Introduction Of Reonic
As Europe intensifies its push towards greener energy solutions, small businesses specializing in the installation of renewable technologies face increasing pressure to enhance productivity. The REPowerEU plan, which aims to install 10 million additional heat pumps by 2027, coupled with a rising demand for solar panels, underscores this urgency. However, many small installers struggle with inefficient work processes that hinder their ability to keep pace with the growing demand.
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Enter Reonic, a German startup founded by Tristan Menzinger, Lars-Manuel Schneider, and Udo Sill, which is revolutionizing the renewable installation industry with its innovative planning and workflow software. “We give renewable installers the tools to be extremely efficient, and we do that mainly by providing them with planning and workflow software,” explained Menzinger, one of the co-founders. The trio, who met while working at a research institute focused on renewable energy deployment, saw a critical gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical needs of installers. They realized that what these businesses required was not just a set of tools, but a comprehensive, end-to-end software solution.
Reonic’s software addresses this need by enabling installers to streamline their processes, ultimately helping them sell faster and more efficiently. “Being able to combine heat pumps, for example, with solar systems, doubles the volume that you’re selling,” noted Schneider. Unlike other companies that focus on specific niches such as solar installations, Reonic’s approach is holistic, encompassing all forms of renewable energy, including photovoltaics, energy storage systems, wallboxes, and heat pumps. The company’s overarching goal is to promote energy self-consumption for households and businesses, regardless of the type of installation.
Reonic’s vision and approach have resonated with investors. The startup recently raised a €13 million Series A funding round, led by Northzone, with participation from existing investors Point Nine and Puzzle Ventures. This funding will support Reonic’s expansion across Europe, allowing it to enter new markets with minimal customization. “Though we’ve had some real momentum since we started the business three years ago, in truth, we feel like we’re just getting started,” said Schneider.
Reonic’s focus on the renewable energy sector aligns with the current preference among venture capitalists for climate-focused startups. These companies, while facing market risks with their go-to-market strategies, are favored over those grappling with the uncertainties of inventing new technologies. However, the challenges are still significant. For instance, Aurora Solar, a U.S.-based company offering software for solar installers, recently laid off 20% of its staff despite raising $523 million.
In contrast, Reonic, with a team of 21 members and €16 million in funding to date, is experiencing growth typical of early-stage companies that have found some product-market fit. The startup has tripled its recurring revenue over the past six months and continues to expand its reach. After establishing a strong presence in the DACH region, Reonic launched in France and conducted a soft launch in Italy. The company’s headquarters remain in Augsburg, Bavaria, but nearly half of its staff now work in Berlin, where a new office was opened earlier this year to attract international talent—a crucial component of Reonic’s ongoing expansion.
As Reonic continues to empower small installers with the tools they need to thrive in the green tech industry, its innovative software solutions are set to play a key role in Europe’s transition to renewable energy. With the backing of investors and a growing customer base, Reonic is well-positioned to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies across the continent.
