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UK-based solartech startup GRYD Energy has secured £1 million in Pre-Seed funding to accelerate its national expansion. It offers a unique subscription-based approach that removes the high upfront solar installation costs for developers and homeowners.
The funding round was led by Black Seed VC, an early-stage venture firm supporting Black founders in the UK, alongside SFC Capital and Oasthouse Ventures. Notably, Simon Turner, a veteran in scaling renewable infrastructure projects, has joined GRYD’s board as Investor Director. Richard Thwaites, founder of Penso Power—recently acquired by BW ESS—has also backed the company.
Unlike traditional solar models requiring a significant initial investment, GRYD’s pioneering subscription model allows households to access solar energy without purchasing the hardware. This innovation targets the estimated 8.5 million UK homeowners with solar-suitable rooftops who the financial barrier has deterred.
GRYD fully funds and maintains solar systems for 25 years, sparing developers up to £10,000 in hardware costs per home while allowing homeowners to benefit from immediate energy savings. Subscribers pay a fixed monthly fee—averaging £65 for a four-bedroom home—which covers maintenance, insurance, and system operation for the entire lifespan of the installation.
Karl Lokko, Founder & Managing Partner of Black Seed VC, said:
“The GRYD Energy team’s vision for clean, accessible energy is matched by the experience, grit, and enthusiasm that’s impossible to ignore. We’re proud to stand alongside them as they turn ambition into impact.”
The company has already piloted its technology with a three-home project in Cornwall, refining its software and operational model. GRYD has also inked an energy export deal with renewable supplier Good Energy, establishing a crucial revenue stream.
With multiple commercial commitments, GRYD is set to roll out its solution to hundreds of homes in 2025, aiming to scale to 30,000 new-build properties over the next three years. While the company initially focuses on new housing developments, it is evaluating future expansion into the retrofit market.
Mohamed Gaafar, CEO and co-founder of GRYD, said:
“With around 250,000 new homes being built in the UK each year, the untapped solar potential of our residential rooftops is immense and only continues to grow — as does the pressing need to ensure that Britain’s new housing stock is futureproofed and primed for a clean, energy-efficient future.”
With fresh capital, GRYD plans to expand its team, secure additional energy import and export partnerships, and enhance its service offerings. A key priority is developing flexibility services, enabling homeowners to maximize savings by dynamically managing stored energy based on real-time grid price signals.
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