Workforce development is key to accelerating the green transition. In Europe, more than three million workers are needed for solar and heat-pump installations and other clean technology services.
Smalt was launched a year ago by a pair of Harvard and Stanford alums to meet that demand. The Berlin-based company runs an academy to train workers, with a focus on migrants, and offers installation services to customers. It has hired and upskilled 40 workers that have installed more than 200 solar PV systems in large commercial and multifamily buildings.
Smalt’s customers include more than a dozen clean energy and clean tech equipment manufacturers, such as HVAC services provider Thermondo and ENVIRIA Energy, a commercial and industrial solar services company backed by BlackRock. Smalt also provides subcontracting services, as well as consultation and financing for green projects.
Holistic approach
With the €8 million ($9 million) “pre-emptive,” or unsolicited, seed round, Smalt is looking to extend its footprint in Germany’s solar PV market, including large commercial solar projects. Noa, formerly called A/O PropTech, led the round.
“Smalt offers a holistic approach to the shortage of skilled workers in Europe’s energy transition by attracting fresh talent into the industry and expediting their entry into the jobsite by blending digital and onsite training,” said Noa’s Arjun Jairaj.
Smalt is looking to build a franchise network of installers and maintenance services stores in Germany with workers trained via its academy program. Other backers in the seed round include General Catalyst, Owl Ventures and Heartfelt (formerly APX).
