Reshape Energy, a Munich-based startup founded in May 2024, is aiming to expedite decarbonization in the built environment through a streamlined approach that enhances energy systems for commercial real estate.
Reshape Energy: Leading the Charge in Energy Upgrades for Commercial Real Estate
As global awareness of climate change rises, the urgency to reduce carbon emissions from building heating has become more apparent. In Europe, regulatory pressures are mounting on property owners to adopt low-carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps and solar panels. In this evolving landscape, Reshape Energy is positioning itself as a key player aimed at simplifying the energy upgrade process for commercial properties.
About Reshape Energy
Founded in Munich in May 2024, Reshape Energy is led by a team with extensive experience in scaling energy businesses, including expertise from companies like the German division of Octopus Energy and energy comparison platform Verivox. Its primary focus is on providing comprehensive energy system upgrades tailored to the needs of commercial real estate owners.
Addressing the Challenges of Energy Upgrades
The transition to energy-efficient heat management systems in commercial real estate has been sluggish. Benjamin Stanzl, CEO and co-founder of Reshape Energy, highlights the question that led to the startup’s inception: “Why isn’t enough happening?” While individual homeowners have begun adopting energy upgrades at a faster pace, commercial properties lag behind. Stanzl underscores that the most significant threat to progress in this sector is the tendency for owners to opt for inaction, or the “do nothing” option.
He attributes the slow uptake of energy upgrades in commercial real estate to a complex web of challenges. Unlike single-family homes, where upgrades may depend largely on new technology, the commercial sector suffers from systemic issues, particularly the expertise required to effectively manage energy projects.
A One-Stop Solution for Energy Upgrades
To mitigate these challenges, Reshape Energy operates under a one-stop-shop model, starting with a focus on the German market before expanding across Europe. The startup plans to acquire existing companies within the energy sector, thereby enhancing its service offerings by integrating key capabilities and customer relations.
In doing so, Reshape Energy aims to manage all phases of energy upgrade projects, from initial assessments and recommendations to installation, servicing, and maintenance. The process also includes financing options, allowing property owners to manage the costs associated with new energy systems.
Funding and Expansion Plans
In line with its growth strategy, Reshape Energy has secured a €5 million funding round, its first external capital raise. This funding will be instrumental in sourcing additional acquisitions that will expand its integrated service model. By incorporating regional companies that already have established customer bases, Reshape Energy can streamline customer acquisition while bringing in essential skills for project execution.
“The control piece is critical,” Stanzl emphasizes. “We need to ensure these companies can collaborate effectively, utilizing common systems and technologies.” To date, Reshape has acquired a consulting firm and a commercial solar installation company, which will enhance its offerings significantly.
Navigating a Changing Market Landscape
The energy upgrade sector in Germany has experienced burgeoning growth since the onset of geopolitical tensions and consequent spikes in gas prices. However, the initial surge in single-family home upgrades has since stabilized. Moving forward, there’s a pressing need for industry players to adopt more integrated strategies that can tackle the complex challenges inherent in commercial real estate energy upgrades. Reshape Energy’s model, which focuses purely on service provision rather than property ownership, aims to maintain lower capital requirements while still maximizing efficiency.
While some companies, such as Reneo, are pursuing a model that combines energy upgrades with real estate ownership, Reshape Energy prefers to concentrate on optimizing energy infrastructures, without engaging in building cosmetic improvements. “We’re energy focused,” Stanzl states, emphasizing their commitment to the core mission of the energy transition without diluting efforts on unrelated building enhancements.
