eCAPITAL and Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS) have co-led a first €2.4m round in fuel cell systems company eZelleron GmbH, with Fraunhofer Venture also participating. TGFS sourced the deal and invited eCAPITAL to participate. eCAPITAL invested from its dedicated cleantech fund eCAPITAL III to fund the company's further development of its patented fuel cell technology.

In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), eZelleron will first focus on the development of systems in the power range up to 100W.

Company
Dresden-based eZelleron has developed and marketed units of mobile power supplies based on fuel cell technology since 2008. The units can be integrated into electronic systems, or can alternatively serve as grid-independent external charging devices.

Unlike its competitors, eZelleron provides a fuel cell technology that clears access to a fuel infrastructure already available worldwide. In addition to fuels like hydrogen or methanol, the technology enables the conversion of virtually any gas fuel, such as lighter fluid, propane, butane, LPG or camping gas. The products obviate the need for noble metals and yield high efficiencies at lower costs.

People
Dr Paul-Josef Patt and Dr Ralf Lethmate handled the investment for eCAPITAL, while Thomas Schäfer and Dr Christian Sternitzke represented Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen.

Advisers
Equity - ARQIS Rechtsanwälte, Tobias Rodehau (Legal); Böhret Lindstedt Partnerschaft, Corinna Höna, Michael Böhret (Tax); Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung, Dr Ludwig Jörissen (Technical due diligence); HSH, Thomas Noack (Legal); 24IP LAW GROUP, Dr Robert Harrison (Intellectual property).