Offgrid, an India-based cleantech startup, has raised $15 million in a Series A funding round to advance its mission of creating battery storage systems that eliminate the need for lithium—a critical but scarce and expensive material in traditional energy storage. The funding, led by global venture capital firm Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) with participation from existing investors like Omidyar Network India and Avaana Capital, will support the scaling of the startup’s lithium-free battery technology and its expansion into new markets across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Founded in 2021, Offgrid addresses a pressing challenge in the renewable energy sector: lithium’s volatility. The metal, a cornerstone of lithium-ion batteries used in everything from smartphones to grid-scale storage, faces supply chain risks (over 80% of global lithium production is concentrated in just three countries) and price fluctuations that can derail clean energy projects—especially in emerging economies. Offgrid’s alternative design uses more abundant, low-cost materials (the company has not disclosed exact components but notes they are locally sourced in India) to build batteries that match the performance of lithium-ion systems, with a focus on durability and affordability for off-grid and mini-grid applications.
The startup’s technology is already gaining traction in rural India, where millions lack reliable access to electricity. Offgrid’s battery storage units are currently powering over 500 micro-enterprises—such as small farms, textile workshops, and community health clinics—and 200 mini-grids, providing consistent energy for lighting, machinery, and medical equipment. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which require regular maintenance and replacement every 3–5 years, Offgrid’s systems have a projected lifespan of 8–10 years and can operate in extreme temperatures (ranging from 0°C to 50°C), a key advantage in India’s hot, rural regions.
“Lithium has long been a bottleneck for making clean energy accessible to underserved communities,” said Offgrid CEO Priya Sharma in a statement. “Our lithium-free batteries aren’t just a technical breakthrough—they’re a way to democratize energy storage. With this funding, we can scale production, lower costs further, and bring reliable power to millions more people who need it most.”
Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which counts Bill Gates as a founding investor, cited Offgrid’s potential to accelerate the global energy transition as a key reason for leading the round. “Offgrid’s technology directly aligns with our goal of solving climate change by making renewable energy more resilient and affordable,” said BEV partner Ramez Naam. “In emerging markets, where energy access is a matter of economic survival, lithium-free storage could be a game-changer—reducing dependence on imported materials and creating local manufacturing jobs.”
The funding comes at a critical time for India’s clean energy goals. The country aims to install 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, but energy storage shortages have slowed progress. Traditional lithium-ion storage projects are often too costly for rural areas, where grid connectivity is sparse. Offgrid’s solution could help bridge this gap: the startup estimates its batteries are 30% cheaper to produce than lithium-ion alternatives and require 40% less maintenance.
Looking ahead, Offgrid plans to use the $15 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, hire 100 new engineers and researchers, and pilot its technology in Kenya and Nigeria—two African nations with large off-grid populations and growing demand for renewable energy. The startup also intends to partner with local utility companies to integrate its batteries into larger mini-grid projects, as governments across South Asia and Africa push to phase out diesel generators (a major source of pollution) in rural areas.
Industry analysts note that Offgrid’s success could pave the way for more lithium-free innovations. “As the world races to decarbonize, alternatives to lithium will become increasingly important,” said Anjali Patel, a cleantech analyst at McKinsey India. “Offgrid’s funding is a sign that investors are recognizing the value of these solutions—not just for emerging markets, but for global energy storage as a whole.”
With its new capital and growing momentum, Offgrid is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of cleantech—one that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and local resilience over reliance on scarce global resources.