Plug-and-play energy management for SMEs

Ella Energy was featured in Trends in its Starter of the week section. The Ghent-based company helps SMEs monitor and optimise their energy use in real time by virtually linking the digital meter to its software — an AI energy assistant that moves companies from reactive to proactive energy management, and lowers their energy bill.

"With Ella, companies have an AI energy assistant in house that helps them move from reactive to proactive energy management — and lowers their energy bill."

What makes the solution unique?

Ella focuses on the basics: understanding what you consume, when it happens and where you can optimise and save right away. The solution is fully plug-and-play — you enter your digital meter number and you're up and running, without hardware or a consultant. No heavy investments are needed to optimise your energy use.

How big is the impact?

Many companies leave thousands of euros in savings on the table because they don't actively use their digital meter data. Ella activates that data and makes energy management accessible to SMEs that often lack the knowledge, time or budget for external consultancy. Flanders counts around 97,000 professional access points relevant to this type of energy management.

Who are the founders?

Ella Energy was founded by Benedicte Boonefaes, Quinten Rosseel and Arthur Despiegelaere. The team combines experience in b2b software, AI and data technology with expertise in solar energy, storage and sustainable innovation. The idea grew from the observation that companies hold a wealth of energy data through their digital meter, but rarely turn it into concrete action.

What about funding?

Ella started with 700,000 euros in pre-seed capital: the founders' and shareholders' own contribution, complemented with external funding. No funding round is planned in the short term; external financing will be considered when it becomes strategically relevant to accelerate growth.

This is a summary of the article that appeared in Trends. Read the full interview via the link above.