A next-generation microgrid startup founded by a team of former Rolls-Royce leaders has emerged from stealth aiming to deliver clean and reliable power at scale.
Floral Energy has announced its merger with US-based distributed energy provider GridSwitch, alongside seed funding from early-stage European tech investor LocalGlobe.
Founded by a team with decades of experience at the forefront of nuclear energy, aerospace and business innovation, the Hampshire-based company’s mission is to transform distributed energy solutions for large-scale users such as data centres, EV supercharging hubs, hospitals, industrial sites and more.
The strategic milestones announced will allow the firm to accelerate R&D and expand its transatlantic operations ahead of a Series A fundraise in late 2025.
Floral Energy was founded in 2024 by Paul Stein CBE, former CTO of Rollys-Royce; Mark Thompson, former head of business development, M&A, and strategy at Rolls-Royce; and Paul Tobin, former executive vice president of nuclear engineering services at Rolls-Royce.
“On both sides of the Atlantic, energy infrastructure is buckling under the pressure of data centres, AI, EVs and population growth, and it just isn’t cut out to handle the next wave of digital growth or the energy transition,” said Stein, who is also the firm’s CEO.
“At Floral Energy, we’re engineering microgrids that don’t just keep up – they redefine what’s possible. The integration of intelligent grid technologies, AI, ML and Combined Heat and Power will change the game for distributed energy.
“Floral Energy’s systems will achieve the very high reliability required for data centres and other high-intensity users today, while having built-in readiness for the technologies of tomorrow, including nuclear.”
Robin Klein, co-founder of Phoenix Court Group, home of LocalGlobe, added: “AI and data centres are driving soaring demand for localised, high-integrity power, and Floral Energy has the ingredients to lead this energy revolution.
“The team’s unique combination of leadership, experience, IP, and future-ready approach makes them one of the most exciting infrastructure companies we’ve seen.
“Floral Energy is uniquely positioned to build secure, optimised microgrid power solutions for the energy transition, thanks to Paul and his team’s expertise and vision.”