Cala Systems has raised a $5.6 million seed round led by the Clean Energy Venture Group and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, with participation from Burnt Island Ventures, CapeVista Capital, and Leap Forward Ventures. The company aims to redefine what people expect a water heater to do, with Rigney stating that the current technology is antiquated and there is a significant opportunity for improvement. The new water heater is expected to lower utility bills and reduce household carbon emissions.
Key takeaways:
- Michael Rigney, founder of Cala Systems, has developed a heat pump water heater that uses AI to predict hot water demand and heat the water accordingly, aiming to improve efficiency and lower utility bills.
- The water heater gathers general information like weather forecasts and time-of-use energy pricing, along with household-specific information, to anticipate when there will be a surge in demand and heat the water in the most efficient way possible.
- Cala Systems' first product, a 65-gallon model, will cost $2,850 and is available to preorder with delivery expected early next year.
- The company has raised a $5.6 million seed round led by the Clean Energy Venture Group and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, with participation from Burnt Island Ventures, CapeVista Capital and Leap Forward Ventures.