Samsung is backing an energy startup that believes the future of electricity grids will depend as much on software as on physical infrastructure.
Through its investment arm, Samsung Ventures has supported GridBeyond, a company developing systems that link renewable energy, battery storage and industrial users into so-called virtual power plants. These networks balance supply and demand in real time, helping grids cope with increasing pressure.
The startup recently raised around €12 million, approximately £10 million, as it looks to expand internationally. Its technology is designed to reduce strain during peak demand by shifting energy usage or deploying stored power, rather than relying on costly new infrastructure.
GridBeyond already manages about one gigawatt of energy capacity across wind, solar and battery systems, alongside flexible demand from commercial and industrial partners.
The approach is gaining attention as renewable energy introduces unpredictability into power generation, while demand rises sharply due to data centres and artificial intelligence systems.
Originally developed to manage the challenges of Ireland’s grid, the model focuses on flexibility, using software to control when and how energy is used.
The investment highlights a broader shift in the energy sector, where managing demand efficiently may prove just as important as generating more power.
Author: Kieran Seymour