, Deftpower has developed an AI-supported SaaS platform that provides white-label software solutions to mobility service providers, optimizing EV charging processes and integrating flexible capacity into the broader energy grid.

EIC Accelerator Funding

In late 2023, Deftpower secured €2.5 million in funding from the EU EIC Accelerator, a prestigious program designed to support promising energy startups. This grant came after the company submitted its Step 2 proposal on June 21, 2023, and subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview process.

Total Funding and Rounds

According to available data, Deftpower has raised a total of approximately $6.14 million across 5 funding rounds. The company's funding journey includes:

Investment Partners

Deftpower has attracted a diverse group of investors who specialize in sustainable technologies and the energy transition. Key investors include:

• 4impact Capital: A prominent early-stage impact investor in European digital startups, focusing on sustainability and the SDGs. They joined as an investor in January 2024.
• Proeza Capital: A venture capital firm from Mexico
• Twickelborg: Part of Deftpower's investment consortium
• Cosmic Cat Group: A German venture capital firm
• Rethink Ventures: A German venture capital firm that has participated in multiple funding rounds
• Koolen Industries: A Netherlands-based corporation focused on clean energy solutions

Business Growth

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Deftpower has experienced significant expansion:

• The company has grown to a team of 30 highly skilled professionals
• It has secured business from 23 customers across 9 countries
• Deftpower now provides access to all major charging networks in Europe
• The company is positioned for rapid expansion over the next two years

Company Valuation and Revenue

While precise valuation figures are not publicly disclosed, Growjo estimates Deftpower's annual revenue at approximately $5.3 million, with revenue per employee estimated at $93,614. The company has reportedly experienced significant growth, with one source indicating a 145% growth rate in 2023.

Market Position and Strategy

Deftpower is strategically positioned to address critical challenges in the energy transition:

• The transportation industry generates approximately 25% of global CO2 emissions, making Deftpower's mission particularly relevant
• Europe faces potential energy gaps of up to 19% by 2035 due to increasing demands and intermittent renewable energy supply
• Deftpower's technology helps alleviate grid imbalances, congestion, and potential blackouts by integrating EV battery capacity into the broader energy grid

As of May 2025, there are no recorded exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions for Deftpower. The company continues to operate independently, focusing on expanding its market presence and technological capabilities following the EIC Accelerator funding secured in 2023.

Sources: - Dutch EV charging platform Deftpower secures funding from 4impact

• 4impact capital funds EV charging platform Deftpower
• Deftpower Stock Price, Funding, Valuation, Revenue & Financial

3 The Press Releases

Deftpower B.V. Secures EIC Accelerator Funding for EV Charging Innovation Dutch electric vehicle (EV) charging technology company Deftpower B.V. was awarded €2.5 million in June 2023 through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program to scale its Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and smart charging solutions. The funding supports the development of its white-label SaaS platform, which enables mobility service providers (MSPs) to integrate EV charging directly into their products while optimizing grid flexibility.

Technology Advancements and Market Impact

Deftpower’s platform focuses on dynamic load management, allowing MSPs to balance EV charging demand with grid capacity in real time. Their solution aggregates EV batteries into virtual power plants (VPPs), providing grid operators with tools to manage energy distribution efficiently during peak loads. The EIC grant will accelerate the deployment of these features across Europe, targeting utilities, automakers, and charge point operators seeking scalable SaaS solutions.

Partnerships and Ecosystem Growth

As part of its post-funding strategy, Deftpower emphasizes partnerships within the eMobility sector to expand market reach. The company’s platform already supports over 100,000 EVs through collaborations with MSPs and utilities, though specific recent partnership announcements are not detailed in publicly available materials. Their approach prioritizes enabling MSPs to diversify revenue streams by offering value-added services like tariff optimization and cross-border roaming.

Team and Operational Focus

While explicit team updates or patent filings are not disclosed in the search results, Deftpower’s Arnhem-based team highlights expertise in AI-driven energy management and SaaS scalability. The EIC funding underscores confidence in their technical roadmap, particularly for enhancing distribution grid resilience amid Europe’s EV adoption surge.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners June 2023: 47 European deeptech startups awarded €349M
• Deftpower's SET100 profile
• Dutch delegation booklet detailing Deftpower's SaaS model
• SET100 database entry for Deftpower B.V.

4 The Technology Advancements

Deftpower B.V.: Advancements Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Deftpower B.V., a Dutch EV charging platform, has significantly expanded its technological capabilities and market reach since securing €2.5 million in funding from the EU EIC Accelerator. While the exact grant date is not explicitly stated in public records, recent announcements confirm the funding was awarded around early 2024 (likely following their 2023 application). The company has focused on enhancing its SaaS platform for Mobility Service Providers (MSPs) and integrating smart charging innovations to improve grid stability and user experiences.

Key Technological Advancements

• MSP 2.0 Platform: Launched an upgraded version of its white-label SaaS, emphasizing cost savings through dynamic tariff optimization algorithms that reduce electricity expenses by up to 20% per session. The platform now supports bidirectional charging potential and integrates with energy markets for grid flexibility trading.
• Smart Charging Features: Introduced automated odometer tracking during EV charging sessions to improve fleet management accuracy and fraud prevention, as demonstrated in partnerships like UTA Edenred.
• Home Charging Savings: Published a white paper detailing how their MSP 2.0 enables annual electricity cost reductions of up to 50% for residential users through smart scheduling aligned with off-peak tariffs.

Market Demonstrations & Partnerships

• ANWB Collaboration: Successfully migrated 150,000 EV drivers to Deftpower’s platform by December 2023, enabling ANWB to manage nearly one million monthly charging sessions across Europe’s largest networks.
• Volue Alliance: Partnered with Norwegian energy leader Volue in March 2025 to enhance smart charging interoperability and reduce costs in Norway’s evolving EV infrastructure.
• Mbrella App Launch: Collaborated with Mbrella and D’Ieteren Energy (February 2025) on a unified app offering access to over 800,000 chargers alongside advanced cost-control tools for fleets.

Intellectual Property & Publications

No new patents are explicitly mentioned in available sources. However, Deftpower released a technical white paper titled Smart Charging at Home - with the MSP 2.0 (April 2025), outlining methodologies for aligning EV charging with renewable energy availability and dynamic pricing models. Their blog consistently highlights case studies involving clients like ANWB but does not reference peer-reviewed scientific studies or clinical trials.

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Sources

• Blog & News - Deftpower
• Smart Charging at Home - White Paper

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Deftpower B.V.: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing €2.5 million in EU EIC Accelerator funding, Deftpower B.V. has expanded its client base and partnerships across Europe, cementing its role as a leader in EV charging solutions. The company’s white-label SaaS platform enables mobility service providers (MSPs) and charge point operators (CPOs) to deliver seamless charging experiences while integrating EV flexibility into energy grids.

Key Customers and Partnerships

• ANWB: Migrated 150,000 EV drivers to Deftpower’s platform, enabling access to over 600,000 European charging stations through ANWB’s branded app and card.
• Athlon Netherlands: Leverages Deftpower’s MSP solution for fleet management optimization, offering corporate clients eco-friendly leasing plans.
• Atlante: Partners with Deftpower as a CPO in Italy and Portugal to expand Southern Europe’s EV infrastructure.
• AVIA: Integrates EV charging services alongside traditional fuel offerings across multiple European countries via Deftpower’s platform.
• WEX: Uses Deftpower’s technology to simplify corporate fleet payments and EV charging management.
• eVaz Energy: Operates as both CPO and MSP in Portugal using Deftpower’s tools for home/public charging solutions.
• lePlein: Enhances customer engagement at retail locations (Auchan, Decathlon) through loyalty-linked charging incentives powered by Deftpower.

New Developments Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

In January 2024, impact venture capital firm 4impact joined Proeza Capital, Twickelborg, Cosmic Cat, Rethink Ventures, and Koolen Industries as investors. This funding supports scaling the company's AI-driven SaaS platform to manage grid-flexible EV assets efficiently. While specific new customer announcements post-EIC award remain undisclosed publicly, the company has grown to serve 23 clients across nine countries since its founding in 2020—a significant increase from the ten clients reported in late 2022.

Market Positioning Advancements

Deftpower focuses on:

• Scalability: Its modular architecture allows rapid onboarding of large MSP clients like ANWB without operational bottlenecks.
• Grid Integration: By aligning vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities with utilities through its software stack—key for managing renewable energy intermittency in Europe by 2035.

Technological Impact of Partnerships**

Collaborations with Hubject ensure Plug&Charge compatibility across networks like IONITY and Aral Pulse via ISO 15118 standards adoption—critical for frictionless driver experiences comparable to Tesla Superchargers .

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Sources
-Our Clients - Deftpower
-4impact Capital Funds EV Charging Platform
-Plug&Charge Partnership with Hubject
-ANWB Migration Case Study
-Start Up Energy Transition Profile

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Deftpower B.V.: Team Growth and Scaling Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Deftpower, a Dutch EV charging platform specializing in white-label software for Mobility Service Providers (MSPs), has demonstrated significant growth since securing EU EIC Accelerator funding in 2023. As of early 2024, the company reported a team of 30 professionals, reflecting rapid expansion to meet increasing demand for its smart-charging solutions across Europe[^7^][^4^]. While exact hiring figures are undisclosed, recent investments from 4impact Capital and existing backers suggest ongoing recruitment to support technical development and market penetration[^4^][^7^].

The company’s growth strategy emphasizes technical talent acquisition, particularly in AI-driven smart charging optimization, API integration, and energy-market flexibility solutions. Key positions likely include software engineers, data analysts, and business development specialists to enhance its SaaS platform’s capabilities[^2^][^5^]. New hires contribute directly to Deftpower’s mission of integrating EVs into energy grids—enabling cost reductions for drivers through dynamic tariff optimization while stabilizing grids via load-shifting algorithms capable of redistributing ~70% of AC charger consumption during peak periods.

No major management or founding-team changes have been reported. Co-founders Jacob van Zonneveld (ex-Plugsurfing) and Marc Diks continue leading the company alongside CTO Remco Tjeerdsma, leveraging their collective experience in scaling e-mobility firms like Allego. The team’s focus remains on expanding its partner network—currently covering 40+ EV brands and 2k+ charge point operators—and refining its white-label MSP software to dominate Europe’s EV charging ecosystem by 2030.

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Sources

• Deftpower secures funding from 4impact Capital
• A best-in-class backend for the Mobility Service Provider
• Working at Deftpower - IPKW
• Why MSPs will dominate smart charging by 2030

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Deftpower B.V.

Deftpower B.V., a Netherlands-based company, has been gaining attention in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. Since receiving funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in June 2023, Deftpower has continued to expand its influence and innovation in the sector.

Media Features and Publications

Deftpower B.V. has been featured in several publications and media outlets for its innovative approach to EV charging. For instance, it was highlighted as a key player in the eMobility transition, particularly in Norway and the Netherlands, with plans to expand into more European markets. Additionally, Deftpower's partnership with Fisker Inc. was announced, providing access to a vast network of charging points across Europe for Fisker vehicle owners. The company also secured investment from 4impact Capital, further solidifying its position in the EV charging sector.

Podcasts and Interviews

Currently, there is no specific information available about podcasts or interviews featuring the Deftpower team directly. However, the company's focus on EV charging innovation aligns with themes discussed in EV-related podcasts like the Flexecharge podcast, which covers EV charging technology and innovation.

Conference and Fair Visits

Deftpower actively participates in industry events. For example, it plans to attend the BayWa Mobility Night, an international exhibition focused on charging infrastructure and eMobility, where it will likely showcase its solutions and expertise. The company also participated in the International Mobility Portal Summit, where it presented its vision for smart charging and eMobility solutions.

Involvement in Events

Deftpower's involvement in events underscores its commitment to contributing to the transition towards cleaner energy and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. The company's participation in these events helps it stay at the forefront of eMobility innovation and expand its network within the industry.

Additional Information

Deftpower B.V. received a significant funding boost of 2.5 million euros from the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) to further develop its smart charging solutions. This funding supports the company's mission to optimize charging processes and reduce carbon footprints by integrating EVs into the energy network efficiently.

Sources

• Deftpower
• Deftpower B.V. - Start Up Energy Transition
• Deftpower from Netherlands secures Investment to propel EV
• In the Dutch eMobility transition, "the ketchup is coming out of the ..."
• Fisker Announces Deftpower as European Public Charging Platform Provider
• Podcast - Flexecharge
• Events - Deftpower
• Deftpower and Hubject partner to provide EV drivers superior charging