Porpoise Power Takes on Tidal Energy with Zero Carbon Capital's Backing
Deal News | Apr 08, 2025 | Zero Carbon Capital
Zero Carbon Capital has spearheaded a £1.2 million pre-seed investment in Porpoise Power, complemented by participation from Creator Fund and Oxford Science Enterprises. Porpoise Power, a spinout from Oxford University, is set to revolutionize tidal energy with its bio-inspired tidal stream technology. The innovation significantly broadens viable deployment sites, rendering tidal energy cost-competitive with offshore wind and positioning it as a reliable contender for meeting baseload power demands. The company draws on a diverse founding team with vast expertise in bio-inspired engineering and commercialization. The investment will fuel technology development and trials in the UK, with expectations of demonstrating commercial viability to support future expansion.
Sectors
- Renewable Energy
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – Porpoise Power is a UK-based company, and the initial pilot deployments are planned for UK tidal sites.
Industry
- Renewable Energy – The investment is centered around tidal energy, a segment of the renewable energy industry.
- Venture Capital – Zero Carbon Capital's investment in Porpoise Power highlights activity in the venture capital sector focused on clean tech innovations.
Financials
- 1.2M – The amount invested in Porpoise Power's pre-seed round.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Carbon Capital | Leading Investor | Company | A venture capital firm focusing on transformative clean technologies. |
| Porpoise Power | Target Company | Company | A UK-based startup developing next-generation tidal stream technology. |
| Creator Fund | Co-Investor | Company | An early-stage venture capital fund investing in scientific start-ups. |
| Oxford Science Enterprises | Co-Investor | Company | A fund dedicated to investing in companies emerging from Oxford University innovation. |
| John Kennedy | CEO | Person | CEO of Porpoise Power with extensive leadership experience in tech ventures. |
| Adrian Thomas | Co-Founder | Person | Professor of Biomechanics and expert in bioinspired engineering, co-founder of Porpoise Power. |
| Hilary Struthers | Co-Founder | Person | Former Shell executive and NED at Low Carbon, co-founder of Porpoise Power. |
| Martin Hall | Co-Founder | Person | Marine and embedded systems engineer, co-founder of Porpoise Power. |