Energy Startup PowerLabs Raises Pre-Seed Funding to Scale Platform

Nigerian energy and climate-tech startup PowerLabs has raised an undisclosed pre-seed round to scale its AI-driven energy orchestration platform for commercial and industrial users.

The company develops intelligent energy applications, devices and services designed to help businesses access reliable electricity at lower cost while reducing downtime and emissions. Its approach combines multiple power sources including grid, solar and backup systems into a single, optimised setup tailored to each user. This is particularly relevant in markets like Nigeria, where power supply can be inconsistent and businesses rely on a mix of energy solutions to stay operational.

Investor Backing and Expansion Plans

The funding round was led by Breega, with participation from Catalyst Fund, Mercy Corps Ventures and Kaleo Ventures. The capital will support the rollout of Pai Enterprise across businesses in Nigeria and help prepare for expansion into other West African markets.

Tosin Faniro-Dada, partner at Breega, said intelligent orchestration is key to solving Africa’s energy reliability challenges. She added that PowerLabs is building the layer needed to coordinate multiple energy sources in real time, helping businesses manage energy more efficiently.

How the Platform Works

Pai Enterprise connects and manages multiple distributed energy sources in real time, continuously analysing supply, demand and operational constraints. This allows organisations to run their own integrated microgrid while improving efficiency, reducing energy waste and lowering operating costs.

According to CEO and co-founder Tobechukwu Arize, the platform brings together different energy components that would otherwise operate separately. He said the company is focused on building a unifying intelligence layer to coordinate them more effectively.

Arize added that the funding will strengthen the company’s ability to support businesses with more reliable energy systems. He noted that decentralised energy can be managed as a single, coordinated system that improves efficiency, resilience and long-term sustainability.