Battery materials startup LeydenJar has raised €13 million ($15.2 million) to expand production of its silicon anode technology for a leading U.S.-based consumer electronics company.
The Netherlands-based company plans to use the funding, together with a €10 million commitment from the U.S. customer, to build the first phase of its PlantOne facility in Eindhoven, which is scheduled to open in 2027. Investors Extantia and Invest-NL led the financing round.
“This funding marks a pivotal moment for LeydenJar,” said Christian Rood, CEO and Co-founder of LeydenJar. “We’re now moving from breakthrough lab innovation to full-scale production. Our technology is already integrated into the roadmaps of some of the world’s most ambitious product developers and with PlantOne, we’ll be ready to deliver at scale.”
LeydenJar’s silicon anodes are designed to enhance lithium-ion battery performance, potentially increasing energy density by around 50% compared with traditional graphite anodes. The startup employs plasma vapor deposition to create spongy silicon columns on a thin copper sheet, allowing the material to expand and contract without crumbling, a limitation that has hindered broader adoption of silicon in batteries.
The technology is expected to enable faster charging and lower carbon emissions. While the initial focus is on consumer electronics, LeydenJar has longer-term plans to enter the electric vehicle market. Industry analysts note that automakers typically require extensive testing and validation before adopting new battery materials, and large-scale factory construction can take several years. Nevertheless, the startup’s approach could attract significant interest if it demonstrates meaningful improvements in performance and durability.