Smalt Raises €8 Million to Boost Europe's Green Workforce

Smalt, a Berlin-based startup, has secured €8 million in seed funding to address critical labor supply challenges in Europe's climate tech sector. According to a press release from the company, the funding round was led by noa (formerly A/O), Europe's largest built world VC, with participation from existing investors General Catalyst, Owl Ventures, and Heartfelt.

Launched in September 2023, Smalt positions itself as the first talent development and technology services platform for the green trades sector. The company's innovative approach combines workforce development with a service delivery platform, aiming to increase labor supply and productivity at scale for the energy transition.

Marius Westhoff, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Smalt, stated, "Our franchise platform enables the European craft ecosystem to work more efficiently and thus strengthens European sovereignty in the renewable energy sector. The new financing will accelerate our growth in the commercial solar and maintenance segment."

Smalt's customer base includes leading German energy and clean-tech installation companies such as Thermondo, Otovo, and Enviria. These firms utilize Smalt's platform for on-demand installation services across Germany, with offerings ranging from subcontracting to full-service solutions.

To address the skills gap, Smalt has established an accredited academy in Berlin and four hubs throughout Germany. The company plans to expand through a network of franchised installation and servicing stores led by experienced professionals from its workforce, local entrepreneurs, and trades workers.

The new funding will support Smalt's expansion into the commercial PV space and regional growth in southern Germany and beyond. This strategic move aligns with Europe's urgent need to overcome labor shortages in the renewable energy sector, which currently hinder the continent's energy transition goals.