AiGent, a pioneer in AI-based distributed power plant technology, has raised $6 million in seed funding, with significant backing from prominent investors ZIP and CIV. This rapid infusion of capital marks a critical milestone in AiGent’s mission to transform the American power grid by leveraging a vast, underutilized network of backup generators.
Historically, backup generators have served as dormant assets—waiting for emergencies and seldom participating in grid operations. AiGent’s innovative AI-based platform unlocks the potential of these generators, aggregating and orchestrating them into a reliable and dispatchable Distributed Power Plant (DPP) fleet. By integrating approximately 185 GW of distributed generation resources, AiGent’s technology provides grid operators, utilities, and large energy users with a scalable solution to enhance reliability, reduce operational costs, and generate new revenue streams for asset owners.
The speed and enthusiasm of ZIP and CIV’s investment reflect both the urgency of the energy reliability challenge and confidence in AiGent’s approach. Alongside the funding, AiGent has strengthened its leadership with the addition of industry veteran Dan Leff, bringing over four decades of expertise in energy and technology, and Alex Demeulenaere, Managing Director at ZIP, to its board of directors.
In an era where power demand continues to rise and resiliency is paramount, AiGent’s model stands out by avoiding the costs and delays associated with new infrastructure development. Instead, it enables the grid to tap into existing resources, delivering sustainability and economic benefits while ensuring the lights stay on. With this new capital, AiGent is poised to accelerate the deployment of its platform and set a new standard for smart, reliable, and cost-effective grid solutions.
KEY QUOTES:
“Backup generators are an untapped reliability resource sitting idle across the grid. AiGent turns liabilities into assets, at scale, to improve grid reliability and reduce consumer costs. This support so quickly from leading investors at ZIP and CIV validates both the urgency of the problem and our team’s approach to solving it.”
Stephanie Hendricks, CEO and Co-Founder of AiGent
“AiGent is unlocking a massive, underutilized fleet of 185 GW with AI-based software, controls, and market integration. The team is executing with incredible velocity and we believe their model can deliver reliability at a lower cost while creating meaningful value for generator owners and the grid.”
Patrick Maloney, Co-Founder and CEO at CIV
“At ZIP, we love backing repeat founders who know what it takes to go from zero to one, and we don’t know a better team than AiGent in that regard. Together with our friends at CIV, we’re excited to support their bold vision, in an era where satisfying power demands, increasing grid resiliency, and bringing AI to the physical infrastructure world are among the greatest imperatives.”
John Kwaak, Founder and Managing Partner at ZIP
